So I went into town yesterday to talk to the local 4x4 specialists about getting a couple wheel spacers for the rear end, to convert from the Ford to a 5 x 4 3/4" to match the Jag IFS. He said he wouldn't recommend spacers as they add stress to the axle bearings and significantly reduce their life (sounds reasonable to me). Also, what I was asking for would have to be custom made and would be in the same price range as getting custom c-clip axles made for my housing. Additionally, I've determined that the diff is NOT limited slip , and therefore pretty much useless in any kind of slippery conditions (read here "snow"). The guy I was talking to said a limited slip clutch set up for the differential would be in the $400 range. I'm wondering if I just need to cut my losses, look for a used diff with limited slip and then get the custom axles made? Thoughts anyone?


EDIT: The diff I have now was only $50, so I'm not getting hurt too bad by looking for another one.

 

If you are going to run wheels with the 4 3/4" bolt circle a GM rear from a 70-81 camaro (Z28s are good source for a posi) or a 68-72 chevelle are the right width and have the correct bolt circle. I have a Z28 rear in my first truck build and a chevelle rear in the 2nd truck build. Disc brakes can be added to these rears with newer factory parts but they are not necessary.
As far as adapters I am also leery of them but they are used all the time. I am using 1" billet adapters on my first truck build to allow me to use 2011 mustang wheels. It seems the biggest concern with the adapters is to make sure the lug nuts do not stick out proud of the adapter, they need to be recessed so the wheel can bolt up flush to the adapter.
If you want an explorer rear with a posi the V8 donor trucks are the ones to look for, but always check the code.
The cheapest way to add a posi I have found is to add a powertrax unit which installs in place of the spider gears, normally around $300 and you do not have to pull the center section or mess with the ring and pinion to install one. They act like a true locker in a straight line and other than being a little noisy around tight corners they work great.

**EDIT** Just checked, as usual the Ford part is more expensive than GM. Finding another rear with a posi should be cheaper as long as you can find one in good shape.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/pwt-1820-lr

 

Dave, thanks much for the input! I'm certainly not married to that Explorer rear end if something else will work that will get me closer and I'll be able to use the Dakota springs/hangers I've got. I will check around and see what's to be had locally. Dang, I love this site!

 

Doug,
Depending on what you want to run for wheels, you can run different front and rear bolt patterns (I am). If you feel the need to carry a spare, then carry one plus an adapter . That is what I am doing.

 

Finally! Front wheels are on the ground! Borrowed some wheels from a friend of mine so I could see how things look. The frame rake is deceiving, as the rear end is way up on jack stands.

 

Well, I decided to go with adaptors for the Explorer diff. those have arrived, now on the search for 15" wheels. Gas tank arrived yesterday from CJPony. I went with the 20 gallon size.

In the past three weeks have assembled the bottom end of the engine and installed the differential. Finished up boxing the frame and hung the rear spring hangers. Big steps for me as progress has NOT been good in the past due to that four-letter word most of have to deal with (work). Anyways, 2015 is shapely up quite nicely!

 

Hey Doug,
You are doing great!!!! Keep up the momentum!! That gas tank looks very familiar - Are you planning to bring the filler hose up through the bed?

Think through your gauges & that tank sending unit before you get it all installed. It's a bear to fix after you have it all back to together & the bed installed, (we did that one). Your gas gauge needs to talk the same ohms as your sending unit.

You are making great progress - especially for the middle of winter in Montana!

Ben in Austin
1950 F1

 

Ben, yes the tank is a mustang tank and will come up through the floor. The gauges will be an issue as I plan to stay with original gauges (may end up being original "looking" gauges. Since the wiring on the bed in minimal, I'll probably have most everything else done before installing the bed. We'll see how that goes. The weather may be cold outside, but the shop is nice and toasty, LOL

 

By the way, your pic of the blower housing for a 48-50 fresh air system is the first I've seen. Mine was more of a ghost than a piece - glad you are in better shape.

Have a half dozen in inventory . Some arrived in excellent shape while others had some swiss cheese issues .All were repaired . Have 6 boxes of heaters & related parts going to the media blasters soon .

 

firstrider, sounds like the fresh air heater restoration business keeps you busy! One of these days I'll get my system back together (which will mean my truck is nearing completion!)

 

Nice build Doug! I needed to subscribe, and hopefully help give you a boost. How's the progress? Haven't seen any updates in a bit.

 

Doug, looks like you are making good progress!

 

LOL, progress is a relative thing I guess. My goal for the winter has been to make the frame a "roller". This weekend I'll be able to bolt on the wheels and tires I bought last week (been on the road this week). The bottom end of the 302 is done and I'm in the middle of lapping the valves (another this weekend project). I'll post pics when I get all four wheels on the ground!

 

Doug,
I just read through your entire thread and you are doing a great job!
I think I neglected to answer an email from you, and I apologize for that.
I am building a garage addition so I can get back to work on my truck project. I have so many things to catch up on around my house...been gone for two years with work...but I am making progress and before long I will be back on the truck.


I will check in a couple times a week. Again I am sorry that I didn't email you back. I got sidetracked and forgot.

 

No worries Jeff! Life happens to the best of us, LOL Since retiring in November I've been busy, but at least doing the things I want to instead of what I have to, LOL I'm still stumbling and fumbling my way through things and I appreciate your willingness to share your vast knowledge with me and others here!