I read a while back about putting a late model explorer rear end and late model ranger springs in 53-56 trucks, has anyone out there tried it? how's the fit? will the spring mounts have to be moved to lower it? so many questions, so little time. . . supercrewzer

 

I've done it with the springs and shackle brackets from a small Bronco, I also hada 94 Ranger, when compared the leaf springs and brackets appear to be te same. Yo will have to mark and drill new holes for the brackets. Go back to the donor truck and find the center mark for the rear end, mark it on the frame then measure the distance to each hole that holds the bracksts on. As forthe rear end as long as it doesn't stick outside your fenders it will work, you may have to remove the spring pads to get the right widthand pinion angle. Jaye

 

Explorer axles sit on top the springs, so the spring perch is on the bottom of the axle tube. Ranger axles sit under the springs, so the spring perch is on the top of the axle tube. If you mix and match axle and springs like that, you will have to relocate the spring perch to match the springs. That's a good time to set the pinion angle and spring width. Pre 2002 Explorer's have a rear track width of 58.5" while most Ranger have a rear track width of 57.3". Not all Rangers have the 8.8" axle, mostly only 4.0L Rangers. Explorer axles will have rear disc brakes and will require front disc brakes with a proportioning valve. Ranger axles will be drum brake.