Hey guys, I have a friend with a 1998 or 1999 explorer 8.8 rear axle that's complete from the leaf springs to the lug nuts and he wants it gone. So I can pick it up for super cheap. Now my question is: I've seen dropss write up on the Dakota spring swap I was just wondering if anyone has used the explorer axle springs and all? I know the axle width is perfect and the disk brakes will match my ifs disks in the front. Just hoping someone has some experience with the explorer axle in particular.

 

I put a 2000 Explorer rear in mine but didn't use the springs. I used new CPP springs made for F1's with an all new mount system supplied with them. I had to buy perches at an off road Jeep parts supplier for the 3 1/4" Explorer axle tubes. The brakes work great and it is set up with an emergency brake that is pretty easy to adapt.

 

I have the 2001 Explorer axel. I had to remove the perches and mount new ones on top side. I just used the original springs and did a little modification to make it all work.<a href="http://s361.photobucket.com/user/bigschott93/media/1953%20F-100/IMG_0515.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/oo59/bigschott93/1953%20F-100/IMG_0515.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_0515.jpg"/></a>
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Hey Trey,
We've got the Full Explorer rear end (2001 edition) under our '50. I was a little worried about using the 3 rear spring set when I took off the stock 8? original spring set up but we've used it for hauling couches, etc. It works fine.

Is the ride as smooth as my late model cars? No. It's a truck - It's smooth at highway speed a bit bumpy around town over potholes etc.

Ben in Austin
1950 F1

 

What did you use for the spring perches? Something from a fab shop or parts from the explorer frame?

 

Just a set for 3.25" axel off e-bay.
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Sorry, I thought you used the explorer leaf springs and was wondering what hanger setup you had.