03 explorer sas

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May 27, 2012 | 08:36 PM

joestn89

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From: North Carolina

03 explorer sas

My parents have an 03 explorer an the tranny is about to go. So i was thinking about sas it. It has independent suspension all the way around and the frame in the back is weird. So anybody ever done anything like this? I know the frame would have to be modify but dont Know where to start.

May 28, 2012 | 06:45 AM

77mud

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start with some axle's... goin to sas both front and rear if its Independent all the way around?

8.8 rear d44 front? or something like a D30 out of a Jeep? what size tires are you planing on running??

May 28, 2012 | 08:09 AM

alpha/omega

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Eb axles (44/9") would be perfect on width but they are becoming pretty tough to find and rather expensive. The next best thing would be 73-79 150 axles (also 44/9") but they are a good bit wider than your Exploder.

Not sure id waste my time with swapping in jeep axles.

May 28, 2012 | 08:18 AM

tjc transport

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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.

one problem i can see with swapping an older rear axle in it would be the loss of the soeedometer due to no VSS in the axle..

May 28, 2012 | 09:21 AM

alpha/omega

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Very true. Use a 8.8 instead of a 9". Marginal strength difference with tires 35" or smaller

May 28, 2012 | 09:45 AM

tjc transport

i ain't rite

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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.

didn't Josh do a SAS in his mountaineer last year??

May 28, 2012 | 10:25 AM

alpha/omega

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I know he wanted to. Not sure if he did.

I guess im forgetting the exploders should have an 8.8 already but im not sure when Ford changed the bolt pattern to metric

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May 28, 2012 | 02:15 PM

alpha/omega

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Missed that

May 28, 2012 | 02:23 PM

#10

77mud

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Yea it stumped me i thought they were still putting solid axle's in the rear

May 28, 2012 | 02:29 PM

#11

joestn89

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From: North Carolina

ya its independent all the way around what ever axles i use i plan to buy a set of axles or buy a whole vehicle (70's Ford). But i don't know how to modify the frame in the rear, or should i use a entirly different frame. I will try to post some pics later.

May 28, 2012 | 02:51 PM

#12

alpha/omega

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Im sure it can be done with your existing frame. If you get into needing/wanting a different frame you might as well sell the exploder and but a 4wd truck

May 28, 2012 | 08:07 PM

#13

joestn89

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From: North Carolina

here a pic of the frame with the axle shaft going though it. if i cut the bottom of the circle out and flattened it it might work. Suggestion are always welcome. im only worried about wheel travel.