Need help from the Ford guys..I am considering getting an explorer rear for my 1951 F1 build and had a few quesitions. From what I have read 1996-2001 would be the rear to get to have disc brakes and possibly a posi, is this correct?
Since I only know GM stuff does Ford use an RPO sticker anywhere on the explorer that would have the codes for the gear ratio and if there is a posi or not? I want to hit the junkyard to look but it would be easier if I can check the truck and know what the specs are of the rear in the truck..or do I have to physically look for a tag on the rear?
also what is the overall length of an explorer rear wheel mounting surface to wheel mounting surface? TIA

 

Should have a a tag with ratio ,if it has a locker the tag will have a L on the tag
3 73=non locker
3L73= 3.73 with traction loc

 

In the drivers door jamb you'll find a sticker with all the details of the vehicle, just like GM does, and everyone else. On that tag will be an axle code. You'll just need to find a chart of codes to decipher them.

 

thanks, found the code chart. Does the 2wd and 4x4 explorer use the same width rear? I read that the 95-01 rear is 59 1/2" WMS to WMS which is perfect, but didnt know if that was for all explorers.

 

Hi 70ss. An LT1? Where in NY??I'm N of Ithaca. There is s VA State trooper down here that put his 51 on a Bronco frame.
Feel free to join the NY Chapter. Tell Neil I sent you so I can collect my commission.

 

also interested in more details on this swap... as I have one with the explorer springs and shackles that I am planning on putting in the truck this winter.

Thinking I want to keep the spring under axle setup. Is it a direct bolt in?

Is a C-notch required?

Anyone with hands on experience with this swap?

 

To add to this.

The tag is metal and bolted to the rearend on the diff cover, we Ford boys have it made when looking for rearends.

 

Thanks, does anyone know if the 2wd and 4x4 versions of the rear are the same width?
FYI I will be using 2000 Dodge Dakota springs with the swap, axle over spring and I assume a C notch, will know more once the rear is mocked up.

 

If C notching the frame and using the Dakota springs, you will need to beef up the frame over the notch substantially since the longer springs will add more bending leverage to the rear of the frame. IIRC doesn't the Dk springs have a significant arch to them? If so, using them with the axle mounted on top the spring will likely not give much, if any drop over the underslung axle on the stock or stock replacement nearly flat springs.

 

The Dakota springs do not look to be overly arched, and by using the dakota hangers as well I can mount them on the frame as needed to get the drop I am looking for..at least that is the plan! Since I am switching to axle over spring I can always add drop blocks if needed later, but I dont think it will be needed based on initial mockups. As for a C notch I was going to make my own but think I will be getting a welders series kit, I think they are made of 3/16" steel. Depends on how much steel will cost at the supply house, have to check in next week to look through their cutoff pile.
The idea of losing the stock springs was to get a better ride with a longer spring and not have to remove leaves which takes away from load capacity. The truck should ride nice and actually have higher rated springs with only 4 leaves vs 10.

 

I used 90 Dakota springs and hangers under my 49 with a 10 bolt Chevy rear from a Malibu. These springs were nearly the same length as the original 49 springs. I mounted the rear end over the springs with no C-notch...







As you can see there is plenty of clearance without a C-notch since the Dakota springs have less arch than the originals. I used 53-55 Ford rear shocks and fabricated a crossmember to mount the shocks. I got the spring plates and U-bolts from Summit...

 

That looks great, if those are dakota spring mounts they are very different than mine from the 2000, mine are more of the large "U" shape that mount to the sides of the frame rail.
C notch will depend on the frame height, right now the front end is dropped 4" and should come down another 2"-3", so I need to drop the rear at least 4" to get close to level so the truck is not sky high in the back.

 

Those are 90 D-50 spring hangers and shackles. Putting the springs above the axle will drop the rear a minimum of 4-5 inches. Here's a picture from the side so you can get an idea of how low it might be. I didn't want my truck too low since I have to traverse some less than ideal roads here in New Hampshire but this was just low enough...

 

That looks great, nice job!

 

I used Dakota springs with the Dakota hangers, 1997 If I recall correctly.
And 2001 8.8 explorer axle 3.73:1 Limited slip. I dropped the front hangers low and reversed the rear shackles putting them upside down. I added add a leafs to correct the low ride. typing fast and sloppy sorry so vague.
not done yet, but this picture shows a little. I can take more next weekend.