I've search extensively and only found one example (ben73058). Has anyone else successfully used the Explorer leaf springs along with the 8.8 rear.

My truck will have a MII with 2" drop in front. I want a leaf spring rear. I don't mind some rake, but nothing extreme. It will be a driver and occasionally used as a truck.

I know TCI has a spring kit, but $500 is a bit steep. I'm fine with fabricating so "bolt-in" is not necessary. I was hoping to find some 8.8 leaf spring examples to look at. Or what other leaf springs were used successfully?

Thanks.
Phil

 

I used 8.8 exploder and springs and spring hangers from a ranger. Worked good. Plus you get the stabilizer .

 

Thanks. how was the height? any photos?

 

I used a 8.8 out of a 1996 explorer 3:73 posi with disc brake setup.....the only thing were the leaf spring pads on the axel were ground off and relocated when I did the new leaf springs in the back....from mid fifties

 

Looks great, but did you use the explorer leaf springs?

 

No I got a lowering kit from mid fifties...that way I New it would be a bolt in on the spring perches...

 

I used Jeep Cherokee springs on my '55 and made the hangers from scratch. Pictures in album of hangers, but no loaded pictures. Could get a picture of bed sitting on frame with no fenders if really needed.

 

I pulled some of the pictures from the album to make it easier for you.

Old school Lakewood slapper bars


Jeep Cherokee springs hanging on the new fabricated mounts with polyurethane bushings.

 

Hey Phil,
Our truck is up in Waco with my son. I'll take some pics of the
rear set up so you can see what we did. We did not use the
odd 3rd shock absorber mounted on top of the 8.8 diff. I couldn't figure
out what to do with that though I will say I'm tempted to put in a rear stabilizer bar to see what impact that might have.

I was initially concerned replacing a big pack of F1 springs (8?) with just
the 3 Explorer springs but it works fine. We carry all kinds of loads with no issues.

Ben in Austin
1950 F1

 

I used an 8.8 out of a 87 Town Car, mounted on 88 Ranger leaf springs with the shackles flipped.

 

Thanks guys. Please keep it coming.

 

This is mine with the TCI leaf kit and an 8.8 Explorer differential and Heidt's Superide ll and stock height spindles

 

I have an explorer rear and spring with ranger shackles in my 56, I did not remount the perches on the rear end causing the need to narrow the the ranger shackles and left me with 9 degree pinion angle that was corrected with 5 1/2 degree shim, this leaves me with 2" clearance between the axle tube and the frame (not much travel) and less then 1" between the brake line tee that sits on top of the center section and the bed floor, I also run a 1" wheel spacer.

 

Any chance you have pics of this?

THANKS!

 

I will do this weekend, what part would you like pics of?