In an attempt to lower stance of my 53 F100 I've been looking at either keeping the original factory axle OR replacing it with a later model axle. I expect stay with existing leaf springs and plan on C-notching my frsme. A couple folks say they've used a 2000 Explorer axle w/disc brakes, and another person indicated they used a 72 Torino axle. I'm looking for additional axle models that would be a great fit. My questions are which ones would be an easy flip without much trouble. Questions include outer dimension from wheel flange to wheel-flange need to be the same or close. I don't want to have to buy special wheels just to get the rubber in the wheelwell but could handle wheelwell tubs if necessary. Also would desire an axle that is equipped with disc brakes. What model axles can some of you members suggest that have worked for you that'll make my
search easier. If you have an expected price range for your axle I'd like to know what to expect. Thanks Roger

 

I’m getting a Explorer with discs for my 56’. After looking around I found it was the best deal. Getting mine at a local pick a part for under 300.00.

 

What year of Explorer is your axle coming out of? And what is the gear ratio? Just curious as I am looking at doing the same thing.

 

If it's any help to you guys with your fancy modern 53's and 56's (just kidding) we used a '92 Explorer rear-end on the '50 Merc truck, to get better gear ratios, to get a newer set of drum brakes, and to be able to use 5-bolt wheels. It was about 4" shorter than the original rear-end, and I'm using 2" spacers on each side to make that up. We still had to find slightly-negative offset rims - that turned out to be the most complex part.

However, we did not change the axle or spring config - just slid the new axle into place (well, more complicated than that, of course). We dropped the rear-end by removing half the leafs, leaving the spring package on the bottom. that dropped the rear-end about 3" to 4" which was enough for the stance we wanted.

Explorer rear-ends seem to be a good choice - brakes and emergency brake set-ups were easy. Had to move spring perches a bit, but that was about it.

 

The Explorer axle is only one inch narrower than the original measuring at 59 inches hub to hub. Rear wheel disc's started in 98 I believe. That's what's in my 56, I have 8 inch wide rims with a 4 inch back space and put 1/4" spacers and have no tire rub

 

Info on explorer rearends.

Code Description Capacity Ratio WMS to WMS

41 Open 3200 3.27 65"
42 Open 4.10
43 Open 3200 3.08
45 Open 3200 3.55
46 Open 3.73
D1 Limited Slip 3.27
D2 Limited Slip 4.10
D4 Limited Slip 3200 3.73
D5 Limited Slip 3.55
L73 Limited Slip 3.73

Can’t get the chart to line up

 

This needs to be updated and made a sticky post in the tech section or somewhere easily accessible:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/articles...rential-swaps/

 

If you do a forum search here you will find lots of information on this topic. I used a 2001 Ford Explorer Sportrac 8.8" axle with rear drum brakes. As I had already upgraded the rear springs to Posie's SuperSlide (to improve the ride and lower the truck) which maintains the stock under-slung position for the axle so I had to change the position of the axle mounts from over-slung to under-slung. Not a hard job just a little cutting, measuring and welding. The axle ratio is 4:10 which seems to work well with the Ford 4R70W automatic with overdrive.

Here is how to read the axle tags if you are searching junk yards.

 

I'm am in right in the middle of swapping out to an explorer 8.8 right now. On my 56. If you have any specific questions, let me know.