Hello everyone. I have read in many different threads that a person could steal the entire rearend from an explorer at a junkyard and shove it under a ranger. They also mentioned using the leaf springs too., because they are more stiff (thats what i read. anyone know for a fact if that is true?).

To start off: I own a '90 xlt extended cab, 2wd, 4.0.

I heard a whole bunch of... i heard this... i hear that... but I don't remember reading about anyone that had completed the swap. I had a couple questions about this swap. Oh... First I would like rear disks, the 31 spline axel, a limited slip diff, and stiffer springs. So from what i read, the '95-'99 explorers have all of these things.

What i was wondering is, is the explorer rearend the same width as my older truck. Now i know that width differences in the rearend can fixed with different wheels, but I am interested in keeping the stock width.

I was also wondering if i would need to steal the brake master cyclinder and booster since i would be switching to rear disks. Also my truck has rear antilock brakes that i would like to keep.

And the spring thing..... I know on the explorer that the leaf springs are mounted under the axel. Is that a big deal? I don't understand why they couldn't stay there unless it changes the ride height of the truck. So my last question is (I have more but i cannot remember them and i know that your eyes are getting tired of reading this), for my '90 ranger would leaving the springs under the axel drop the stock height for the back of my truck?

I appreciate any help that i can get, especially from those that have done the swap.

 

every junkyard that i have been to i have had to walk to get the parts. i couldnt drive in the junkyard

 

Gee I have only done this twice to one truck...

Ok for you 1st question yes 95 and up Sploders have disc brakes. Now for your brake issues you will need to grab the master cylinder.

Now the rear end is the same length.

As far as mounting the axle I have taken the stock mounts off and welded new mounts to the top of the axle tube in the same spot.

Now for springs I have 6" Explorer Springs under the rear of my truck. If you use Explorer springs it will raise the rear of your truck. Now one way to get around this is do a shackle flip on the rear.

Now for the last part I have been able to drive back into yards and get my parts. The only thing is you have to be a very good customer with that yard.

 

Thanks for the great information cube.

I am a little confused on the springs. On the explorer the springs are mounted under the axel. Are you saying that if i put the springs on top of the axel that it will raise my ride height, but if i leave them under the axel that i will keep my stock height? I am not quite sure what you mean by a doing a shackle flip. Also, are the explorer springs more stiff? I am trying to raise my payload if possible.

As far as the brakes go, do i need to grab the proportioning valve too? Also will my sensor for my antilock brakes work with the explorer rear end?

And as far as driving in the junkyard, I don't remeber ever mentioning that. I have spent my fair share of time in junkyards, and that is not a concern.

Thanks again for the information.

 

Ok here is what I mean about the leaf springs...

If you take Explorer springs and mount them onto a Ranger that will raise your ride height. Do to the fact that the springs are rated different then a Ranger. If you would use the Explorer axle just like it is under the Ranger. meaning the springs mount under the axle and not above it then you should keep the same ride height.

Ok shackle flip...that is taking the rear leaf spring hanger and just flipping it. At oem setup that hanger hangs down. When flipping it it makes the hanger point up. This will allow for more drop when flexing out a vechile. (OFF-ROADING)

ABS hookup....your hookup will plug right into the Explorer ABS hook up. It is the same idea as your old axle. Only thing different is there is a larger toner ring in the diff.

You could grab the valuve but I would just get an aftermarket one from Summit. It is adjustable and you can set it to the pressure you would like.

As far as driving into a yard that was the post above mine.

 

Once again thanks for the great information cube. I appreciate it.