I have been looking for an Explorer rear axle for the 56 for several months now. Everything I found was the bare axle....no brakes nothing. And the prices I kept seeing were ~$500, always thought I could do better. Glad I waited.

Today I found a 1999 Mercury Mountaineer rear axle, 3.73 gears, traction lock, disc brake (with calipers), and sway bar today. 60,000 miles on the axle. Pulled the cover at the salvage yard, clean oil and no shavings. A little rusty, but nothing major and they even threw in the bottom shock/u bolt mounts.

$200 as removed, no core out the door. I am pleased

Bill

 

Bill did you go to pull-a-part? I saw they have 2 places one in North Atlanta and one in South Atlanta. We have one in Birmingham. I pulled a 92 explorer 8.8 rear end with shock mounts, drums (couldn't find disc) and sway bar for 65.00 plus 12 dollar core charge. They advertise any rearend same price. I spent 3 or 4 hours looking for a posi traction rear with disc but they were all gone. I guess you have to get there the day they come on the lot! Look them up on the web they list the vehicle and prices of the parts but not what has already been pulled off.

 

I had the same thing, I was looking for a pre-73 9" for my panel, everyone I found was in the $300-500 range, and in rough shape. I waited and found one on craigslist for $75. I had to drive 150 round trip (When gas was below $3). Turned out it had all new brakes and hardware. It just pays to wait some times.

 

Yep, I have a coworker (new guy) who is looking through his pile this weekend. (former drag racer, so he stockpiled) He mentioned $150. I gave him pre 1973 dimensions, and I will find out Monday. Then I will spec it out and shorten a couple post-1973 9" rears I have for future use. Been scouring the JY's off and on this year, and so far no luck. Hopefully he has one.

 

No, this was a truck only salvage yard, Crest Truck Parts in Cartersville. Decent place, no old stuff though.

I was about ready to go to one of the Pull-a-part places here. For something like a rear end, I always feel like I cant take enough tools and probably will need something I didn't bring. Even the salvage yard ended up needing a heat wrench.

Bill