Explorer rear axle question
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Marietta, GA
Explorer rear axle question
For those that have used an Explorer rear axle, did you reuse the spring pad or use a new one? If you used new ones, where did you find them? Was reading an article that seems to indicate that either the axle tube or brackets will be destroyed when removing them. Dont want to destroy either, but..... Looking around, it seems that all I can find are for 3 inch tubes, I guess those would work with some modification to changing the radius.
Bill
Bill
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From: S.C.
The part that will be destroyed are the spring pads, I used the shock brackets and U-bolts when I installed my explorer rear end. I used 3" spring pads and grind some off until they has contact all around the axle tube.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Guelph
If the diff. came with the mounts on the back of the tubes for a sway bar they work perfect for new spring pads. They are narrower then the ones for the springs and fit the narrower springs on our trucks better. I just ground off the welds and smacked with a BFH to remove then rewelded in position.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Alabama
Same here. I think there are some pics in my gallery under rebuild pics.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Marietta, GA
Thanks guys! I will see if I can get them off without destroying them, but if I do I will go with the 3in version and trim them to fit. Going to leave the sway bar brackets on there, I have the sway bar and going to try to use it as well.
Tom what did you do as far as shock mounting?
Tom what did you do as far as shock mounting?
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,757
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From: Alberta Canada
Shock mounts
I fabbed some shock mounts off the cross member mounted in front of the rear axle; using original stud bolts welded to the cross member at approx 45 degrees. Some pics in my gallery under rear suspension. I haven't road tested them yet, hope they hold.
Tom
Tom
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From: Westminster,Md
V8, I cut the original pads off my axle...they were not very pretty when I finished that task. I also mounted custom spring hangers on the rear..outside the frame rails. Ended up trimming the 3" units for a good fit. As a side note on using the stock rear swaybar,
after swinging the unit up in place, using the stock swaybar to frame links, I found the bar was about 1.25" wider than the frame, about 3/4" wider on each side. I drilled some holes anywayplanning all along to build a couple of spacer/bosses to the frame...but after installing the fuel tank behind the rear...I thought it was getting pretty crowded back there and began second guessing where I could "possibly" sneak some exhaust pipes thru there...just something to think about.
I am currently looking at a front mounted swaybar to gain some much needed room,CCP has a rear swaybar kit thats looks like it may fit the Bill...
after swinging the unit up in place, using the stock swaybar to frame links, I found the bar was about 1.25" wider than the frame, about 3/4" wider on each side. I drilled some holes anywayplanning all along to build a couple of spacer/bosses to the frame...but after installing the fuel tank behind the rear...I thought it was getting pretty crowded back there and began second guessing where I could "possibly" sneak some exhaust pipes thru there...just something to think about.
I am currently looking at a front mounted swaybar to gain some much needed room,CCP has a rear swaybar kit thats looks like it may fit the Bill...
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Northwestern PA
[quote=V8muscle;6620230]Thanks guys! I will see if I can get them off without destroying them, but if I do I will go with the 3in version and trim them to fit. Going to leave the sway bar brackets on there, I have the sway bar and going to try to use it as well.
I used the Explorer springs and swaybar, I then used Ford Ranger spring mounts,they needed shaved approx 1" to set in closer to the frame.
here are some pics
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displayimage.php?&photoid=44295&width=0
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displayimage.php?&photoid=44297&width=0
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displayimage.php?&photoid=45543&width=0
I used the Explorer springs and swaybar, I then used Ford Ranger spring mounts,they needed shaved approx 1" to set in closer to the frame.
here are some pics
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displayimage.php?&photoid=44295&width=0
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displayimage.php?&photoid=44297&width=0
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displayimage.php?&photoid=45543&width=0