2wd conversion fer dem err bags

[Fatal_Shock]

okay, now BuffaloXplorer showed me these links about air suspension on that one guys front end where he busted his half shafts and stuff or whatever.
Before
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums...ad.php?t=131980

After:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums...ad.php?t=132920
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Now if I converted to 2wd I wouldn't have to make any crazy two armed bottom bag mounts, i could weld the bottom mount directly to the control arm, and the top mount lower off the frame, right? that seems like the easy part. What I don't understand is the 2wd conversion situation

Jdraper said this:
"You have to leave at least the axleshaft ends in place..they are what hold the hub onto the bearing assy, along with the axleshaft nut. Without them, the wheels will come off when you drive it."

Well, isn't it just a matter of ripping certain things out and not having to spend any $? Like, can't I just rip that all out, clip the wires to the 4wd knob and forget I ever had it? What exactly will I need to do this job?? the airbags are simple for me...it's the 4wd crap I don't get. Can some one whos knows for a fact whats up with this give a semi detailed explination of whats envolved, whats required, what stays, what goes, and how to do it for cheap if not free. I don't care to be changing transmissions either...Honestly I don't think I have EVER used my 4wd...damn...I don't even know if it works!!!!!
it just seems to me that that was a great airbag system he had going on there, but the 4wd stuff couldn't take it, and the bags were more likely to fail because of thier odd mounting situation...am I somewhat on track here?

 

[Mbrooks420]

You can't just remove 4wd components. They actually hold the wheels on like JDraper said. You will need to buy 2wd parts and swap them out for the 4wd parts. I'n not reallty sure what all you would need, other than spindles.

 

[gijoecam]

No, if you read the threads in their entirety, you simply have to leave the outer half of the outer CV joint in place and bolted-up tight. That's what holds the wheel hub together. You can tear out everything from the halfshaft to the transfer case.

The other option is to get a pair of uprights (aka knuckles) from a 2wd and replace yours. That will also necessitate new rotors, and possibly new calipers and anchor plates (although I'm not sure about the brake components). There may also be some ABS issues with the sensort and exciter rings, but I'm honestly not sure as I'm not too familiar with the 2wd front suspension.

-Joe

 

[Hartman]

PARTS YOU NEED TO SWAP TO 2WD (You must have a 2WD setting on your 4x4 switch):

2WD spindles
2WD rotors
Inner and outer bearings
Dust seals
ABS sensors

Everything else is fine, including the brakes.

 

[gijoecam]

(You must have a 2WD setting on your 4x4 switch):

Not quite true... You can unplug the TOD relay in the dash by pulling the stereo out, or clip the brown wire coming from it heading to the transfer case, or unplug the transfer case. Any of them will prevent the clutch from locking up. Additionally, you could just lock in the 4wd, or leave it unlocked and let the TOD relay act normally. The auto setting for the Control Trac only engages the clutch when needed, and if there's no front driveshaft anyways, there's no resistance to the clutch turning. It really makes no difference.

If you simply gut the outer CV joint, you can leave the 4wd hubs and uprights (spindles) in place. Overall it should be cheaper than buying new spindles as all the parts are there already. Should you decide to convert over to 2wd front end parts later on, there's nothing to stop you from doing so. Personally, if I found it necessary to convert to 2wd, I'd leave the stuff I already had in place until the front wheel bearings went bad. Then, if I could get the 2wd replacement parts for less than the cost of the new hubs (which usually run around $100-$140 each) I'd think about making the switch.

-Joe

 

[Fatal_Shock]

okay, now if I bought a set of drop spindles for a 2wd 96 explorer would they bolt up and solve my entire problem?

 

[Hartman]

okay, now if I bought a set of drop spindles for a 2wd 96 explorer would they bolt up and solve my entire problem?

Yes, that would solve your problem! Except they don't exist.

 

[Fatal_Shock]

hehe that makes me a A+ dumbass!! well regular spindles r what i need huh?