5 on 5.5

[ajevenson]

Does Ford make rotors with a 5 on 5.5 pattern that'll fit the first gen explorers? I want to move to a 5 on 5.5 pattern instead of a 4.5.
Thanks,

 

[ajevenson]

No ones done this?

 

[RFR2212]

My first question is, WHY?

 

[Rick]

You can do it if you swap in a D-44

 

[ajevenson]

Cus I need to replace my rotors again, and there is a better selection of 5 on 5.5 rims up here that are significantly cheaper that 5 on 4.5's.

And Rick, as far as a Dana 44, well originally that wasnt even worth considering but now after getting some quotes to do gear work, buy rims and lifts. Its about $2000 cheaper to swap a 44 front and 9"rear axles in. There's just no market and no parts for explorers up here and it get waaaay too expensive to ship everything up from the states. At least there's parts up here for all the old Bronco stuff.

 

[Robb]

now after getting some quotes to do gear work, buy rims and lifts. Its about $2000 cheaper to swap a 44 front and 9"rear axles in

AJ,
Could you break that down?

Robb

 

[ajevenson]

Ok here goes:

For D35 and 8.8":
Gears
4.10 gears - Average of $400 front and $350 rear + tax
= ~$800
Labour - 7 hours for rear and 10 hours for front ($70/hour)**estimates based on me taking the center section out and bringing them in, also assuming no bearing work.
Labour = $1,275 + tax
= ~$1,375

Rims
Cant find just regular used steel 15x10, 5 on 4.5 rims up here so have to buy new ones.
4 *$115 + tax
= ~$500

Lift
Rear leaf over axle approx 6"
=~$75
Front 4" suspension lift package
=~$1,250

Grand total = ~$3,100

For D44 and 9":
Gears
Entire 77 or 79 Bronco with D44 and 9" with 4.10 gears already installed (2 for sale right now)
=$450 no tax (engines or trannies are toast but the rest seems fine)
Custom cutting & welding to remove 3" from D44 to make it fit explorer
=~$300 + case of beer (friend)
Custom driveshaft modifications
=~$550

Rims
4 15x10, 5 on 5.5 painted purple
=$100 no tax

Lift
Leaf over axle
=~$75
4" suspension lift already on the truck
=$0
Mods to coil bucket seats and shock mounts
= no problem, i know several professional cutters/welders
Radius arms - I have no idea how that'll work yet.

Grand total = $1,400

Havin a sweet custom rig = Priceless

The basic problem is that there are few aftermarket suppliers or used aftermarket parts available for explorers up here. However early model bronco's and other Fords are in abundance. Makes a huge difference when you can buy used.

Note: I left out some details intentionally since it is beyond my knowledge base at this time and for the most part they'll have to be done to both setups irregardless. Please dont blast me, I've only started researching this project in the last month.

 

[ajevenson]

The other thing I was gonna mention is with a D44 and 9", the overall savings in replacements parts as things break. I'm conservative and assume the worst. I assume that things will break frequently and having to a)find the parts and b)buy them brand new will cost an arm and a leg over the long haul.