Advice on a New Engine (Mabey an IRS swap?)

[CONDOR58]

Greetings,

The family 92 Explorer is in the garage. I never really cared much for it, though it had some little sentimental value since we've used it for all our family outings through out the entire east coast, in all kinds of crazy weather. That was my fathers pride and joy. My father was killed in a car accident a few weeks ago (driving a Corolla), and now I find it impossible to ever rid that truck, even if someone offered me...a 2010 Ford Explorer!

**The transmission is new, kind of. It was rebuilt in 03, but then the motor started losing tremendous power a year later. I was thinking about replacing the current engine with a more updated v6. One that is more efficient, and of course has decent power. Any Advice? I guess one of the better engines in the past 8 years, or older.

**Unfortunately, the only time we went off road was really never. We used to love going out when Snow was significant, and we used to think of that as off road; but obviously for the peeps here that's totally childs play. With that said, I would like to know if anyone has tried, or heard of doing an IRS (Independent Rear Suspension) swap. If so, please let me know! I really would like to swap out the solid axle for a smooth IRS! Please Advise!

 

[JohnJ]

I'm sorry to hear about your father.

As far as an IRS swap goes, that sounds like a lot more work than is necessary. It might be easier to go with coil springs or even air springs with your existing rear to get smoothness aplenty.

 

[Mbrooks420]

What would be the point? With the right leaves the rear could ride nice. With an air lift kit, it could ride nice, and haul things.

 

[CONDOR58]

What would be the point? With the right leaves the rear could ride nice. With an air lift kit, it could ride nice, and haul things.

I've always favored the IRS vs. Solid axle. Better feel for the road, and just a smoother ride overall. Since the truck is going to be used just on the road, or severe snow storms, I don't see the need for it. For the mustang, it's a direct Bolt on, but don't know if there is a IRS direct Bolt on. Does anyone know if the 96+ Explorers have a different Chassis?

My rear shocks will need to be replaced. They are stock. I figured I spend that money doing the conversion. Now that I've been reading about in this site, I feel like a pansy for asking. LOL!

 

[IZwack]

Hello fellow Marylander.

I would shy away from the IRS because the Ford-8.8 IRS differential has plenty of weakness -- as experienced from our members with 2002 and up Explorers. The solid axle 8.8 from the previous generation is 10 times more reliable. But if you're really dedicated to an IRS, maybe look into the Corvette's IRS, thats much more dependable than the Explorer IRS.

If it were me and I had a bit of change to spend, I would swap in a rear axle from a 1995-2001 Explorer to get disc brakes. Then I'd do a parallel four link + panhard with some coil-overs -- that would be a killer setup and would be easy to tune. Or if you want a little more control and a little better ride, switch to a Ford-9" which would reduce the unsprung suspension weight.

 

[CONDOR58]

Hello fellow Marylander.

I would shy away from the IRS because the Ford-8.8 IRS differential has plenty of weakness -

If it were me and I had a bit of change to spend, I would swap in a rear axle from a 1995-2001 Explorer to get disc brakes.

Yeah, I'm going to stick with the solid axle. I'm trying to replace/rebuild engine and suspension with less then $5,500.... Max $7,000 and not a penny more. I will definitely have to get a lot of used parts. How much do junk yards normally sell these 95-01 solid axles with disc brakes? What other modifications will I have to do if I get this done?

How does the V6 in the 99-06 mustang do vs. the SOHC v6? Which is more efficient? Which one has more upgrade capabilities? I guess I have to change the transmission with either choice.

How much should I be looking to spend?

 

[IZwack]

How much do junk yards normally sell these 95-01 solid axles with disc brakes? What other modifications will I have to do if I get this done?

Well that depends on where you are -- but there is a chain of junk yards in MD called "Crazy Rays" which you can pull an entire rear axle for just a bit under $150.

http://www.crazyraysautoparts.com

As for what you can do with them, you can regear them, make them a full floater, and so on...

 

[CONDOR58]

Well that depends on where you are -- but there is a chain of junk yards in MD called "Crazy Rays" which you can pull an entire rear axle for just a bit under $150.

http://www.crazyraysautoparts.com

As for what you can do with them, you can regear them, make them a full floater, and so on...

Awsome! This is a great link! THank you!