Can I put a solid rear axle in 03 explorer-Mod.

[scottums777]

I wanted to know if I can do a swap from IRS to solid rear axle??? 03 explorer 4.6. New here and seems really informative. Thanks all.

 

[crazyflights]

Ive always wondered the same thing, Id say anything is possible, but cost/time may be a bigger factory, I think it would be a 4 or 5link design not leaf springs.

 

[Ronin8002]

do a search for a user named macknos94...he's doing a front and rear SAS right now on his 3rd gen mountaineer.

 

[macknos94]

The rear is easy to mount a solid axle under now to make the truck sit level you will need a minimum of 5 inch lift from factory height so you might as well do the front while your at it. I'm using a modified 66-77 bronco lift kit with Dana 44 front axle out of a 76 bronco and ford 8.8 rear out of a 2nd gen ex

 

[scottums777]

Thanks, this is encouraging. So what springs does someone use and what modifications are necessary to get this done? The reason I am asking is because of the pinion problems these seem to have. Would a solid axle be a less problematic solution?

 

[ericautopart]

Not pinion problem, they have axle seal problem. I'd think you would need custom front and rear drive shafts though.

 

[IZwack]

Thanks, this is encouraging. So what springs does someone use and what modifications are necessary to get this done? The reason I am asking is because of the pinion problems these seem to have. Would a solid axle be a less problematic solution?

Get a 5-ft long piece of tube about 3" or 4" in diameter, remove both wheels from one axle - and you'll see what's involved in fitting an axle under the chassis. After that, break out the plasma cutter and slice away that which will cause interference.

And if you are worried about pinion/seal issues, stay away from the 8.8 cauz what you want is an axle that has a third bearing / pinion support to minimize latteral deflection (which destroys the seal). So this usually means the Ford-9" or the GM 14Ibolt.
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[macknos94]

Izwack is dead on. I was working on mine with my 8.8 on jack stands under mine and the pumpkin makes it tight to work around. My neighbor looked at me half retarded when he saw a 3 inch pipe mounted to my springs.

You will need to modify the rear cross member about 2-3 feet behind the diff. Custom axles are a must but the frame really doesn't need to much cutting in the back although I might end up c notching the rear axle loops so it gives me a bit more room to twist. It's a big project but doable just start it and never look back. I would say do the front while you are at it or you will have a nasty rake