Dana 44 Identity?

[BKennedy]

Thanks Dave. I just have to get under there and start measuring to see how much shock I can get and if I need to move everything but the engine to get the hoops under the hood.

 

[DB_1]

Thanks Dave. I just have to get under there and start measuring to see how much shock I can get and if I need to move everything but the engine to get the hoops under the hood.

14" shocks seem typical on SAS's if mounting them at the axle. Anything longer and you'll probably have the shock hoops going through the hood.

 

[BKennedy]

14" shocks seem typical on SAS's if mounting them at the axle. Anything longer and you'll probably have the shock hoops going through the hood.

How long are your shocks, spring rate, etc.

What do you fella's think of these
http://www.ballisticfabrication.com/Ballistic-Hybrid-CoiloverAir-Shock_p_1649.html

I just did a quick measurement on my current axle. From the top of the inner fender, its 23" to the lower coil mount. I was planning on getting two to three inches of added height, and could cut into that fender for clearance without having to move everything out of the way. I am just speculating, but it seems do-able. So lets say with 26" for shock length at ride height, I am thinking I could get a 12" coilover in there with over 4" up travel (21.6" collapsed,33.6" extended). How much up travel should I shoot for?

I was also thinking about mounting the shocks back a few inches on the radius arms, like Rick's but not as far back. He has a lot of room for longer shocks in there.

 

[DB_1]

I've got 2" dia. 14" travel Fox's with 200/250 spring rate. and pretty happy with them. They could use a good tune to maximize performance but works ok as is for now.

I used to have 2.5" x 14" Kings but the diameter was just big enough to cause clearance issues on full stuff. With 35" tires that should be a non issue with you.

Seems like those Ballistic hybrid shocks never really took off. That's not to say they aren't good but i'd personally stick with a tried and true coilover.

 

[BKennedy]

Okay, thanks.
I will be sending you PM's asking a bunch of questions when I get closer to actually doing the SAS.

 

[Stic-o]

I've got 2" dia. 14" travel Fox's with 200/250 spring rate. and pretty happy with them. They could use a good tune to maximize performance but works ok as is for now.

I used to have 2.5" x 14" Kings but the diameter was just big enough to cause clearance issues on full stuff. With 35" tires that should be a non issue with you.

Seems like those Ballistic hybrid shocks never really took off. That's not to say they aren't good but i'd personally stick with a tried and true coilover.

Love my Fox's Mine are 14" 2.0's as well, just not threaded on the outside, for the coils.

 

[DB_1]

Okay, thanks.
I will be sending you PM's asking a bunch of questions when I get closer to actually doing the SAS.

No prob Brian, I'll help where I can I'm sure you've seen turboexplorer's build, he's got coilovers and on full widths without looking overly wide. Nice build overall to reference.

 

[Kirby N.]

Nope. I just don't like full width axles on narrow rigs. The only one I ever liked was the JP Mobile, but that took some getting used to. You can't see the axles past that crazy paint job.

I want a clean, solid, reliable, go anywhere I want, built truck that doesn't have to be too over the top. I am even thinking of sticking with my 35" tires.

Thats cool man. Thats what I ended up doing too. I liked the stocker style look on mine after I got the goofy bumper and TSLs off of it, it looked pretty clean. One of my favorites was always Fakrwees. It was a sleeper!

 

[BKennedy]

Thats cool man. Thats what I ended up doing too. I liked the stocker style look on mine after I got the goofy bumper and TSLs off of it, it looked pretty clean. One of my favorites was always Fakrwees. It was a sleeper!

Agreed!

 

[BKennedy]

The more I think about this, makes me wonder. Would it cost less to build caged arms like DB1's rig than to purchase those Duff arms? The Stage Three Duff arms run over $800 shipped. I know caged arms allow more flex due to less binding. I was looking on Ballistic's site and they have some nice mounts for those type of arms that include coil over mounts.
http://www.ballisticfabrication.com/Radius-Arm--Coilovershock-mount_p_1465.html

 

[BKennedy]

Until I can come up with a Ca smog legal way to move the air box, I am stuck with staying outside of the engine compartment with the shock mounts. Frigin California!

 

[BKennedy]

After days of checking on-line and by phone, no one makes a CARB legal intake or even a cone filter for the 91-94 Explorer. I found a few legal filters and a intake for the 95 Explorer. The filter element would fit. It's like a large KKM filter, but the filter would end up right where the box was, which would be in the way of the shock hoops. I am glad I have a few months to think about this because it looks like I might be back to coils and shocks.

 

[Stic-o]

Battery and intake are on opposite sides in 1st and 2nd gen

 

[BKennedy]

I am aware. K&N has a CARB legal cone type filter with an adaptor for the 1995 and up Explorer. You should get one. It mounts to the intake where the box, or in your case, giant round canister, would normally be.
http://www.knfilters.com/search/product.aspx?prod=57-2513-1

 

[Stic-o]

I am aware. K&N has a CARB legal cone type filter with an adaptor for the 1995 and up Explorer. You should get one. It mounts to the intake where the box, or in your case, giant round canister, would normally be.
http://www.knfilters.com/search/product.aspx?prod=57-2513-1

Actually mine doesn't have the round canister with cone filter. I think that was a 95-97 thing. Mine stock filter is flat. Like I said before, I swap the original set up back in one day once every 2 years for smog reasons. It really only take a few minutes to swap.

 

[BKennedy]

Ok. I know little, if anything about the air intake for Explorers other than mine. Dude, if I try to put the filter box back in when it comes time for smog, there will be coil over hoops and shocks in the way. No way to undo it.
Now that I am looking at the filter in the link, it would not work for your Explorer either because it has a intake box.

 

[Kirby N.]

I ran my shock hoops up into the engine compartment and just undid the filter box and ran it underneath. It will get you a few inches which was enough for me to get full compression.

 

[BKennedy]

I ran my shock hoops up into the engine compartment and just undid the filter box and ran it underneath. It will get you a few inches which was enough for me to get full compression.

Okay, now you have got to post a few pictures so I can copy you. Maybe even measure the hoop length from top to bottom and bottom width?? Nevermind, you sold it
How long are your shocks (compressed and extended)?
Remember, immitation is the finest form of flattery..
I found your SAS thread. Excellent build! I saw the pictures of the fender side, please post a few of both sides of the engine compartment so I can see what you did.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131813&highlight=kirby

Anyone have any experience with the BC Broncos new adjustable radius arms?? Doesn't look like they have a bend in them to help with turning.
http://www.bcbroncos.com/suspensionfront.html

 

[BKennedy]

Kirby, I think I found your shocks:
Extended 32.91, Collapsed 18.94 with 13.97 inches travel.
Sound about right?

Fox makes a 12" coilover, part number FOX-980-02-010, that is;
Extended 31.1, Collapsed 19.15.
Ballistic makes a 12" coilover, part number SHO-1903-3, that is;
Extended 33.6, Collapsed 21.6.

Either one should fit, but will I get enough travel with a 12" shock?

 

[BKennedy]

I think I might have this figured out. I am thinking about ordering this K&N kit for the 95 Explorer

http://www.knfilters.com/search/product.aspx?prod=57-2536
It would require relocating the battery, either to the other side next to my second battery, or underneath the truck somewhere. Use my secondary battery as the primary, and the relocated battery as the new secondary.
Then, I would have plenty of room for coil over shock mounts. Both batteries are Optima's so they are small (9"x7"x8").
My smog guy said all he cares about is that it has a CARB number.