Gen 1 suspension swap?

[sd_iconoclast]

Is it possible to swap gen 1 suspension onto a gen 2 explorer?
Maybe this would be easiest by swapping the Gen 2 body onto the Gen 1 chassis. Has this ever been attempted? Would the body mounting points match up?
My goal is to end up with a 5.0 with the Gen 1 suspension. I had been considering doing a 5.0 swap into a '91 explorer but I am now considering that it might be simpler to go the other way and swap the gen 1 suspension onto the 5.0 Gen 2.

 

[96ex5.0]

Suspension yes with lots of tabbing and modifying be way to much work, 2g body mounts are different than the 1g.

 

[colintrax]

What's your goal for the truck? Desert truck?

 

[sd_iconoclast]

What's your goal for the truck? Desert truck?

I occasionally go off road for hiking. and I need more towing capacity. So I have been wanting to swap a 5.0 into my 91 EB.
I consider the twin I-Beam to be a better off-road suspension but I am not willing to go solid axle (too primitive).
I have a '91 explorer EB and a '97 XLT 5.0 from which I have pulled the engine. I am getting ready to do the swap but I am finding a lot to like about the '97 so I am wondering if it makes more sense to swap the '91 suspension onto the '97.
This has the added benefit that I would get the lower ratio differentials from the '91 which would allow me to install 33s.

 

[Gadget X]

My thinking, due to the amount of custom fab involved in putting the gen 1 suspension on the gen 2 or putting the gen 2 body on the gen 1 frame, that the 5.0 swap to the gen 1 is going to be a LOT easier, especially since you have the gen 2 vehicle as the donor for any wiring and stuff you need along the way. Good luck, whichever route you take!

 

[sd_iconoclast]

Maybe so,
I am also considering if the twin I-Beam suspension is worth it given the relatively small amount of off-road travel that I do.
Maybe I am better off just putting the 5.0 back in the '97 XLT and building it.

 

[colintrax]

I occasionally go off road for hiking. and I need more towing capacity. So I have been wanting to swap a 5.0 into my 91 EB.
I consider the twin I-Beam to be a better off-road suspension but I am not willing to go solid axle (too primitive).
I have a '91 explorer EB and a '97 XLT 5.0 from which I have pulled the engine. I am getting ready to do the swap but I am finding a lot to like about the '97 so I am wondering if it makes more sense to swap the '91 suspension onto the '97.
This has the added benefit that I would get the lower ratio differentials from the '91 which would allow me to install 33s.

I think you're overthinking it.
I'm not sure what you're towing but my worn out 4.0 OHV will pull well over double it's towing capacity. The problem is the truck is to light/short, the transmission is to weak, and the suspension is to soft. You need something bigger than a 1/4 ton truck for pulling heavy trailers. For offroading there's nothing better than a 1/4 ton. The 2nd gen IFS while not as good as the 1st gen for offroading, can still hang on. There's enough flex in the back it'll get almost anywhere.
For as much work as it'd take to put beams under a 2nd gen, you could just do a long travel set up. Look at BTF fab
You do know if changing the front diff ratio you need to change the rear to match? Your 97 has disk brakes out back. The 91 is drums. Disks are preferred

 

[sd_iconoclast]

I think you're overthinking it.
I'm not sure what you're towing but my worn out 4.0 OHV will pull well over double it's towing capacity. The problem is the truck is to light/short, the transmission is to weak, and the suspension is to soft. You need something bigger than a 1/4 ton truck for pulling heavy trailers. For offroading there's nothing better than a 1/4 ton. The 2nd gen IFS while not as good as the 1st gen for offroading, can still hang on. There's enough flex in the back it'll get almost anywhere.
For as much work as it'd take to put beams under a 2nd gen, you could just do a long travel set up. Look at BTF fab
You do know if changing the front diff ratio you need to change the rear to match? Your 97 has disk brakes out back. The 91 is drums. Disks are preferred

Good Advice. Thanks.

 

[benjammin97624]

is there a build thread or at least pics of someones attempt to put a 2nd gen chassis on a first gen frame. I to like the first gen ttb over the 2nd gen torsion bar suspension and plus i already have a skyjacker class 2, 6 inch lift brackets.

 

[96ex5.0]

I think an SAS would be easyer

 

[MercuryMullet]

I think an SAS would be easyer

For mild off roading I would do a sas and run nice shocks. IMO

I have had a 68 bronco which has a straight axle and now have a 97 V8 TTB mounty if that adds to my credibility.