All of the Ranger TTB parts should interchange, Mud Bug is correct. Your Explorer will not sit any higher with Ranger parts. The Ranger / Bronco II people often use 91-94 Explorer parts to lift their trucks 1-2" while getting significant strength upgrades.
Technically, the Ranger axles will fit, but you do not want them as an upgrade for several reasons:
1) Your Explorer axles are the better, stronger parts. Dana 35 front diff and a 31-spline 8.8" rear. The Ranger had Dana 28, Dana 35 and some form a of 28/35 hybrid front diffs, and most likely a 28-spline 8.8" rear, if it is equipped with the 8.8" rear end. Many TTB Rangers came with the 7.5" Diff. From the Ranger Station Website:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Most Rangers are equipped with the Ford 7.5-inch rear axle with several exceptions:
1) 1986-up "Incomplete vehicles" also known as "Chassis Cabs" were frequently equipped with 8.8" 28-spline axles, the '86-88 examples are distinctive as they are the only 8.8" Ranger rears that have no provisions for a RABS sensor.
2) 1990 & up 4.0-liter Rangers. These are ALWAYS equipped with the 8.8-inch 28-spline rear axle.
3) 1998-up 4x4 supercab Rangers regardless of power plant are frequently equipped with 8.8" axles
4) FX4 Rangers 99-current come equipped with an 8.8 rear and 31-spline axles with either 4.10 or 4.56 axle ratios.
Swapping in an 8.8-inch 28-spline Ranger axle for the original 7.5-inch axle provides (according to Ford) a 35% increase in strength. But this strength increase refers to the greater strength of the gears and carrier bearings (Pinion bearings, axle bearings and axle shafts are exactly the same) there is NO increase in weight capacity If you are looking for greater strength for loads created by severe offroad driving or towing you'll want to go to the next step, the Explorer axle.
The rear axles on all Ford Explorers are also 8.8's, however there are some differences... The 8.8-inch Explorer axle use 31-spline axle shaft. Increasing from a 28-spline to a 31-spline axle allegedly increases strength of the axle shaft by 34%, however I'll go by the capacity ratings of the axle assemblies provided by the manufacturer. Ford Rates the Ranger axle at 2750lbs and the Explorer axle at 3200lbs this is a 16% increase in strength, which admittedly may be as conservative "
----------------------------------------------------------------------
2) You will have to convert the rear axle to a spring under axle (SUA) configuration. Rangers and Bronco II's are configured differently than your Explorer. The Explorer is SUA for better roll stability, less axle wrap, and a smoother ride. You can use it in a spring over axle (SOA) configuration, but you will still need to weld in spring perches b/c the explorer frame is wider in rear and has a different shackle arrangement than the Ranger. (Ranger = side of frame, Explorer = shackle underneath.) Plus you will need to find a way to raise the front end 5.5" to match the rear end...
It's probably not worth the time to swap in the Ranger stuff unless you need to fix something quickly and inexpensively. Hope the info helps!
