parts compatibility form explorers to rangers

[vroomzoomboom]

hi everyone, this is my question. i have a 90 ranger xlt ext. cab that has a 4.0 and a auto. what i want to know is this. do the early explorers have the same drive train as the rangers did. i need to change the motor that has over 360kms on it (i know they are the same), but the diff has a howl to it, and also there is a lot of play in the pinion. as well one side, there is a broken leaf spring. what i was planing on doing was finding a totaled, or rusted out explorer that has a good drive train in it, and swap everything if it is possible. i don't know if the diff housing, or leafs are the same. rangers are harder to come by, and i trip over explorers all the time. thanks

 

[90ranajo]

The drivetrains are almost identical. The biggest differences is the rear axle. You have the 8.8" but has a smaller spline count than the explorer. Also the ranger is spring over and the Explorer is spring under.

The engine, tranny & transfer case are direct swaps, provided they are from the same generation family. The rear springs will (depending on the Explorer) give you a couple inches of lift. The rear axle needs to have new spring perches welded on. Also the Explorer axles are 1.5" wider per side for a total of 3".

I have done this same thing to my '90 Ranger. I have the complete drive train from a '92 Explorer in it, along with the front seats and center console.