Ranger to explorer rear end swap

[Stand4d]

I am thinking about swaping my 1994 explorer rear end with a rear end from a 1995 ranger. Are there any differences between the explorer and ranger. what difficulties will i run into considering the shock mounts, bolting on to the springs, bolting to the driveshaft. Is it a possible swap without any modifications. Any help is greatly appreciated. thanks

 

[section525]

The Ranger has an inferior rear end. I'd try and find another Explorer to be your donor. The spline count on the Ranger axle is lower resulting in sissier performance and durability.

 

[NOTAJP]

The ranger mounts the springs over the axle. If you planned a SOA anyway, this may be a good swap for you. Make sure you measure the width of the spring perches to verify they are the same. You will need to modify the brake lines, though I don't know how much. The Ranger's are typically 28 spline where as the Explorer is 31 spline. The drive shaft sould bolt up. Sorry I can't help more.

Edit: Better idea, just take the brakes off the '95 and bolt them to your rear end.

 

[hvac man]

I have done the ranger to X swap and found it to be a good swap if you have the axle. I had to extend the brake lines and weld on new shock mounts. I also had to lower the e-brake mount. I used a ranger FX4 8.8 because it was free and had zero miles on it, it also had 4.10 gears and L/S. I would only suggest doing this swap if you want a gear ratio that is in the axle you want to use and if you have some fab skills and a welder. Also my axle is not "sissier in performance and durability" The axle you have probably has 28 splines and not 31 which is less desirable in the 4-wheeling world but won't hurt you on the street.

I would use your X axle if you have the desired gear ratio and just want to spring over.

The pic is of my X with the ranger 8.8 in the rear. I think it looks more factory than the X axle with new pads welded on top.

 

[Stand4d]

the reason im doing this swap is because the ranger rear end has 4:11's and a locker. It also comes with the e brake cables. will the e brake cables bolt right up to my explorer or do i have to hook up my cables to the rear end? will my regular brake cables bolt right up? If they don't , where do i buy extended brake lines?

 

[BAYDOG]

If you have a 4x4 Ex., then you may want to rethink it. Yea it is nice to have a spring over set-up, but realize that if the rear is 4-11's, then you'll need to swap in 4-11's in the front as well, unless ya want to rip apart your transfer case or axels's. They both need to be the same.

 

[Stand4d]

my ex is a 2x4 so that doesnt concern me

 

[NOTAJP]

Originally posted by Stand4d
the reason im doing this swap is because the ranger rear end has 4:11's and a locker. It also comes with the e brake cables. will the e brake cables bolt right up to my explorer or do i have to hook up my cables to the rear end? will my regular brake cables bolt right up? If they don't , where do i buy extended brake lines?

That sounds great esp being a 4x2. The e-brake cables should bolt up right in front of left rear tire. If it's too short after the SOA, you can get a e-brake cable from an extended cab ranger.

 

[hvac man]

The e-brake cables are too long from the ranger. I just used the ones from my X and droped the e-brake hanger on the rear frame mount about 2 inches. You will need a longer rear brake line from the frame to the axle or build a new mount about 2 inches longer to screw the line to.

 

[hvac man]

Oops I forgot I have a sport so don't quote me on that e-brake thing