SAS info

[ChaoticRacer]

I've been considering getting the 03 Sport Trac, and I would like to know who all has done a Solid Axle Swap on 98+ Explorers. I'd like to run 35x12.50s or 35x14.50s without body lifts in the end. First mod would be a bodylift and 33x12.50s till I'm able to gather all parts for the swap. Thanks in advance, Matt

 

[Jason_25]

Matt, only one person has done this as far as we know. And he is not available for anyone to talk with him about it. I can help you a little as I was considering it (and still am).

What exactly do you need help with?

 

[ChaoticRacer]

Well, I've came up with a good "idea" but I don't know how easily it'll fall in place. My thoughts were to get Jeep YJ leafs (in hopes that they wouldn't be too long)and go ahead and mount them to the axles I want to run, which are full width D44s. I'm sure they'll hold up with the V6 and a few mods(intake, exhaust, chip). My thought was to mount the spring packs on the axles, then center the axle in the wheel wells, then make card board templates for my brakets and spring hangers. I believe that would be the simplest way to go about it. Its the small stuff, LoL like steering thats got me. Brakes should easy, just get stainless steel lines for a 6" lift as thats what I am assuming it will take to run 35s. But I'm sure theres stuff I've forgotten or haven't thought of, thats where I could use a little help..Thanks

 

[ChaoticRacer]

I'm sure the mounting pads on the D44s will have to be moved to match the frame width on the explorer. I would hate to have to chunk the new 03 rear with disk brakes, but I do not know the trac width of the stock rear, and the width of D44s. If possible I would be fine running a 3" billet adapter(done it on my 2wd S-10) to bring the rears out even with the front.

 

[Jason_25]

Ok you have an idea, but let me present you with a much easier one. Just get a Dana 44 from an early bronco that is almost the same width as yours is. Running a D44 in the rear of your explorer doesn't make much sense because your rear axle is stronger than a D44.

About the steering, the easiest way to do this would be to use the 91-94 steering box and pump.

 

[ChaoticRacer]

Awww but that ruins my Pontiac Wide Track Killer Hehe, Well theres always running 2" backspaced wheels with 1.5 bolt pattern adapters . What year broncos should I look for the axle from? Did all come with D44s? Also weren't they coil sprung?

 

[ChaoticRacer]

Also, I'm guessing the 91-94 steering box and pump don't just bolt on do they?

 

[Jason_25]

The problem with spacers is that they are notoriously weak. And with 35's there is a good chance they would break. Simple leverage there.

71-77 had the D44.

76-77 Had disc brakes and and an "inverted y" steering system as opposed to the older T linkage type. Not sure what kind you want. It would depend on what kind of steering the 91-94 explorer had I guess.

Yes they were coil spung. So the old coil seat would need to get torched off, and a leaf spring mount would need to be welded on each side.

 

[ChaoticRacer]

Well wouldn't 33s and countless burnouts put as much stress as offroading and 35s As far as the axles and steering, ummm... But the torching of the coil spring seat and welding on the leaf pad I can handle
LoL, after looking at a expy with 35s, I think I want 37s or 38s. I'd guess 8" of lift? and do some trimming? This is something I'm going to build once and keep it forever

 

[Jason_25]

Not sure exactly how much lift you would need, but with a straight axle, lift is no problem.

Once you find out how long you need your leaves to be, you can have a custom set made that give you 8 inches of lift in front, and do the same in the rear.

My advice is to research, research, research!

BTW you have some balls for tearing into a brand new truck like that

 

[ChaoticRacer]

May as well start with the best. I've got the long bed work trucks, so this is the off roading, trip making vehicle. Should be a fun swap...Time consuming, and expensive, but worth it

 

[Monty'01]

Originally posted by ChaoticRacer
I'd guess 8" of lift? and do some trimming? This is something I'm going to build once and keep it forever

I think your gonna need an 8" lift anyways, so that the front diff clears your engine crossmember under flex. I wish I had the cash to do the project your going to do.

 

[ChaoticRacer]

Well I've been saving my money since I was 12, so I'm putting down a nice chunk;-). Then financing it for 72 months(yeah I know, but I'm getting 2.9%) Then again I'll be bringing in around 900 a month, and the insurance is going to be around 70-90 a month depending on wether I was to get this, or a F250 ext cab. I'll only be paying right at 250, so every month I'd put what I had left after paying for gas, in the bank. When I saved enough, I'd tear into it like no tomorrow and bring out one hell of a lifted Sport Trac