soid axle swap for 95 and up?

[PunkChild]

Has anyone done a solid axle swap on a 95 and up Explorer? If you have, how did you do it and what parts are needed.

 

[rock883]

I have never seen a late model with a solid axle, but it could be done the same way as Rick's. It would, however, need the IFS mounting stuff torched and ground smooth, the steering would need to be completely fabricated, coil buckets would need to be made, and then you have your coils, track bars, axle, and all the labor for this swap. The labor would be close to the same as what would be required for an early model explorer. There are no kits to my knowledge, but I am sure there isn't one, nor will they make one, since all the stuff needs to be torched and gorund smooth, and all the other parts needed, and there probably isn't enough demand for a kit like this to be made.

 

[Tyson]

I would think that your frame would have to be modified. One of the advantages of IFS is that the hump in the frame is eliminated. This is the premise for Ford to be able to install third row seating in the 2002 Explorer. That is the year they go to rear independent suspension. They can get that row of seats in because the frame back there is changed. The hump (which give a sold axle to move up and down) is changed. Hopefully you see what I'm trying to say.

In order to put a solid axle on the front of a 95+ Explorer, you have to allow for the axle to move. Look at the frame of a 95+, and it's almost straight to the bumper. If you do figure it out, let me know. I'm interested.

Good Luck.

 

[mav]

Hey PunkChild,
Check out Fabritech at this web site...
http://www.setstr8.com/
They are currently working on a straight axel conversion kit for the 95+ Exploders. Below is an email from Chris at Fabritech. Send an email and let him know you're interested also!

Wes,
We are beginning the development of that kit now. We hope to be able to offer it to the public within the next six months. We look for it to resemble the kit offered for the '97 and up F-150. I apologize for not having it yet, but we are pushing hard to get it out. Thanks for your interests and let us know if we can help.
Sincerely,
Chris Brown

FABRITECH Custom Trucks
http://www.setstr8.com
540.825.1544

-----Original Message-----
From: Wesley Ulmer [mailto:wulmer@satx.rr.com]
Sent: Thursday, January 25, 2001 3:33 PM
To: customerservice@setstr8.com
Subject: Straight Axel Front Conversion for a '99 Explorer 4x4...


Anything for this vehicle?

Thanks,
Wes

 

[429CJ]

Just did this conversion. I took really good credit and an understanding wife. Unfortunately, now my Exploder looks just like a Superduty.

 

[mav]

429CJ,
What do you mean you just did it? They just emailed me a couple days ago telling me it was going to be 6 months!?!? Where did you get your hands on one these kits? Your signature says you have a 95 XLT. Post some pics so we can see what it looks like!

 

[RobbieJ]

Lets see pics!!!!

 

[PunkChild]

looks like they only sell kits to convert from front springs to soild axle, are they developing a kit for the spring-less IFS? Thanks for the info so far.

 

[mav]

PunkChild,
Check out the email I posted earlier...

 

[PunkChild]

Ahh! Sorry I've been up for too long.

 

[429CJ]

Wes, read into my post. I think then you'll truly understand. For those who I've riled and are foaming at the mouth to get one of these new kits, sorry for the misunderstanding. My solid axle swap was very simple. I traded my Exploder in on a F250 Superduty. Now that the cat is out of the bag, just let me say, If there is a way for it to be done on 95's up, one of you guys will do it first. And if you really want to try leaf springs, I have a 78 F250 Camper Special, D44 front, D60 rear, 4.10's and a Det locked rear, 38.5 Swampers on 589's that you might want to look at.

 

[mav]

429CJ,
That's cool, no harm done. After seeing Fabritech's website and the pic of that lifted Ranger, I've been drooling ever since...