Some direction needed!

[johnboy72]

Ok, I could search forever through this site. But I'm in Iraq and the internet sucks. So can you direct me where to turn. I have a 96 XLT. I'm considering SAS or dropping it. So where can I find out the dimensions and differences from Rangers to Explorers. Obviously 97 and older Rangers are Ibeam. But what about control arms off a 98 and up Ranger on an Explorer? If I bag my exploder, it's getting converted to 2wd. Probably using drivetrain parts from a Ranger or 2wd Explorer...So if you could pass info, links, etc. I'd appreciate it. I'll look in the meantime on his slow--- internet!

Oh, and just to give ya an idea...I'm not your average NOOB!
I want this....

To lay out like my last toy....

 

[scruff]

Good guy for parts is kabiak on here, guy has everything and is great to deal with.
If you don't care for your AWD ditch it as you say, you'll have lot more options.
You'll have to start with shorter shocks and the usual torsion bar flip or bolt adjustment - that will help but won't be a radical change.

The 98 up 4x4 rangers are identical in the front suspension to a explorer, I have one of each so I've looked. 2wd rangers are coil spring, and I have no idea what would exchange.

In another thread myself an a few others discussed putting bags on the front of an AWD Ex to get rid of the torsion bars but came up blank, but we were trying to get it done without cutting up the upper shock tower, we were going for bolt on.
Since we came up dry on that when I do get round to it I will be cutting off my upper towers and fabbing something to take an airshock or shockwave and using an AIM upper A arm.

I am in Atlanta and when you get back if you're still stationed here we could exchange some info if you want. My chassis is all laid out and not in a driver so it makes experimenting easy.

 

[johnboy72]

right on...Yeah, my plan is to build up a 88 Ram 50 that was my dad's toy truck...kind of a memorial build. The wife is in that 04 Mountaineer AWD luxury so I can't touch that! (we'll see...my wife can't resist my charm!) But the Explorer is slotted for to work and back. About a five minute drive one way...I live on post. But if I get the lil Ram bagged, body dropped and driving, yeah, I would like to look into the Explorer more.

I had DJM arms on my 99. I might hit up a junkyard and try to take some measurements. If the width and the shape of the frames are similar to a 98 and up Ranger, I might look into fab'in up some control arm mounts. Another thing to consider is the 2wd Explorer. I know they had control arms as well. Maybe rework them?

I just know that one day, I'll be faced with a problem...I'll get to a point where I think I'm "good" on the lil Ram (they are never finished!). But then I'll have an old @ss Explorer that isn't really worth anything. But instead of trashing it, would see another potential project! Ya know?