What Front axle to use For SAS on 96 xlt??

[Bigwheelers]

Hey guys, My name is Dan, I am just about to tear apart the explorer and get into the SAS. I am having a hard time choosing an axle...What would be the best route? Taking into consideration that i want to continue to drive it everyday, i dont want to go full width i would like to keep the axle the same or really close to the stock width, Also i'll be using leaf springs as i do not want to tackle a link just yet...i am thinking Jeep? Maybe something from a wrangler? i do believe that they are the same wheel lug pattern as well correct? So yea i was hoping someone could help me out...Im right there i just cant figure it out...So again, Looking for close to if not the same width, leaf sprung axle...Basicly is there something with the driverside drop that if i wanted to i could run to a wrecking yard and pull that will be a good canidate?? Thank you in advance for all the help..

 

[Electrohacker]

sounds like you really want a Dana 30 from a jeep, it'll have the 5 on 4.5 bolt pattern and width you want, but you sacrifice a little in strength

the Dana 44 is a much better axle for the explorer's weight, but it needs the larger 5 or 6 on 5.5 bolt pattern meaning you'll be needing adapter/spacers or new rear axle shafts
there are two main axles used, the older bronco dana 44 or the jeep Wagoneer Dana 44. the jeep was leaf sprung and there are writeups on how to hook up either.

 

[true66gt]

or put a dana 44 in the front with the 5x5.5 and use 2 different wheels up front.

 

[Rage1973]

You should ask yourself, what kinda of wheelin are you going to be doing. Are you going to lock the front? If you were staying with trails and moderate rock crawlin then go with the 30.. I went through the Rubicon with a freind who was ruinning a jeep with an open 30 in the front and super 35 w/ a detroit in the rear.. he had no problem. Just becareful with the skinny pedal...lol...

My opinion....spend the extra money and go with the 44 so you have the ability to upgrade also the peice of mind knowing that the 44 with handle a ton abuse... just my 2 cents..

What gearing are you going to run?

Hope this helps

 

[yellowford]

sounds like you really want a Dana 30 from a jeep, it'll have the 5 on 4.5 bolt pattern and width you want, but you sacrifice a little in strength

Not necessarily another option is the dana 44 from a tj rubicon it still had the 5 on 4.5 bolt pattern. There also is the dana 44 from a waggie but it would have 6 on 5.5 bold pattern but be a closer width to what you want.