What tools do I need?

[Rottie]

Hey guys, I'm going to a new do-it-yourself junk yard this weekend to get a set of four door rear leaf springs to do the conversion on my sport. I have to bring all the tools with me that I might need to do the job. The cars are all supported by the front and rear bumpers/frame, so the wheels should be hanging. Does anybody know what I would need- socket sizes, breaker bars, or extra tools in case I run into some stubborn bolts? I'd hate to get out there and get most of it apart and then realize I need something that I don't have. Thanks in advance!

 

[hunterdan]

1/2" drive socket wrench with 15 & 18 mm sockets. A hacksaw if theres something that won't come loose, but can be hacked off quickly (shackles), a large hammer and some penetrating oil. I believe most of the nuts are either 15 or 18 mm. But I can't recall what size they are for the front spring mounts. Just crawl under your truck and start slapping sockets on till you find out what sizes you need, they are the same whether its a 2 or 4 door.

Dan

 

[BrooklynBay]

A large breaker bar, and a cordless impact gun should save you some time.

 

[Rottie]

I just got back from the yard to check it out before I go get my springs. They only had 3 or 4 2nd gens out but he said there were several more that they haven't put out on the lot yet and they get new cars in every day. I saw 6 or 7 cars come in when I was there. I bet they had 15 1st gens though. It's really a pretty cool place. I ended up getting both door panels, a headlight switch, 2 extra chrome center caps, and a few misc. other things for $40. The leaf springs are only $12.99 each. I'll go back to get those early next week when they get the other 2nd gens on the lot. If you guys ever need an engine or a trans it might be worth the trip out here to Indy to get it. Any 6 cylinder engine is $165 and transmissions are $100 (that's with you doing the work but who cares for that price).
I have another question, would leaf springs from a 1st gen fit a 2nd gen or do I have to stay in the '95 - '01 years?

 

[Dan Whitaker]

The 1st gen springs should be the same.

 

[Ray Lobato]

Dan is correct. First gen and second gen Explorers rear springs are the same,for 4door Explorers.