Wider wheelbase?

[mrd]

Anyone know how practical/complex it would be to get a wider wheelbase on my explorer? Is it possible to just have a shop modify the driveaxles, or would different driveaxles need to be purchased? Or entirely different axles?

Would the control arms need to be modified/changed as well? I'm only looking for a few more inches on each side, for a better plant on the ground I suppose you could say. I guess that would mean modifying other things as well, like the torsion bar, rack & pinion, ... ugh!

Plus I've got this great Dana 35 IFS front diff assembly which I've heard is kind of an oddball..

And replacing the axle, how does that tie into the front disconnect, ABS sensors, and anything else? I just want it wider! My head is spinning.

 

[jimbo74]

there is no way to widen the width of the stock components and keep the same axles

you can swap to different axles, but thats an offroading thing and use axles wider than stock explorer and cost a lot of $

the best way to get a little extra width is add new rims or some wheel spacers.....

 

[mrd]

These wheel adapters are pretty cool, seems they're what I'm looking for. How do you think adding an inch or two will affect the handling?

 

[jimbo74]

it will add a wider stance.... i wouldnt go more than 1.5" total per side.... anymore will start putting a lot of stress on other parts...