TheArcticWolf1911 wrote: I also am not an offroader. I find no thrill in it, but I understand why someone would.

I'm massively disappointing that the Ranger that's coming back is that Euro-thing. A face-lifted '11 or so would have been better... I don't believe it deserves the Ranger title, but that's just me in my very American ways.

All that being said, I will take a look at what you guys have to offer.

One thing all 93-11 Ranger owners would love though is a rear disk conversion kit. That's something I want to do, but unless I want to crack out a welder and make an expo rear end work or buy a very new rearend to stick under it, I'm left with cobbling something together. Not a cozy idea when it's your brakes.... So, if you want something else to add to your line, there's a big one for you.

We agree in many ways, I particularly am partial to the 90'-00 years with no disregard for the later years, just nothing changed enough but added features, overall, same trucks.

And although the newer Ford Ranger is somewhat less masculine in some opinions, we must remember that Ford abandoned the boys here at home in the good ole' USA and the Ranger went through changes without the North American markets regard for consent in changes. Across the world - opinions vary wildly to mildly. Only thing I would entertain on the NEW 2018 Ranger is if they pulled the trigger and give us the 3.0L diesel option.. then and just then we may have to fetch one for a shop truck for demo purposes.

As for the Option of better things and disc brakes with Explorer 31 spline axles. We do have things that would be not only a performance upgrade but an entirely improved upon better situation that can be installed in your driveway with no more than some basic wrenches, a hacksaw, and a file in just about an hour.

This kit eliminates the C-clip axle retention, works with any locker currently available for the 8.8, and adds over an inch and a half to the width of the axle which also means a better offset than stock with the elimination of the use of a spacer or adapter.




The axleshafts that come in the kit are a one-piece forging made in the U.S.A. from American steel. The 31-spline, 4340 chromoly shafts are CNC-machined, rolled-splined, and induction-hardened for added durability. Also, the larger, thicker flanges will not bend like the stock pieces do. The wheel-stud holes are drilled and tapped for 1/2-inch thread in wheel studs in both the stock 5-on-4.5 and 5-on-5 bolt patterns.




If you're running a disc brake 8.8-inch axle from an Explorer, the rotor, caliper and caliper mount will hold the axle and tire onto the housing. If you have drum brakes, the c-clips can be more of an issue.


Shy of making sure you weld the new shock mounts at the proper 6° angle on the axle. Hows that for easier and better?

Last edited on Sun Jan 7th, 2018 05:11 am by 12° North Industries