Ford Explorer - The Lounge - Welcome To Our Ford Ranger Forum

1^st Post

black06xlt
Coal miner

Joined: Sat Nov 25th, 2017

Location: Flushing, Ohio USA

Posts: 1738

Name:

Occupation:

Interests: my wife my kids ford rangers ...

Status:

Offline

Reputation:

Reputation Points: 1738

I recently bought a 96 expo eddie bauer 5.0 awd. I bought it due to the fact it has a 5.0 and was going to use it as a donor for a v8 swap but my wife wants to keep it and make a daily driver out of it. I dont have much experience in the expo world outside of them basically being a ranger. This may get me banned lol sorry jamman but do of you know of a good explorer forum to go to? I would prefer one like this. Hey Jim I just dropped you a hint since you own a explorer you should start another site ðŸ˜ðŸ˜

____________________
1995 ranger splash (pieces)

Already liked - 1 like likes

squirrelhunter

Posted: Sat Jun 23rd, 2018 09:11 am

2^nd Post

JAMMAN

Owns A Torsen

Joined: Mon Sep 18th, 2017

Location: Grove City, Ohio USA

Posts: 6429

Name: Jim ...

Occupation: 5 axis cnc programmer ...

Interests: RBV's ...

Status:

Offline

Reputation:

Reputation Points: 6429

I had considered an explorer section, for the years that were rangers :)

There are like 10 explorer forums I have gleaned info off them occasionally especially in the cluster/rear end areas.

____________________
00 XLT 4WD RCSB 3.GO! JalapeÃ±o
01 XLT 2WD RC Steppie 3.0 auto Silver
The future belongs to those who show up.

Already liked -

Posted: Sat Jun 23rd, 2018 09:31 am

3^rd Post

black06xlt
Coal miner

Joined: Sat Nov 25th, 2017

Location: Flushing, Ohio USA

Posts: 1738

Name:

Occupation:

Interests: my wife my kids ford rangers ...

Status:

Offline

Reputation:

Reputation Points: 1738

I'm about th o go into a land unknown. I've had a few explorers but never made a project out of one. I think the wife is wanting an explorer version of my truck

____________________
1995 ranger splash (pieces)

Already liked -

Posted: Sat Jun 23rd, 2018 09:42 am

4^th Post

Idahome

Joined: Wed May 2nd, 2018

Location: Panhandle, Idaho USA

Posts: 2165

Name: Jamie ...

Occupation: Elevator Design Worlds Tallest Buildings ...

Interests: Ranger Based Vehicles and OFFROAD ...

Status:

Offline

Reputation:

Reputation Points: 2165

I can help right here

What do you need to know?
I have owned over 30 of them, we call them the Gen II Explorer from 95-01
Yours is a wicked beast, seriously 1996 is a very good year for the Explorer and the first year of the 5.0L 302 V8
You have a nice machine there she is wise to want to keep it
I have been building explorers of all types for over 20 years now, I specialize in the 5.0
what would you like to know?

I personally first thing = ditch the awd, convert it to a true 4x4 transfer case
It saves wear on the front end, it gives you a huge power gain in 2wd (passing gear) it saves front tires, and it gains you 3-4 mpg (pays for itself)

All 5.0 explorers are 3.73 gears
Another great upgrade is 4.10 front and rear diffs which can be had from many other explorers, many sports, and sohc engine Gen II's had 4.10 you can find the rear axle / front diff and bolt them in

MANY MANY MANY performance modifications available for the GT40 V8 and the 4r70w trans, seriously sky is the limit, 280-300hp is obtainable with bolt on's to your engine, supercharging is popular there have been some very fast v8 explorers. We like to unleash the beast here and remove much of the Ford Soccer mom suv things. A good exhaust, some performance headers, camshaft, AWD delete, small lift...you get the idea

The best explorer site is and has always been explorer4x4.com I used to moderate over there when I owned my 96

The main difference between a 98-11 Ranger and a Gen II Explorer is:
Explorer came with V8 and 4r70w auto trans
The explorer has rear disc brakes and a 31 spline 8.8 in the rear
The explorer is spring under in the rear end, the leafs go under the axle for better SUV like handling Also the leaf springs are under the frame rails, not outside of them like a Ranger. So the explorer likes to get hung up on these leaf hangers when you get into rock crawling with them...where as a ranger or Bronco II will not (breakover angle)

They make excellent vehicles!!!
96 is a TANK
I have/will have all the parts you could ever need for a Gen II Explorer, I am located in Idaho this is my hobby :)

hope this helps!

Last edited on Sat Jun 23rd, 2018 09:47 am by 410customs

____________________
I build custom RBV, specializing in drivetrain conversions, wiring, suspension and complete custom trucks

Already liked - 1 like likes

black06xlt

Posted: Sat Jun 23rd, 2018 11:17 am

5^th Post

Mike69

Mustang Nut

Joined: Sun Oct 22nd, 2017

Location: Horsepasture, USA

Posts: 1690

Name: Mike ...

Occupation: Semi-retired ...

Interests: Vintage Mustangs, RBV's, car shows, & woodworking ...

Status:

Offline

Reputation:

Reputation Points: 1690

black06xlt, my wife did the same thing, I purchased a 99 Explorer Sport to use a spare vehicle in case either of our DD's were to be laid up for repairs for a bit. She decided to take the 99 Sport as her DD instead of the 08 Escape she was using because she likes the more truck like ride/size of the Explorer over the more car like ride/size of the Escape, & she has had 2 Explorer Sport's before. I am a member of serious explorations Explorer forum for when I need help/answers on her Explorer.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/index.php

____________________
21 Bronco Sport Big Bend (Wife's DD)
05 F150 XLT Reg Cab, 2WD, 5.4L, Auto (My DD)
00 Ranger Extd Cab 4x4 4.0 OHV, Auto
99 Explorer Sport 4x4 4.0 SOHC, Auto
69 Mustang Coupe 5.0, 5 spd 9" rear(Project)
14 Kawasaki Vulcan (Wife's Toy)

Already liked - 1 like likes

black06xlt

Posted: Sat Jun 23rd, 2018 01:19 pm

6^th Post

black06xlt
Coal miner

Joined: Sat Nov 25th, 2017

Location: Flushing, Ohio USA

Posts: 1738

Name:

Occupation:

Interests: my wife my kids ford rangers ...

Status:

Offline

Reputation:

Reputation Points: 1738

410customs wrote:
I can help right here

What do you need to know?
I have owned over 30 of them, we call them the Gen II Explorer from 95-01
Yours is a wicked beast, seriously 1996 is a very good year for the Explorer and the first year of the 5.0L 302 V8
You have a nice machine there she is wise to want to keep it
I have been building explorers of all types for over 20 years now, I specialize in the 5.0
what would you like to know?

I personally first thing = ditch the awd, convert it to a true 4x4 transfer case
It saves wear on the front end, it gives you a huge power gain in 2wd (passing gear) it saves front tires, and it gains you 3-4 mpg (pays for itself)

All 5.0 explorers are 3.73 gears
Another great upgrade is 4.10 front and rear diffs which can be had from many other explorers, many sports, and sohc engine Gen II's had 4.10 you can find the rear axle / front diff and bolt them in

MANY MANY MANY performance modifications available for the GT40 V8 and the 4r70w trans, seriously sky is the limit, 280-300hp is obtainable with bolt on's to your engine, supercharging is popular there have been some very fast v8 explorers. We like to unleash the beast here and remove much of the Ford Soccer mom suv things. A good exhaust, some performance headers, camshaft, AWD delete, small lift...you get the idea

The best explorer site is and has always been explorer4x4.com I used to moderate over there when I owned my 96

The main difference between a 98-11 Ranger and a Gen II Explorer is:
Explorer came with V8 and 4r70w auto trans
The explorer has rear disc brakes and a 31 spline 8.8 in the rear
The explorer is spring under in the rear end, the leafs go under the axle for better SUV like handling Also the leaf springs are under the frame rails, not outside of them like a Ranger. So the explorer likes to get hung up on these leaf hangers when you get into rock crawling with them...where as a ranger or Bronco II will not (breakover angle)

They make excellent vehicles!!!
96 is a TANK
I have/will have all the parts you could ever need for a Gen II Explorer, I am located in Idaho this is my hobby :)

hope this helps!
Thanks it helps alot. I've had 14 rangers over the years and 1 exp the 96 makes my 2nd. I know the expo shares alot with the ranger. How similar are the front suspensions between the 2? And what would converting from awd to 4x4 take? Obviously transfer case. Would the ranger be a good donor vehicle for that? I work in a salvage yard as a dismantler I get rangers all the time not to many gen 2 expos.

____________________
1995 ranger splash (pieces)

Already liked -

Posted: Mon Jun 25th, 2018 08:58 am

7^th Post

NoPower

Don

Joined: Fri Oct 20th, 2017

Location: Grove City, Ohio USA

Posts: 590

Name: Don ...

Occupation: Retired ...

Interests: Grand Kids,Car Shows,DYI projects ...

Status:

Offline

Reputation:

Reputation Points: 590

It really doesn't matter at this point. Once the Mrs's said she wanted it, the planed project was axed. :pat

____________________
1984 ElCamino (Show Car)
2000 Mustang (Show Car)
1995 Chrysler Concord belong to Earl
2014 Ford Escape SE 1.6 Turbo
1958 Wife (Arm Candy)
15 Grand Children

Already liked -

Posted: Mon Jun 25th, 2018 09:50 am

8^th Post

Idahome

Joined: Wed May 2nd, 2018

Location: Panhandle, Idaho USA

Posts: 2165

Name: Jamie ...

Occupation: Elevator Design Worlds Tallest Buildings ...

Interests: Ranger Based Vehicles and OFFROAD ...

Status:

Offline

Reputation:

Reputation Points: 2165

F150- expedition is a good donor for the AWd to 4x4 conversion
drop the awd t case
install a 4406M from a 4.6 or 5.4 F150
Install front and rear driveshafts from 4.6 F150 (rear need to be shortened)
Hook up the two dash lights for 4x4 and low range and you are done

The front suspension is nearly identical, only difference is the Ranger uses vacuum hubs. By installing explorer knuckles/cv axles/ wheel bearings you can delete the vacuum hubs from a ranger

____________________
I build custom RBV, specializing in drivetrain conversions, wiring, suspension and complete custom trucks

Already liked -

Posted: Mon Jun 25th, 2018 12:25 pm

9^th Post

JAMMAN

Owns A Torsen

Joined: Mon Sep 18th, 2017

Location: Grove City, Ohio USA

Posts: 6429

Name: Jim ...

Occupation: 5 axis cnc programmer ...

Interests: RBV's ...

Status:

Offline

Reputation:

Reputation Points: 6429

410, will the 4406M bolt on to the 4R70W automatic without modifications?

Also (probably another thread worthy) what is the best way to identify a 4406M? Case markings or were they only in certain year vehicles or???

____________________
00 XLT 4WD RCSB 3.GO! JalapeÃ±o
01 XLT 2WD RC Steppie 3.0 auto Silver
The future belongs to those who show up.

Already liked -

Posted: Mon Jun 25th, 2018 01:43 pm

10^th Post

V8 Level II
Member

Joined: Tue Dec 5th, 2017

Location: Michigan, USA

Posts: 118

Name:

Occupation:

Interests:

Status:

Offline

Reputation:

Reputation Points: 118

My 4406M bolted up to the Explorer 4R70W extension housing without modifications. Bonus, the extension housing had the correct bosses to mount the 4406 manual shift linkage!

One issue is limited clearance for the linkage inside the tunnel. Easy enough to overcome though.

Also, the wimpy factory Ex 5.0 transmission mount is not even up to the task for the small original AWD case. The huge (by comparison) 4406 will destroy it even quicker.

The manual 4406 case is easily ID'd because it doesn't have the electric shift motor on the back and it does have a small shift arm on the front.

When I was looking, the most common donors were 96~03 4.2 V6 F150 4x4 with manual transmission. Less common is the F150/F250 w/modular V8/manual transmission/4x4 of the same years. Also may find on the 2004 "Heritage" model with the same powertrains.

Last edited on Mon Jun 25th, 2018 04:11 pm by V8 Level II

____________________
2003 FX4 Level II, Supercharged 5.0L V8, Headers, Duals, BW4406 manual T/C
Aussie Locker, Torsen L/S, 4.10's, Bilstein 7100 rezzies, Cadillac/Mustang rear discs, Duff traction bars
Keypad Entry, Lock LEDs, sway bar discos, Heated seats, Explorer EATC, Trip Computer and consoles

Other rides:
2016 C-MAX Energi (plug-in Hybrid)
2011 Taurus SEL (highway cruiser)
2003 Ranger 2.3L M5ODR1 Regular Cab (drudge)

Already liked -

Posted: Mon Jun 25th, 2018 05:20 pm

11^th Post

JAMMAN

Owns A Torsen

Joined: Mon Sep 18th, 2017

Location: Grove City, Ohio USA

Posts: 6429

Name: Jim ...

Occupation: 5 axis cnc programmer ...

Interests: RBV's ...

Status:

Offline

Reputation:

Reputation Points: 6429

OK Adam gives you something to look for, a pair of 4406's. One for you and one for me. I'm serious.

____________________
00 XLT 4WD RCSB 3.GO! JalapeÃ±o
01 XLT 2WD RC Steppie 3.0 auto Silver
The future belongs to those who show up.

Already liked -

Posted: Tue Jun 26th, 2018 04:52 am

12^th Post

black06xlt
Coal miner

Joined: Sat Nov 25th, 2017

Location: Flushing, Ohio USA

Posts: 1738

Name:

Occupation:

Interests: my wife my kids ford rangers ...

Status:

Offline

Reputation:

Reputation Points: 1738

I'll look into it

____________________
1995 ranger splash (pieces)

Already liked -

Posted: Tue Jun 26th, 2018 09:55 am

13^th Post

Idahome

Joined: Wed May 2nd, 2018

Location: Panhandle, Idaho USA

Posts: 2165

Name: Jamie ...

Occupation: Elevator Design Worlds Tallest Buildings ...

Interests: Ranger Based Vehicles and OFFROAD ...

Status:

Offline

Reputation:

Reputation Points: 2165

I know where there are 3 of them right now
4.6 and 5.4 F150 often had the manual t case
98-04 I think it is
The hard part is making sure you also get the SHIFTER and linkage!! many times the transmission will already be missing from the junk yard = the T case shifter went with it
Good time to grab your front and rear driveshafts also

No mods needed for 4406 to bolt up
Also only the first ones had a speed sensor in the tailhousing so if your ranger is pre 98 you will want a 4406 with VSS in the tailhousing

I have converted at least 7 explorers from AWD to 4x4 using the 4406m and two using the electric shift

The 4406e (electric shift) can also be done but it requires a fuel tank from an Explorer sport and some tricky 4x4 control module wiring

If you find a 4.2L truck and it has a manual transmission, grab that stinking transmission too, the M5OD 5 speed behind the 302 is a sought after junk yard part these days :)

You can modifiy any AOD/ AODE mustang auto transmission mount to work with your explorer trans crossmember. I have a custom urethane trans mount from Autofab I run in my trucks

Last edited on Tue Jun 26th, 2018 09:56 am by 410customs

____________________
I build custom RBV, specializing in drivetrain conversions, wiring, suspension and complete custom trucks

Already liked -

Posted: Tue Jun 26th, 2018 07:53 pm

14^th Post

black06xlt
Coal miner

Joined: Sat Nov 25th, 2017

Location: Flushing, Ohio USA

Posts: 1738

Name:

Occupation:

Interests: my wife my kids ford rangers ...

Status:

Offline

Reputation:

Reputation Points: 1738

The 4.2L has a small block bell housing?

____________________
1995 ranger splash (pieces)

Already liked -

Posted: Tue Jun 26th, 2018 08:24 pm

15^th Post

black06xlt
Coal miner

Joined: Sat Nov 25th, 2017

Location: Flushing, Ohio USA

Posts: 1738

Name:

Occupation:

Interests: my wife my kids ford rangers ...

Status:

Offline

Reputation:

Reputation Points: 1738

This may sound stupid but will the front and rear brakes off of gen 3 explorer fit my 96? Sometimes I wish I knew more about the Explorer

____________________
1995 ranger splash (pieces)

Already liked -

Posted: Wed Jun 27th, 2018 01:01 am

16^th Post

V8 Level II
Member

Joined: Tue Dec 5th, 2017

Location: Michigan, USA

Posts: 118

Name:

Occupation:

Interests:

Status:

Offline

Reputation:

Reputation Points: 118

black06xlt wrote:
The 4.2L has a small block bell housing?
The bolt pattern is the same for small block Windsor and 4.2L V6. The V6 used metric hardware to the block, so the holes in the V6 bellhousing need to be drilled out slightly to allow the larger V8 bolts to pass through. This is a quick and easy job. The two alignment pins are the same size on both so no mods needed there.

Already liked - 1 like likes

Dreaded sled

Posted: Wed Jun 27th, 2018 09:10 am

17^th Post

Idahome

Joined: Wed May 2nd, 2018

Location: Panhandle, Idaho USA

Posts: 2165

Name: Jamie ...

Occupation: Elevator Design Worlds Tallest Buildings ...

Interests: Ranger Based Vehicles and OFFROAD ...

Status:

Offline

Reputation:

Reputation Points: 2165

Gen II explorer not Gen III

Gen III is 2002+ and they have IRS no more solid axle
The rear disc brakes from a 95-01 Explorer can be made to fit your ranger but you are better off just using the entire explorer rear axle IMO

The front brakes are the same except for 02-05 Sports and Sport tracs had different knuckles with larger rotors
A nice upgrade for 98+ rangers is to use the knuckles from a 02=05 Sport or Sport trac and get the larger rotors plus you can delete the vacuum hubs

____________________
I build custom RBV, specializing in drivetrain conversions, wiring, suspension and complete custom trucks

Already liked -

Posted: Wed Jun 27th, 2018 12:07 pm

18^th Post

V8 Level II
Member

Joined: Tue Dec 5th, 2017

Location: Michigan, USA

Posts: 118

Name:

Occupation:

Interests:

Status:

Offline

Reputation:

Reputation Points: 118

410customs wrote:

A nice upgrade for 98+ rangers is to use the knuckles from a 02=05 Sport or Sport trac and get the larger rotors plus you can delete the vacuum hubs
Yes, great mod for 98~2003.5 model year 4x4 Rangers that came with the 11.28" rotors.

2003.5 and newer 4x4 Rangers already have the 12" front brakes/knuckles like the 2001~2005 4x4 Tracs and 2001+ 4x4 Explorer Sports.

Already liked - 1 like likes

410customs

Posted: Wed Jun 27th, 2018 05:25 pm

19^th Post

black06xlt
Coal miner

Joined: Sat Nov 25th, 2017

Location: Flushing, Ohio USA

Posts: 1738

Name:

Occupation:

Interests: my wife my kids ford rangers ...

Status:

Offline

Reputation:

Reputation Points: 1738

410customs wrote:
Gen II explorer not Gen III

Gen III is 2002+ and they have IRS no more solid axle
The rear disc brakes from a 95-01 Explorer can be made to fit your ranger but you are better off just using the entire explorer rear axle IMO

The front brakes are the same except for 02-05 Sports and Sport tracs had different knuckles with larger rotors
A nice upgrade for 98+ rangers is to use the knuckles from a 02=05 Sport or Sport trac and get the larger rotors plus you can delete the vacuum hubs
I use 94-2004 Mustang rear discs on my rangers. Its easier then changing the whole axle

____________________
1995 ranger splash (pieces)

Already liked - 1 like likes

410customs