I'm brand new to lowering, so I'm all ears.

I'm thinking of lowering my 1993 standard cab, using an explorer rear axle to get the drop in the back. I picture just grabbing an entire explorer rear axle, springs and all and just bolting it in. The only things I can think of that should require any extra attention are brakes, shock mounts, possibly u joints. Maybe some shims for the pinion angle.

I like that idea since I'll be able to kill like five birds with that stone. Lower, 8.8, better gears, stiffer springs, disc brakes, and a limited slip if I'm lucky. Is it as simple as I think?

Assuming my expo axle drop works, I'll have to address the front probably. It already sits nose down by quite a bit, so hopefully I won't have to go far to get it level. It's it possible to lower my I beam front end and get my camber back in speck without spending a fortune. It's perfect right now (factory), and i get even wear on my fronts, I'd like to keep it that way.

Is what I'm thinking a realistic plan? Any suggestions?

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2008 FX4 4.0, Automatic, 4.10 8.8 L/S, cheap fiberglass shell
Torsion crank\shackle lift
285/75 16 duratracs on factory rims (yes, they rub)
Sony\JL Audio sound and connectivity
Sold: 1993 Ford Ranger 3.0, 2wd, automatic
Sold: 1998 Ford Ranger 2.5, 2wd, standard

The problem with using Explorer springs on a Ranger is they lift the Ranger approx 2". Many people use them instead of lift blocks or in my case, I got rid of my add-a-leaf and got way better ride qualities.

If you run them with an Explorer axle in the Explorer spring-under fashion, you'll drop the Ranger only about 3" or so, instead of the 5" a flip-kit gives.

As for the U-joints, you probably need to run a 1310 to 1330 conversion joint and grab a 1330 yoke. The Explorer runs larger joints than your Ranger does. Newer Rangers share the same size as Expo.

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'01 XLT disguised as a '03 Fx4 Level II.

So if I just bolt it in like it is (spring under) it should give me about a three inch drop in the back? That doesn't sound bad to me. I'm not really looking to slam it. If I want to go lower in the future I'm sure I could do shackles or just putt my ranger leaves under the expo axle. Seams like a cheap way to get a few things out of a low cost, minimal effort mod.

As for the drive shaft, are there parts I need to grab off any vehicles besides mine and the expo to make it work? I haven't even looked at that yet on an expo.

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2008 FX4 4.0, Automatic, 4.10 8.8 L/S, cheap fiberglass shell
Torsion crank\shackle lift
285/75 16 duratracs on factory rims (yes, they rub)
Sony\JL Audio sound and connectivity
Sold: 1993 Ford Ranger 3.0, 2wd, automatic
Sold: 1998 Ford Ranger 2.5, 2wd, standard

You should sit around 4 to 5" out back.

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1996 Ranger XLT | 2.3L 5 speed | 7/9 dropped |

2015 F150 XLT | 2.7 EcoBoost 6R80 | 4/6 dropped | wife’s truck!