I just picked up an axle from a 99 Exploder. 3.55 open and disc brakes so I figured I might as well start a build thread for it.

I already have it stripped down and started cleaning it up. I'm painting the calipers red, the backing plates and housing black, and getting a new diff cover. I still need a new set of gears and an LSD.
Stripped pics, and my findings.
Needs rotors, pads, parking brake shoes and hardware:






Need to clean up my backing plates:


Gears are alright, just not what I need, its a 3.55 open:





Bearings are good too:




Stripped:


I got the mounts cut off, I just have to have a buddy weld the perches on the top, paint it up, and reassemble it.
I did paint the calipers though:



Gutted and cleaned:

The finished total is going to be about $627.99 at the most. It all depends on what I can find at the Pick-n-Pull. Right now the perches and shock mounts are getting welded on. So it will be a while...
Research has told me that the front P-brake cable is the same on both the Exploder and the Ranger, all I need to make it work would be the intermediate and rear cables. I just bought a used R&P, so that should be here soon, and the housing should be finished up within a week. I might be able to pick up a new LSD carrier for cheap at the Pick-N-Pull, so that will help. Picked up new seals and inner pinion bearing just in case I need it. All the bearing are still good so we'll see. Just need rotors, pads, shoes, spring kit, R&P kit, and brake lines.
Started picking up parts to start reassembling my axle when I get it back.
New pads:


New seals and inner pinion bearing:

New brake line:

Got my R&P in yesterday. Now I just need to find someone to install it cheap. And I saw my new shock mounts... 1/4" plate... Heavy as hell, I like em. LOL
Housing:

PS brackets:

DS brackets:

Shock Mounts:


New Seals:

4.10 R&P:




And on a side note, I got a new tailgate and speakers.
Tailgate:




Speakers:


I used the Expo pass. hose on both sides.
Axle to caliper: DORMAN Part # H380528
Truck to axle: DORMAN Part # H38813
Here's the tally of everything so far:
Axle: $109.32
Pinion seal and axle seals: $13.74
Pinion Bearing: $15.40
Wearever Silver pads and 3/16"x60" coated brake line: $24.85
Current Total: $163.31
I don't think thats too bad so far

good job man i will put mine up when i get a chance

meh looks ok.. i hope u plan on doing something more with those shock mounts.

not even close to done yet.

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2006 Ford Ranger FX4 Level II
torsion bar crank, 32x11.50R15's, DSG Alcoa's, S10 Blazer short OHC, black interior, Sonar projector headlights, taillight mod, Nightshades, hood/grille blackout, glasspack and resonator tip side exhaust, Xtang Blackmagic tonneau cover, THE original STX swap.
1986 Ford Bronco XLT
2013 Ford Focus SE

Be careful with those motor city bearings. I bought that brand hub bearings and had to replace them within like 2 months.

um did you include R&P in your cost? and labor costs. I can do all the welding and stuff but would take it somewhere for the R&P and gear setup. I just dont have the right tools and experience. Thanks for the part #s There are a few Exploders in our local pick & pull may have to look for one with disks.

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04 Ford Ranger Edge
3.0 V6 Auto SuperChips Programer
air box and blinker mods