Explorer IRS

[skblixt96]

Has anyone successfully installed an Explorer IRS vs a Thunderbird IRS? Just weighing the options incase I want to use my bump for something heavier than cruising from time to time.

Shan

[michael9218]

Bumping this as I'm also curious if anyone has "explored" using an Explorer or Expedition IRS. I like the idea of IRS but worry the T-Bird IRS is too light duty for half ton truck duty.

[Craigerf100]

I assume "IRS" is indipendent rear suspension?
I never new explorer IRS. What year did this start?

[ultraranger]

I assume "IRS" is indipendent rear suspension?
I never knew explorer IRS. What year did this start?

Don't know if this IRS is easily adaptable but, the Explorers prior to '95 had solid axle 8.8" rear ends with drum brakes. From '95-'01 the Explorer had solid axle 8.8" rear ends with disc brakes. From 2002-present, the Explorers are equipped with IRS disc brake rear ends.

2001-earlier Explorers have 5 x 4.5" lug patterns. I don't know if the '02-present Explorers have the same lug pattern or, if it's something different(?).

[Canonman67]

http://www.discountedwheelwarehouse.com ... erence.cfm

Looks like it's 4 1/2 inch pattern from 1991 to at least 2014, might be something to consider along with a CV swap.

[Pepper2829]

Starting in 2011, with the new body style (popular with police now) has a rear sub frame as the explorers are more like a unibody construction. I discovered this when I was painting the calipers on my wife's 2013. (That's when the wheels started turning on possible swap)
2002 to 2010 still have a full frame, cheaper to get into, but you would be grafting the frame section or fabbing all the attaching points.(Other than 2 door models up to 2004, they retained solid axle)
I've been looking into it for my '72....no one seems to have done it yet.

[Pepper2829]

Doing some further looking online, apparently the Taurus (also police unit) has the same carrier or center section as Explorer.
The entire rear sub frame, k member, looks the same for the Taurus.
http://m.ebay.com/itm/13-14-Ford-Taurus ... nav=SEARCH
Too bad Number Dummy doesn't have part numbers for newer vehicles.
We are not limited to just Explorer (though that was my first thought) as mentioned, Taurus, and Lincoln MKX maybe the MKC...which might be equivalent to the Edge, Fusion is similar too, but may be lighter duty like the focus. My father in law has a 15 Fusion awd, I'll compare visually if they look similar.
If Ford was smart....they may have made all these sub frames the same.
I'll get out after lunch and measure mounting points on the Explorer subframe to see how the compare to the Thunderbird/M8/cobra as those are common swaps with mounting brackets available.
EDIT:
Looking at the details of that eBay auction. That Sub frame fits :
Taurus, Flex and MKT.....so it appears to be a car based unit.....but so is Thunderbird/M8/cobra

[Ranchero50]

The Explorer looks similar to the Cobra / CV setup according to my wife's '02. Other than fabbing perches for the subframe and struts I think it would go well. I've replaced a coil spring and one bearing hub in it's 160k life so far.

[Pepper2829]

'02 or '12?
I didn't think the '02s had a sub frame, thought it was full frame.
I thought 02-10 had a large link/control arm running along the frame ahead of the axles, a smaller one from the hub inboard and a large pocket in the frame for the coil.
This setup seems a lot more involved then a sub frame....unless you enjoy fab work and re-engineering. Lol

[Pepper2829]

2002-2005 Thunderbird and 2003-2006 Lincoln LS have a nice sub frame too, but that's getting away from Explorer

[Ranchero50]

'02 or '12?
I didn't think the '02s had a sub frame, thought it was full frame.
I thought 02-10 had a large link/control arm running along the frame ahead of the axles, a smaller one from the hub inboard and a large pocket in the frame for the coil.
This setup seems a lot more involved then a sub frame....unless you enjoy fab work and re-engineering. Lol

'02 and you're right, it is a full frame. Kids '05 LS has the subframe but they used a wonky hybrid 8.8" rear and also run an oddball 108mm bolt pattern. Those cars are 90% Jaguar's. It does have an active rear suspension so it handles amazingly well.

[Pepper2829]

I believe that's what the Thunderbird/Lincoln bolt patterns are too (108mm) and everyone swaps to Cobra parts to get the 5x4.5
There is surprisingly little info on the newer Explorers. The diff/carrier/center section (whatever you call it on an irs... someone can tell me) on the new explorers look funny with a long front/pinion area. Maybe that's just something to do with the AWD, I donno, but doesn't look like the conventional 8.8 (as it not really awd and not really a 4x4 either....it's front wheel drive till it senses slippage)
I still think Explorer subframe would be the way to go. A heck of a lot newer than Thunderbird....guys are having a hard time finding mounts etc. Probably same amount of work as Thunderbird to mount it, but less work in the sense it's the right bolt pattern.
And just an FYI...if you go this route, try to find an EcoBoost or a Pursuit (police) unit. They have better brakes. If not, I have a parts list of what you need to switch over.

[Pepper2829]

Some pics of Explorer diff, same as Taurus, Flex, etc (diff, not sub frame)
complements of eBay
Not sure if it would hold up to my 429

$_1 (4).JPG

$_1 (1).JPG

Reading this review:
http://www.fourwheeler.com/features/160 ... -platinum/
The rear is a Dana RDU 6.3"
Not the 8.8 I was hoping for

[Pepper2829]

Hey Ranchero....
How much work do you think it would be to use your 02 setup?
Just found an 03 Eddie Bauer with a blown motor just missing front sheet metal...$300