cuda67bnl said:
The other guy cut 3 inches off the left tube and it ended up 1 inch wider than an a-body rear. If you cut 4 inches off the tube instead of 3, it sounds like it would be the right length overall.
So, in looking into this further, the explorer pinion is offset to the left side by 2.25. This means that you could cut 2.25 off of the right side and then use a factory replacement axle left side axle to get an overall width of 57.25 WMS to WMS. If A-Body width is 55.6, then you are still very close, with very little work.
You would still need to do the following:
-Shorten the housing
-Cut and re-weld the spring perches
-(Maybe) cut and re-weld the shock mounts.
-Get a replacement short side axle
-(Maybe) Get new rims with appropriate offset to accommodate 1.125" wider axle per side.
All in all, you are looking at paying a competent welder to do part of this...and you are purchasing a new axle shaft. I would imagine with good "pick-a-part" skills you could do this very cheap ~$200 to $400 max (+ new rims). My Jeep buddies do this conversion all the time, and they stand up to 35+ inch tires with ARB lockers and HUGE torque.
Compare this with the following (Purely estimates, YMMV):
At the spring fling a few weeks ago, I bought a 489 case with 3.23 gears (peg leg) for $80. A guy from this group will ship you an A-body width 8 3/4 for $250 to $300. A set of factory A body 8 3/4 axle shafts can be had for between $100 and $200. Depending on the bolt pattern, brakes would be another $100 or so. So, you could have an A body 8 3/4 for about $600 (VERY cheap, I know). Then a sure grip unit would be another $450...so you are over $1000 for the 8 3/4.
Again, YMMV (Your Mileage May Very).
If you go this route, take lots of pictures, and write it all up.
Sounds like it could be an alternative for folks who do not need the ultimate strength of the 8 3/4.
Thanks,
Clint S
San Gabriel