I just grabbed an explorer rear end from the salvage yard the other day and I finally got around to checking it over and what not. While replacing the brake pads I noticed that I could slide the rotor on the driver side in and out about a little more than a 1/16". The passenger side wouldn't budge. I pulled the cover off and drained the fluid and saw that it was actually the axle sliding in and out when I pulled on the rotor. My question is: Is there supposed to be any play in the axles? I thought maybe it could be that it might have c-clip axles and i've heard that those do have a little play. I know this isn't exactly 4.6 related but you guys seem to know a little bit about everything so I hoped you fellas could help me diagnose this and tell me if it is a problem, and if it is how to go about fixing.

 

An explorer is a 31 spline and a mustang has 28 spline axles.

 

I know that holmes. Its replacing the open 8.8 I've got in my ranger.

 

8.8" is a c-clip rear. The play should go away when you torque down the wheel.

 

I was a mechanic at a ford dealer for a few years and I can tell you that slight in/out movement in the axle is normal. It is because of the c-clip holding the axle in the differential housing - nothing to worry about. As far as the other side sticking, if I remember correctly, the emergency brake pads are shoesbehind the rotor that work similar to rear drum shoes. These shoes have a tendency to stick to the inside of the rotor, especially if they are worn down to the metal or adjusted out too far. It can be a real pain getting the rotor off if the shoes stick, takes big pry bars and hammers. Hope this helps out.

 

Thanks a million guys. I wondered why I couldn't get the damn rotors off... Prybar you say eh?

 

You know I've always wondered why I never hear anyone using Explorer rear axles since they come with 31 splines and 3.73s(right Zack?).

Since you bought it I've been wondering why nobody uses them on the Mustang. It must not work because if it did everyone would be doing it.

 

It doesn't have any mounts for control arms. Not only that but i'm sure its a good bit wider than the mustang. I know ima roll the fender lips to get it to tuck.

 

And yes, a lot of explorer's are 3.73 w/ trac-lok.

 

thats if you took the axle housing - shouldnt you be able to take the diff and the axles and put it in the housing