Since it's a 4x4 rear end the "pumpkin" is offset so that in a 4x4 explorer, it will line up with the transfer case, which is also offset. (I believe that's the reason, I could be slightly wrong)
For example, from one side of the "pumpkin" to the end of the axle is 52" on one side, and 55" on the other.
The mod is to simply cut it and weld it back in place a few inches shorter. User "MonsterBilly" started a thread and has already modified a few like I plan to do, I'm hoping he will at least write up a basic guide to help.

Thanks for the kind words Marc! I'll get some pics tomorrow if I get a chance!


Thanks! What primer should I use and where should I get it?

 

Did you pick up a short side axle for the rear yet??

 

I believe I need the passenger side axle to make them the same, I shouldn't have a problem finding one. I have however read of one user on here leaving the axle offset. I'm PMing him now to see what he did.

 

for the $150 about it is to have a shop to cut straighten and weld on leaf plates, i would not leave it offset.

 

For the weld thru primer, any brand is ok - we used U-Pol.

 

You think a shop would cut the sides to match, weld them back up, and put on leaf plates all for $150? Heck, that's more worthwhile for me cause I really don't want to mess up the axle I'll be thrashing on...

Thanks, I'll pick some up soon!

 

At tin man fab which is up where i live. If i bring them the axle tore down with no guts in it and remove the existing explorer brackets on the tubes. They will straighten, shorten the one side and weld the leaf plates on. A shop told me most axles are bent a bit and need the straighing. Yes you could do it yourself but when I think about it 150 or so for a peace of mind knowing it was done by a shop that knows what their doing is worth it to me.

 

I totally agree, I just didn't know I could get it done for that price. It makes sense though if you bring it in gutted. All they have to do is cut and reweld it.
And it's definitely worth that peace of mind!

I'm actually going to my local shop in the next few days to ask what machine shop they would recommend I take my engine to. I'll ask them what they'll quote me for the straightening and shortening.

I'll still have to rebuild the axle, but I'm up for that task.
Funny thing is, $150 is cheap for all that work in my opinion, and yet that's DOUBLE what I paid for the axle itself, haha.

 

Update on the engine progress here:
https://mustangforums.com/forum/clas...ml#post7443884

I've decided to update my engine progress in that thread so I can keep my plans and progress in one spot, that way I can better keep track of things. Whenever I make progress on it though, I'll probably occasionally update it here with a link to that thread.

 

Update time

Primed the roof and rear package tray:












Welded in the new driver side apron panel:


Now dealing with the passenger side battery apron:
The old:


The new:






Lining things up:


Should be welding it in soon