Mazda Navajo = Explorer Sport ?

[IR8NOTCH]

Hello all. I am looking for a 4.0 donor vehicle for my 88 BII. I have access to a 94 Mazda Navajo lx. Is this essentially a 94 Explorer Sport? Would the electrical,or drivetrain be any different as far as the swap goes. I am planning to swap both diffs,motor/trans and complete dash. If there are differences,would I be better off with an exploder for any reason?
Thanks,Chris

 

[fordrngr]

Yes the Mazda Navajo is the Explorer Sport.

 

[adsm08]

Navajo is an explorer, plain and simple. The rear end won't work well as the explorers had the leaves slung under the axle where all other RBVs including your bronco have them slung over the rear. You will need to either get the spring perches re-welded to the top or get a Ranger 8.8.

 

[IR8NOTCH]

Navajo is an explorer, plain and simple. The rear end won't work well as the explorers had the leaves slung under the axle where all other RBVs including your bronco have them slung over the rear. You will need to either get the spring perches re-welded to the top or get a Ranger 8.8.

I was planning on welding the perches on top. Not that big of a deal.Are the shock brackets the same,or do they have to be moved also?

 

[1badexplorer]

The shock brackets are on the u-bolt plate on the mazda so you will need to weld some onto the axle before you swap

 

[adsm08]

You may also need to scoot your tranny crossmember mount brackets to the rear set of holes depending on the trans that your B2 already has.

 

[IR8NOTCH]

Well it seems as I am still looking for a donor. I have sent email,and called about 6 different craigslist ads for exploders in the $500-$1000 range and no one has responded.I guess they aren't really for sale.
The search continues!!
Thanks for the replies.
Chris

 

[Ozwynn]

The rear end won't work well as the explorers had the leaves slung under the axle where all other RBVs including your bronco have them slung over the rear. You will need to either get the spring perches re-welded to the top or get a Ranger 8.8.

or you can get an Explorer spring over axle lift and get longer shocks .......

 

[IR8NOTCH]

or you can get an Explorer spring over axle lift and get longer shocks .......

That doesn't sound like a bad idea.
I might just put the stock exploder springs in the rear and get a leveling kit for the front. I dont really want to lift it much,because I will be using it as a DD to keep miles of my truck.
Thanks,Chris

 

[IR8NOTCH]

Well the guy finally called me back on the navajo,so i went and picked it up. Its a shame Im going to use it for parts as its in pretty nice shape.
I think I am going to pick up a evtm for 94 explorer,and one for my 88 bII and start the swap.I do think I will look for some better diffs to swap in though. The Mazda has a 3.27 open 8.8. I was hoping for at least 3.73. I think it would be cheaper to get the rears I want out of the local u-pullit than to build them both and find a traction-lock for the 8.8. I have set-up tons of diffs,but was hoping to just get lucky I guess.Ha