Am getting ready for some 'winter work' on my Hudsons... I plan to replace the original Hudson 4 5/9 ratio rearend with a '94 Explorer 3.73 rearend - more to follow on that.
Was looking at the Hudson rearend & springs (see below), with the thought of making the ride a bit less rough/hard. That equates to removal of some of the leafsprings (one out of 3 or 4 leafs). From the looks of things, that wouldn't be too difficult - and to make things even better, from the looks of the configuration of the springs, it would not affect the stance! (the leafs being removed from beneath the axle - so there would be no affect on the stance or height)
Rick, what is the difference in width?
[quote="Kerry Dancy" post=59]Rick, what is the difference in width?
The Explorer rearend is 59 1/2" WMS to WMS, and the diameter of the housing is 3.25". My measuring tape comes up with 61" for the '46 rearend sitting on the floor of my workshop, so the difference is 1 1/2", or 3/4" narrower on each side. In my measurements, that should not be an issue.
To use the Explorer axle and get drums, you'll need to look at '94 or earlier, as '95 and up are disc brakes.
Another 'benefit' to the Explorer is the limited slip differential, not a full locker, but IMO - better than an 'open' rearend.
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