I do like the TTB axle but I am in the minority it seems like as most everyone that takes theirs off road eventually swaps in a solid axle. I feel it is a great mix for any technical stretches of trail and then the long desert roads or fire roads and the manners on road I dont mind. .
I think the solid axle is way overrated.
I still have the TTB axle (HP D35) under mine also. It's hardly had any failures, and has taken me everywhere I've needed it to (even over California's Dusy/Ershim and Rubicon trails, among others).
Like with any other setup, everything has to work properly with everything, you can't just stick some stiff old-school lift springs under one and pay no attention to the steering linkage geometry and expect it to perform well. Unfortunately that's exactly what most of the suspension lift industry has done, which makes poking through a catalog and throwing whatever poorly-engineered crap they might recommend at it unlikely to have satisfactory results. Many guys don't seem to realize this and assume the solid axle is the only answer (which certainly it does solve the issue quite well, though there are easier ways to go about it). Unlike with A-arm IFS, building a TTB setup can be done pretty cheaply and still get some great results out of it, some of which can't be had with the solid axle.
As for aftermarket, it's actually pretty good for the drivetrain (nearly any type of locker & gear ratios you could ever want, double transfercase kits/Atlas t-case, etc.)... Where it's not so strong is in the body bolt-ons department (bumpers, armor, skidplates, etc.). I've built most of the stuff for mine also, which actually saves a lot of dough in the process too (if you've ever seen what a swingout tire carrier/bumper setup goes for lately :Wow1: ). Building your own also lets you personalize it for your own use, instead of having something that was made for the masses.
Neither the Explorer or Ranger have much ammo to change your negative opinion. Look towards a Ford with a manual transfer case, manual hubs, and 1 ton axles.
The Explorers and rangers market is to provide what the imports have at a lower price. I've allways found quality lacking in those trucks. I don't think Ford puts the same effort into all it's vehicles. Those to have allways felt less like a F150/350, and more like a Topaz/Tempo/Escort to me.
The Explorer is called "the exploder" for a reason. My friends have had better luck using Subaru's as Expo vehicles. I don't find either easy to work on. My honest opinion is to look at the offerings around that size from Toyota, Mitsubishi (dismal warranty service, but if you're OK with used, no problem), or Nissan.
To everyone that's had good luck with them, more power to ya, I'm glad to hear it. But if my company switches to Rangers as service vehicles when the Van plant shuts down............ I'm quitting.
Seems a little ignorant to base the quitting of your job over something like that...
But to each his own.
I think I can safely say you shouldn't have to worry about that happening though. You could wind up with Colorados instead. lol
