OK you still need to drop the ***** pan AND the diff cover in the rear. While it is possible on explorers its not very common for them to strip the spirder/pinion gears in the rear. Also if you find a rear end the ratio that MATCHES your front end ratio or say good bye to your 4wd. is it more likely your ***** as ALL older explorers at some point will have problems with the *****. Dont bother buying one from a junk yard unless it comes with like a 2yr warranty..and they never do.