Loren, I am saddened at such a harsh post by you. Which is flawed.
1. I did not say the axle is weak. My concern was cost.
2. The axle isn't so expensive, as the brakes are. For the cost of a new drum "$300", I got an entire axle. Which in turn will also help my highway rpms, Which in turn makes my future brake jobs for the rear, dirt cheap.
3. I never said only recent axles have the right ratios. I bought this one strictly because of its cheaper cost. Not based on its age at all.
4. There is very little engineering involved in this swap. Also the fact that my new axle was hand delivered to my shop. I didn't have to go "anywhere"
5. There is no issue with my axle choice.
6. I did not say I was trying to "upgrade" my brakes. They are just brakes, and much cheaper ones at that. I kept it simple.
I have spent my time wisely, as well as my funds. The result will be a happier car on the highway, and cheaper brakes. I have an account with major parts suppliers. I can now just "click" brake shoes for a 1992 Ford Explorer, and they deliver them to my shop within the hour. Not happening with Lockheed brakes.
I tried to be a nice guy and give this forum some notoriety, as I have nearly over half a million followers, and it is repaid by bashing, and fault finding, and focusing on flaws.
How disheartening.