Difference Between 94-98 Rear End and 99-04?

[cntchds]

I have many awful noises that my rear end emits from the right side. I've done everything I can do to try to fix it: Brake pads, slider pins, axle bearing, wheel, tire, to no avail. I'm thinking that if I brought it to a shop to have it checked out it would be 100 bucks gone, then whatever cost for what work needs to be done. Whole axles brake to brake go for around $300 around here(either 94-98 or 99-04) on CL and a local Ford forum. I know that the 99-04s are slightly wider, but my biggest question is, what is: I have an EVM Watts link, and I do not know if it was year specific to 94-98 or if it was applicable to all SN95s. If it is year specific, what difference is there in the mounting? Maybe it's framerail stuff that doesn't matter since that's not changing, or possibly how the shock mounts are located on the New Edge, or even the diameter of the axle tubes? The only reason I am looking at New Edge rear ends is because generally they have fewer miles, and hopefully that equates to less problems, but if modifications have to be made to my Watts, or if it simply won't work, my search will be for only early SN95 rear ends.

Sorry for the lengthy question...

 

[ReplicaR]

EVM watts link will work on the new edge. Plenty of people on CC running those on new edge. One thing you gotta keep in mind is that ABS setup is different, so you will need all the lines off your old axle.

 

[cntchds]

ABS hasn't been working on my car since I got it, so that isn't really a concern of mine. Thanks!

Now you've got me curious though, why the different panhard bars for FoxSN95 and New Edges if my watts will bolt up to either?

 

[ReplicaR]

Because the axle is wider, it probably requires a different length panhard bar. I remember looking at EVM website, and I don't remember seeing a different option for a later year car. Worst case scenario, you will have to do some minor fabrication.