waggy axle/leafs

[thebison]

Alright so i got my 88 ranger ready to get under construction, i went to the local junkyard and spotted a waggy D44 and im going to completely restore because it has sat in the junkyard for quite a while or must of because it was under a crap load of or random axels, its the only one in the yard and has 3.30 gears and im going to order in a set of 4.56 once i pick it up which is most likley tommorow. question is, when im ready to set it in what leaf springs should i go with? i was thinking mabey a 6 inch rearched rears and just mount them up front? could i use yota leafs? what has the best flex.

[LittleBigFoot]

I've heard the 3" yota leafs do quite well in the front with a waggy 44. Check the build threads. I was going to go with a waggy44 till i decided to go with coils etc.

Check your gear ratio. Waggys came stock with a 2.73:1 ratio IIRC.

[zainyD]]

It really doesn't matter what gear ratio the axle came with since you're planning on regearing, but keep in mind that you'll probably need to buy 4.56 thick gears if you plan on re-using the stock carrier.

Also, buy the best rebuild components you can afford. Better to spend a bit more now than replace everything later on down the road.

Look into using the stock Wagoneer front leaf springs. They are made up of seven leaves and many people use them when doing the same thing you are planning on doing. Yota leaves are also popular as are Rancho 44044's.

You will probably need a pair of small bearing spindles to convert the Waggy axle from the stock 6 lug to 5 lug.

Good luck with your project.

Also, this should probably be under the extreme suspension section.....