what the hell do i do?

[2002RedRanger]

I have a 2002 Ranger with the IFS and im wanting to convert it to a solid axle. whats the best and easiest to put under the front? also what all will i need to do besides of course get the axle, coil springs, coil mounts? how much the steering linkage will have to be replaced? really any info i can get would be great!

Thanks,
Jonathan

[jimbo74]

it isnt too hard but is qutie involved. i recommend you do some searching on SAS swaps....

a lot of people narrow bronco axles... some use dana 30s from jeeps.... depends on what you want to do and how you want to run it.... here is a sweet coiled explorer that is SAS

http://www.explorer4x4.com/tech.html

http://www.explorer4x4.com/specs.htm

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/data/3326/101GldnCrkRickStuff.jpg

[Woods-Rider]

lot of people are using the D44 out of jeep grand wagoneers. its set up for leafs which is the easiest swap for your year, similar in width and has disc breaks. watch out for the cad ones though. check out the tech library for way more info.

[Jspafford]

A Jeep Dana 30 is a downgrade if anything. Other than articulation the stock Dana 35 is not that bad of an axle.

[Evan]

A Jeep Dana 30 is a downgrade if anything. Other than articulation the stock Dana 35 is not that bad of an axle.


And when set up correctly, you can get a D35 to flex just about as well as a solid axle.

[85_Ranger4x4]

And when set up correctly, you can get a D35 to flex just about as well as a solid axle.

Not in a 2002...

[Jspafford]

Correct, but strength wise it is still a Dana 35 all the way up thru the current models.

Flex is a whole nother issue.

[4x4junkie]

I would say not so with the SLA-IFS D35, it's lo-pinion, and the CV joints (& steering) are a weak link.

The D30 still hardly an upgrade though (flex excepted).

I still say if you're going to go through all that work, use the better axle (D44).

For steering, many have successfully used IFS Toyota truck boxes ('86-'94).

[LittleBigFoot]

I was about to do the exact same swap.

I pulled a D44 and 9" out of a 79 Bronco

In the front you have to completely remove your IFS Xmember and all that IFS junk. You'll have to make a bastard steering shaft. I looked into the yota boxes, but decided to go with a rebuilt box from a 77 F150. You can use the stock power steering pump. Driveshafts need new U joints. I was planning on using the stock bronco coil buckets and shock mounts. In the rear you just need to weld on new spring perches if you head in that direction. Most people tend to head towards EB coils.

I've got a few links to my threads full of dumb ass questions and some good advice. I'll post em if you want em.

[2002RedRanger]

hey ill take whatever answers you can give me, im sure i have a couple of those stupids questions myself, haha...thanks everybody for yalls. im probably gonna go with the Dana 44 as originally planned but thanks again.