solid axle swap

[QuakerShaker4242]

hey guys im starting my solid axle swap on my 94 ranger.

its going to be a 12" chevy leaf spring conversion.

im going to be running 39.5/13.5/15 tires.

i was planning on going with a dana 44 and keeping my 8.8. im not going to be taking this truck offroad though.

my question is that should i just get the dana 44 and keep the ford 8.8 and if i need to then get aftermarket axle shafts, or should i go ahead and get a dana 60 and a ford 9inch???


i would really like to stay kinda close to the width that i am at. its at stock width with the exception of my 33/12.5's sticking out of the fenders



id appreciate it if you guys could help.

[chico4554]

if your not gonna be taking it off road then a 8.8 will do fine.

[JohnnyU]

If you aren't going to wheel it, don't waste a D60 on your truck. Save them for a truck that needs one.

The d44 and 8.8, if properly geared, should hold up fairly well. Just be sure it's a 31 spline 8.8 from an Explorer or late-model Fx4 LII.

[QuakerShaker4242]

oh yea... i already have all the plans set out. and i already have the 8.8. it came stock. its geared 4.56 right now. i just didnt know if i needed more power to turn them and what not. but i appreciate the help with the reassuring.


i was planning to get the dana44 out of a 74 waggy. i almost positive that it was that year when they had factory flat top knuckles and i wanted to go highsteer

[chico4554]

you may need to go lower than 4.56s to get those 40s moving.

[zainyD]]

The D44 on a 74 Wagoneer is a passenger drop axle, the wrong side for your Ranger. You can steal the the knuckles off of it, but you'll need a 80-91 Wagoneer axle for driver's side drop.

[QuakerShaker4242]

you may need to go lower than 4.56s to get those 40s moving.

very true. even though now i jump off the start like its nothing, i will probably need a little more... i was probably going to get 5:29s

[QuakerShaker4242]

;25656']The D44 on a 74 Wagoneer is a passenger drop axle, the wrong side for your Ranger. You can steal the the knuckles off of it, but you'll need a 80-91 Wagoneer axle for driver's side drop.

is that true??

ive always thought that 74-77 full size jeeps had driver and passenger side drops...

[JohnnyU]

is that true??

ive always thought that 74-77 full size jeeps had driver and passenger side drops...

How would they have driver and passenger side drop?

[chico4554]

magic

[DieselSmoke]

i have seen both side drops from jeep, i had a drivers drop 44 from a J10 and and a pass drop 44 from a waggy. my buddy had a drivers drop from a waggy tho.
i dont know much about jeeps tho so correct me if im wrong, thats just what i was told they were from.

check this out tho
http://www.warn.com/truck/axles/inner_axle_app.shtml

[4x4junkie]

The 8.8 that came stock in your Ranger is 28 spline, not 31.
5.29 is not an available ratio for either the 8.8 or the D44, you'll need to go with something else (last I checked, 5.13 was deepest for the 8.8).
And yes, '80up for the d-side Waggy axle.

How much research have you done on this project?

[QuakerShaker4242]

The 8.8 that came stock in your Ranger is 28 spline, not 31.
5.29 is not an available ratio for either the 8.8 or the D44, you'll need to go with something else (last I checked, 5.13 was deepest for the 8.8).
And yes, '80up for the d-side Waggy axle.

How much research have you done on this project?

well i though i had enough until you posted that lol....

but i guess i have the basic foundation...

i look at this website a lot though


http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Steering/Steering_Research/steeringresearch.htm

[JFA_Spyderman]

If you are going to be turning 40s, i would also reccomend a 95' - 01' explorer axles so you can get the disk brakes. (you gotta stop these suckers too).

[dirtraider]

well i though i had enough until you posted that lol....

but i guess i have the basic foundation...

i look at this website a lot though


http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Steering/Steering_Research/steeringresearch.htm

you should post up over there about this project they love builds like ths :headbang:

[zainyD]]

you should post up over there about this project they love builds like ths :headbang:

lol....

[QuakerShaker4242]

you should post up over there about this project they love builds like ths :headbang:



i probably will make some kind of document on it. and go into detail on it. i know..it really helps to read those kind of things... expecially if you are doing the same thing. the build might take a while,but slowly but surely it will get done

[JohnnyU]

i probably will make some kind of document on it. and go into detail on it. i know..it really helps to read those kind of things... expecially if you are doing the same thing. the build might take a while,but slowly but surely it will get done

:icon_rofl:

He was being sarcastic. People on Pirate really tear into someone for asking a question but not even having done enough research to know what to ask....

[dirtraider]

c'mon, look at all the great input racebronco got!

[CopyKat]

c'mon, look at all the great input racebronco got!


Did he finally do himself in?

:idiot:

[4x4junkie]

c'mon, look at all the great input racebronco got!

Lol, that was pretty good for maybe the 1st 7-8 pages or so, but then it just got too boring to keep up on it anymore (what's it up to now 16? 18 pages or something? :rolleyes: )

[Hahnsb2]

Why exactly are you bothering? Seems like a big waste of time and money to put into a 2wd truck that wont leave the pavement just so you can look "cool". It already has 7" of lift, how much more do you need... Put a d30 under there and let people who need 44s use em.

[QuakerShaker4242]

all i wanted was a little help.. maybe without criticism...


sorry it was too much to ask.... geezzz.

[metalmacguyver]

Quaker, just ignore those that prefer to boost their post count by making pointless derogatory comments instead of actually helping others to learn more.


Why exactly are you bothering? Seems like a big waste of time and money to put into a 2wd truck that wont leave the pavement just so you can look "cool". It already has 7" of lift, how much more do you need... Put a d30 under there and let people who need 44s use em.


wait, is this a 2WD or 4x4? if it is a 2wd then i would think that a trussed D30 would suffice since the axle shafts dont need to deal with 150lbs of spinning steel and rubber. i dont know about the steering components though. i would think that the stock steering system will struggle with tires that big.


one thought i had is that with tires this tall and this much lift, you may want to give serious consideration to wider axles out of concern for stability and safety.



yeah, Pirate... the universal answer;

"D60 and 14 Bolt! Go big or go home pussies!!"

[QuakerShaker4242]

Quaker, just ignore those that prefer to boost their post count by making pointless derogatory comments instead of actually helping others to learn more.





wait, is this a 2WD or 4x4? if it is a 2wd then i would think that a trussed D30 would suffice since the axle shafts dont need to deal with 150lbs of spinning steel and rubber. i dont know about the steering components though. i would think that the stock steering system will struggle with tires that big.


one thought i had is that with tires this tall and this much lift, you may want to give serious consideration to wider axles out of concern for stability and safety.



yeah, Pirate... the universal answer;

"D60 and 14 Bolt! Go big or go home pussies!!"



hey thanks for the support.


yea i might just go to full width chevy axles... afterall... ive heard they are cheaper anyways. but if i did that would wheel spacers be the only way to even out the back without getting a new rearend?

[JohnnyU]

You could narrow any axle you wanted to match the width of the rear.

"D60 and 14 Bolt! Go big or go home pussies!!"
Dude, D60's and 14FF are old news, MOG Portal axles are they new "in" thing, sheesh, I thought everyone new that....

[metalmacguyver]

You could narrow any axle you wanted to match the width of the rear.


Dude, D60's and 14FF are old news, MOG Portal axles are they new "in" thing, sheesh, I thought everyone new that....

HAHA


well if you went with both front and rear full width axles then it wouldnt be an issue.

if you were to try to make an 8.8 and a full width match then you would need like 3 inches of wheel spacer on each side which would be rediculous and unsafe.

[OffroadGangzta]

yea i might just go to full width chevy axles... afterall... ive heard they are cheaper anyways. but if i did that would wheel spacers be the only way to even out the back without getting a new rearend?
If you go with a full width Chevy front axle you could buy a Chevy 12 bolt or 10 bolt cheaper than a set of wheel spacers, and you would have a matching bolt patern. I picked up a Chevy Dana 44 & 12 bolt for $150 a few months ago, I also piced up a 3/4 ton Chevy Dana 44 & 14 bolt for $200 a few weeks later.

[QuakerShaker4242]

If you go with a full width Chevy front axle you could buy a Chevy 12 bolt or 10 bolt cheaper than a set of wheel spacers, and you would have a matching bolt patern. I picked up a Chevy Dana 44 & 12 bolt for $150 a few months ago, I also piced up a 3/4 ton Chevy Dana 44 & 14 bolt for $200 a few weeks later.

oh thats cool. what year was it?

[wahlstrom1]

HAHA


well if you went with both front and rear full width axles then it wouldnt be an issue.

if you were to try to make an 8.8 and a full width match then you would need like 3 inches of wheel spacer on each side which would be rediculous and unsafe.

Or you could just use an 8.8 out of a fullsize bronco or F150....

-andrew

[Hahnsb2]

Quaker, just ignore those that prefer to boost their post count by making pointless derogatory comments instead of actually helping others to learn more.

Excuse me? I don't mean to sound like a dick but goddamn, spending thousands of dollars on a big poser rig is just crazy, people don't seem to use common sense anymore, its sickening. Spend the money on a fast car and have fun instead of a big slow truck that can't be used for jack shit and gets bad gas milage. I mean, it's your rig, do what you want, just think a little before you do something that you may regret.
I put it right up there with some of my friends wanting to buy a new rig... Im like what the hell, you're 18 ****in years old and you want to buy a new rig? Why? Buy a used rig thats reliable and gets you from point a to point b and that you can go wheelin' in and not worry about scratching it. Hmm lets see here, New expensive reliable shiny rig with payments OR used reliable rig without payments, hmm which makes more sense?

[OffroadGangzta]

oh thats cool. what year was it?

Both sets of the Dana 44s were early 70s disc brake axles, rears were drum. If your wanting high steer steering look at 76-77 ish & older disc brake Dana 44s, around 77 GM stared using the 10 bolts up front & they did not come with passenger side flat tops, some of the late Dana 44s did not have passenger flat top either. Just look at places like Craigs list, Ebay ( look for local, shipping is usually a deal breaker ), or the for sale adds on any 4X4 forum to find them.

[OffroadGangzta]

Excuse me? I don't mean to sound like a dick but goddamn, spending thousands of dollars on a big poser rig is just crazy, people don't seem to use common sense anymore, its sickening. Spend the money on a fast car and have fun instead of a big slow truck that can't be used for jack shit and gets bad gas milage. I mean, it's your rig, do what you want, just think a little before you do something that you may regret.

I build stuff for people that I'd find "stupid" myself, but it's their money & I've learned to not ask why when I'm approached with a fist full of money. Here's a pic of what I mean, it's a Donk. That's where the Chevy 1/2 ton axles I got for $150 went, I re-tubed the front axle to get rid of the differential & axle shafts to turn it into a 2wd unit.

QuakerShaker4242 Build what ya like, anything can be solid axle swaped.

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1193/4613785/9669227/267348096.jpg

[metalmacguyver]

QuakerShaker4242 Build what ya like, anything can be solid axle swaped.

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1193/4613785/9669227/267348096.jpg

:bling:



Or you could just use an 8.8 out of a fullsize bronco or F150....

-andrew

well i was trying to keep with the idea of not swapping the rear axle too.

that is a good piont though. i should have thought of that.

[dirtraider]

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1193/4613785/9669227/267348096.jpg

this is gay....so much for having pride in your work

[F150hybred]

Looks like a great idea if the area you live in is prone to flooding. That frames gotta be about three feet off the ground!

[QuakerShaker4242]

Excuse me? I don't mean to sound like a dick but goddamn, spending thousands of dollars on a big poser rig is just crazy, people don't seem to use common sense anymore, its sickening. Spend the money on a fast car and have fun instead of a big slow truck that can't be used for jack shit and gets bad gas milage. I mean, it's your rig, do what you want, just think a little before you do something that you may regret.
I put it right up there with some of my friends wanting to buy a new rig... Im like what the hell, you're 18 ****in years old and you want to buy a new rig? Why? Buy a used rig thats reliable and gets you from point a to point b and that you can go wheelin' in and not worry about scratching it. Hmm lets see here, New expensive reliable shiny rig with payments OR used reliable rig without payments, hmm which makes more sense?





dude just take your foot out of your mouth and stop being an inconsiderate asshole....


open your eyes to the real world....




http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd154/codykikendall09/rangerstock013.jpg


http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd154/codykikendall09/rangerstock019.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd154/codykikendall09/rangerstock020.jpg


http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd154/codykikendall09/rangerstock022.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd154/codykikendall09/rangerstock023.jpg


http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd154/codykikendall09/rangerstock024.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd154/codykikendall09/rangerstock034.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd154/codykikendall09/rangerstock035.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd154/codykikendall09/rangerstock046.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd154/codykikendall09/rangerstock044.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd154/codykikendall09/rangerstock037.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd154/codykikendall09/rangerstock038.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd154/codykikendall09/rangerstock006.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd154/codykikendall09/rangerstock004.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd154/codykikendall09/rangerstock002.jpg






ohh... not a ranger... heaven forbid.
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd154/codykikendall09/rangerstock001.jpg


http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd154/codykikendall09/rangerstock040.jpg












my point is.... maybe you need to open your eyes and realize that just because you like lifted trucks doesnt mean you have to have a piece of shit and tear it up. some people like to have something and keep it nice.

[JohnnyU]

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd154/codykikendall09/rangerstock034.jpg


http://www.gainesvillebands.com/forum/smileys/hitit.gif What's the Milf got to do with anything? :thefinger:


Lighten up guys. Everyone is entitled to do whatever they want with their own rig and their own money no matter how you may feel about it.

[metalmacguyver]

Excuse me? I don't mean to sound like a dick but goddamn, spending thousands of dollars on a big poser rig is just crazy, people don't seem to use common sense anymore, its sickening. Spend the money on a fast car and have fun instead of a big slow truck that can't be used for jack shit and gets bad gas milage. I mean, it's your rig, do what you want, just think a little before you do something that you may regret.
I put it right up there with some of my friends wanting to buy a new rig... Im like what the hell, you're 18 ****in years old and you want to buy a new rig? Why? Buy a used rig thats reliable and gets you from point a to point b and that you can go wheelin' in and not worry about scratching it. Hmm lets see here, New expensive reliable shiny rig with payments OR used reliable rig without payments, hmm which makes more sense?


That part is all you needed to say to make your opinion known. the rest of it just makes you an asshole.

[JohnnyU]

That part is all you needed to say to make your opinion known. the rest of it just makes you an asshole.

Warning #2.

No more arguing or disciplinary action will be taken against all parties involved.:annoyed:

[QuakerShaker4242]

http://www.gainesvillebands.com/forum/smileys/hitit.gif What's the Milf got to do with anything? :thefinger:


Lighten up guys. Everyone is entitled to do whatever they want with their own rig and their own money no matter how you may feel about it.


haha...
yea i went with my neighbors and their two kids to the 4x4 jamboree this year it was a ton of fun.

but the only thing i was drooling over was the rigs that were everywhere:drool:.... i ran out of room on my digital camera i took so many pictures

[THE WHITE RHINO]

here is my slightly nice pirate style answer: why even waste your time money and safety putting this truck on 40's i think its absolutely rediculous to do all that crap and never go off the pavement, unsafe for others and you... i was trying not to be a complete a hole and would like to be an a hole about this crap if you posted this on pirate and you would want to kill yourself

[metalmacguyver]

didn't we just go through this?

[F150hybred]

I know I shouldn't be doing this, but here goes... what's the difference if he puts his truck on forties or some guy puts 500 hp in his "street" car? Is there really a difference? This person is GONNA spend his or her cash any way he or she feels fit. There's a name for what causes people to do what they do... it's called passion. Passion for what he desires. Dude, if you wanna put your truck on forties, then by all means go for it. just be sure to share the pics with the rest of us. Remember, there are others out there that would like to enjoy the fruits of your labors and not chastise you for doing so.

[PARKINGLOT]

ohh... not a ranger... heaven forbid.
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd154/codykikendall09/rangerstock001.jpg

[/IMG]


DUDE! He's illegally parked in a handicapped spot :haha:


my point is.... maybe you need to open your eyes and realize that just because you like lifted trucks doesnt mean you have to have a piece of shit and tear it up.

It does help though....:icon_rofl:

[THE WHITE RHINO]

well i got in trouble again hahaha

this shouldnt get deleted i hope im trying to help out this guy and others on the road

all im saying is that its unsafe, using a dana 30 front with 40's on the road is scary. Heres the differences:

1. Braking power wouldnt be sufficient. Dana 30 brakes are small 40s are heavy and alot of rotating mass at highway speeds.
2. The dana 30 unitbearings have the tendency to break under stress like big tires.. i know ive seen it.
3. getting the gear ratio for ease of driving would be difficult i would say (dana 30 tops out at 4.88)
4. Steering issues. You would need hydro assist most likely and heavy wall/ heimed or BIG tre's. If you say no you dont ask yourself... What happens if i hit a big pot hole going 60mph and the stock tierod ends snap tossing my truck into a passenger car.(stock dana 30 TREs are small ment for tires around 31 ish)
5. Ball joints on the 30 would be under alot of stress breaking those going 50mph wouldnt be good.
6. fast wear on all mechanical parts.
7. Expensive to set up mechanical hubs, the front end would always be engaged if running a non vac disconnect.
8. the height of the truck and tire size would most likely result in big bump steer, again not good for other traffic.

please just be smart about it . I am not being a dick and im sure everyone will say your wrong blah blah blah at least i can say i tried to help


dana 30 month old unit bearings running 35" on the street
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k172/bogger_03/carnage/bustedhub.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k172/bogger_03/carnage/hubs4.jpg

[QuakerShaker4242]

well i got in trouble again hahaha

this shouldnt get deleted i hope im trying to help out this guy and others on the road

all im saying is that its unsafe, using a dana 30 front with 40's on the road is scary. Heres the differences:

1. Braking power wouldnt be sufficient. Dana 30 brakes are small 40s are heavy and alot of rotating mass at highway speeds.
2. The dana 30 unitbearings have the tendency to break under stress like big tires.. i know ive seen it.
3. getting the gear ratio for ease of driving would be difficult i would say (dana 30 tops out at 4.88)
4. Steering issues. You would need hydro assist most likely and heavy wall/ heimed or BIG tre's. If you say no you dont ask yourself... What happens if i hit a big pot hole going 60mph and the stock tierod ends snap tossing my truck into a passenger car.(stock dana 30 TREs are small ment for tires around 31 ish)
5. Ball joints on the 30 would be under alot of stress breaking those going 50mph wouldnt be good.
6. fast wear on all mechanical parts.
7. Expensive to set up mechanical hubs, the front end would always be engaged if running a non vac disconnect.
8. the height of the truck and tire size would most likely result in big bump steer, again not good for other traffic.

please just be smart about it . I am not being a dick and im sure everyone will say your wrong blah blah blah at least i can say i tried to help


dana 30 month old unit bearings running 35" on the street
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k172/bogger_03/carnage/bustedhub.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k172/bogger_03/carnage/hubs4.jpg




hey thanks for the help. although that is signifacant information, i was going to use a 44 not a 30. and gear to 5:13 if not larger. upgrade to moog heavyduty tie rod ends. and even though i say that i wont take it offroad the temptation is going to be too much.... thats why when i set down my plans i decided to go highsteer, so bumpsteer wouldnt be a problem.

[LittleBigFoot]

My thought on this is practicality. "Show Trucks" are purely worthless. I hate to say it, but if it's a 2wd, drop it and drive fast.

Does anyone remember the days where a truck was a truck? When they were used to haul crap? When they were used to tow? When they weren't a SUV with a bed?

I'd have no objections if your truck was going to at least see some mud here and there.

Invest your money and time into something else.

Don't make us report you to this guy:

http://128.83.80.200/TACO/scarysteering9.html

[fordwheelinman]

Who said those days left? Thats all my truck does is work. Even my DD SUV doubles as a work truck when i need it too. Ive hauled a 2.9 block after machined, rebuilt 2.9 heads inside along with various small parts. I actually used the luggage rack on top *GASP* thats right, to haul a ladder out to my church and back. If you say "Remember the days" i say, "When did they leave?" FWM.

[Evan]

My advice to everyone: do what you want as far as lifting, souping, lowering, offroading, or mall crawling. But realize that this stuff is ALL pretty foolish. It will do nothing for you 10 years from now and will leave you with nothing but an empty wallet if you take it too seriously. Don't just live for the minute; the minute passes. If you save a little money now you'll have so much more in the future.

I like offroading and I like my truck, but I realize it's an unnecessary toy and therefore commit very little financially to it.

The decisions you make when you're young are going to determine how you live for the rest of your life. Blowing a bunch of money on something you don't need is very damaging.

[wahlstrom1]

Meh, I'm 20 and only spend what I make in overtime pay on the truck. This is the kinda crap I live for (I'm a HD mechanic) and for me, it's likely not about to grow old anytime soon. I do however know it's not a top priority and have a condo and a GF which should be my fiance around summertime :sexe:, lol. I'm not about to be the guy with 3 new trucks parked on the lawn living in a POS trailer with the police stopping by for domestic dispute calls every week :fie:.

-andrew

[LittleBigFoot]

I'm 18. Big scholarship to a good and cheap school. I teach guitar out of my parents basement. No rent. I've got a decent next egg, and I can still afford my axle swap and to live an exciting social life.

And to you FordWheelinMan, mad props. Dare I even say, Kudos?

Mainly Chevy Avalanche drivers come to mind when I said that.

[Sunk]

My advice to everyone: do what you want as far as lifting, souping, lowering, offroading, or mall crawling. But realize that this stuff is ALL pretty foolish. It will do nothing for you 10 years from now and will leave you with nothing but an empty wallet if you take it too seriously. Don't just live for the minute; the minute passes. If you save a little money now you'll have so much more in the future.

I like offroading and I like my truck, but I realize it's an unnecessary toy and therefore commit very little financially to it.

The decisions you make when you're young are going to determine how you live for the rest of your life. Blowing a bunch of money on something you don't need is very damaging.


I've come to realize this... Had I known this a few years ago, I would have made much different choices, and would be in college right now. But atleast I realized it...and its not too late.

[metalmacguyver]

I've come to realize this... Had I known this a few years ago, I would have made much different choices, and would be in college right now. But atleast I realized it...and its not too late.

its never to late for college. just much more difficult. that doesnt matter much though if you believe in the "where theres a will theres a way' philosophy. :D

[JohnnyU]

its never to late for college. just much more difficult. that doesnt matter much though if you believe in the "where theres a will theres a way' philosophy. :D

I'll whole heartedly disagree with that. It depends completely on your employer, and the opportunities that exist. If a 4yr degree is required, there is nothing you can do about it. I highly suggest going to College, even if you only get a degree in some bullsh!t subject, at least you have the degree.

This is the reason that I've parted out the Ranger. My life is currently taking a different direction, and I need to do what I can to follow.