98 ranger which way to go?

[godspeed]

Hello everyone,
I am new here (go figure) I currently own a 98 Ranger 4.0 4x4 5speed and I am trying to decide on what to do with the axles. I live in the mountains and deal with slushy snow deep at times, off road moderatly, and tow with this vehicle (4000 lbs give or take 2000 lbs) I need to do some work on the front axle and figured I would put it back togther right here are my thoughts

Currently
3.73 gears (running 245 16's)
8.8 28 spline open diff rear
Dana 35 spline? IFS open front
center force clutch
pvh hubs (not working right)

would like to do
4.10 gears (stay with 245's or maybe 265's) a must
auburn L/S rear
Front maybe a locker if it wont destroy my cv joints or kill my steering
AVM manual hubs, a must

I dont know that I would gain much with the exploder rear end, ideas ?
I also don't know how dependable the IFS is compared to the TTF by the grace of God I have never busted anything yet.
Should I sell the 98 and look for 97 or earlier?

any input would be appreciated
Thanks

PS: its good to see intrest in Rangers not everyone needs a F350 with 20 inch rims and 10 inch lifts to get the job done.

[PARKINGLOT]

an explorer 31 spline rear end is pretty strong. If you can pick one up, it'd be worth it.

I'm sure you meant "TTB" by the way...

If you only want to run 265's, and plan to run AVM hubs, I'd consider an L/S front, and a lunchbox rear. I imagine with a setup like that, you won't stress the front end too much...

[Hahnsb2]

an explorer 31 spline rear end is pretty strong. If you can pick one up, it'd be worth it.

I highly doubt he needs a 31 spline rear for his need, he'd have to re-weld the perches and add shock mounts to make it work, for his application its a total waste of time IMHO.

[4x4RangerGuy]

The front axle (Dana 35 IFS) isn't really a bad axle as long as you're not running huge tires. 265s, 4.10s, and an L/S would be fine up front. It's when you start running lockers and big tires that the D35 IFS starts blowing CVs.

[metalmacguyver]

I highly doubt he needs a 31 spline rear for his need, he'd have to re-weld the perches and add shock mounts to make it work, for his application its a total waste of time IMHO.

since he is towing possibly up to 6000lbs, it would be well worth it to have rear disk brakes. the strength gained from having 31 splines vs 28 splines and a larger axle tube is only a secondary concern.

if you decide to go with an explorer axle, make sure its 1995 and later to get the disk brake ones.

[godspeed]

thanks for all your responses I appreciate them
I did mean TTB thanks
I found an Exploder rear end rebuilt with new 4.10's a used Ford L/S new clutches for $700 with calipers is that a good price?How well do the Ford L/S work? Also he will throw in for $100.00 a set Exploder rear springs will that make the swap eaiser, or increase my load carring ability?
Thanks in advance

[metalmacguyver]

that is kind of expensive in my opinion for the axle. its not worth it for the springs though. you should be able to use the springs you have anyway.