96 Ranger Axle Swap Options

[Snapcity57]

I recently purchased a 96 4x4 3L v6 ranger with the Dana hybrid 35 axle up front (I believe. Sticker says 610484 6). I have to take it apart anyway to replace the u-joints, but one of the locking hubs is stuck on as well.

I also have a 2000 4x4 3L ranger with the live front axle (Dana 35 SLA), and am a big fan of this setup. What can I do with the 96 to make it more like my 2000? I'd rather have the live axle and not have to fiddle around with first fixing and then using the locking hubs. Is it possible that the hybrid 35 can use some of the same pieces as the 35 SLA? If not, how difficult would it be to swap the hybrid for the SLA entirely? I haven't been able to find anything on that swap.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Might be easier to swap the 96 body ononthe 2000 frame.

 

[Snapcity57]

I'm not changing the 2000 at all, just saying that that's my point of reference and I'd like to get a similar live front axle setup on the 96.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

The front connection points of the front axles for those 2 year are totally different. I've never truly looked at the SLA front end but from what I know there would be lots of grinding, cutting, and welding the frame to accomplish what you want. That why I suggested the body swap instead.
Buy the truck frame with with SLA and do a body swap.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Going to the newer SLA front suspension would be a nightmare and likely involve a partial frame swap, way too many changes, engine crossmember different, rack and pinion vs conventional steering box, torsion bar crossmember that's combined with the transmission crossmember...

A properly working TTB suspension is a nice thing as well, on the road the SLA suspension works great, mild offroading they're fairly similar, I'm a fan of simplicity though, there's like 1/4 the moving parts on a TTB vs a SLA, big part of why I got a '97 for a daily driver... don't get me wrong, I've beat the snot out of my '00 Explorer, the front axle still works so it must all still be there? There's some strange noises that are sometimes hard to ignore that I haven't figured out, but I haven't tried either...

Swapping in a Jeep Dana 30 is the easiest but for just general use wouldn't gain you anything for ride...

 

[00t444e]

I have the SLA but like the TTB setup better, just leave your hubs locked and it's the same as a live axle.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Yeah, that... just because it has hubs doesn't mean they have to be disengaged...