I-Beam Vs. A-Arm

busted bones · Feb 1, 2008

Im new to offroading and currently have an A-Arm Ranger. Ive been offroading with buds in amazing I-Beam Rangers and wondered, which suspension does better offroading and why? I want to build a beast but am not sure which way to go suspension-wise. All help is appreciated.

Wicked_Sludge · Feb 1, 2008

TTB tends to perform much better off road than SLA systems. TTB generally provides quite a bit more suspension travel than its SLA counterpart...as well as having better ground clearance (SLA has a large center crossmember which hangs down).

rickcdewitt · Feb 1, 2008

if you want to lift it and drive it hard a solid axle swap will wind up only a little more expensive if you do it yourself and be much stronger and reliable.a-arm lift kits are a waste of money for the most part.a leaf spring d44 from a wagoneer and a new steering box seems to be the easiest way to do the swap on your truck.

busted bones · Feb 1, 2008

Well I have been considering selling the 4 banger for a 4.0 extended cab with a 5 spd. and this settled it. If Im not mistaken TTB=I-Beam correct? I dont want to go into SFA because I will still need a comfortable ride on streets. In my experiance they havent been fun on road if the pavements bad. Any year I-Beams to becareful of?

pillen140 · Feb 1, 2008

ttb means twin traction beam, it has two i-beams that move indepentently. a strait i beam would just be one beam going across the front axle (kind of like your rear axle)these arent found on stock rangers. ford also has tib (twin i beam) which is the same thing but 2wd. ttb is better for off road and you can usually get better clearance. if you get a ttb ranger, get one with a 4.0 liter because it has a better front end(dana 35) compared to a dana 28 on any other ranger, and a 8.8 rear axle compared to a 7.5 inch diff on any thing else... more durable and you can do more mods such as bigger tires.

Hahnsb2 · Feb 1, 2008

No all rangers after 89 had d35s a few 3.0s and 2.3s had the d28/35 hybrid.

offroadranger · Feb 1, 2008

a arm. better handling, less unsprung wieght, MORE ground clearance(that crossmember is 14" off the ground on my truck), less bumpsteer, waaaay less camber change, there are several bolt on kits pulling 16+ inches of travel. Thats MORE then enough.

Simple_serf · Feb 1, 2008

As someone who has done too much work on the FE of a 2wd A arm Ranger, and has worked on the TIB/TTB setup, I would say that the TTB setup is better. They seem to be built stouter, and don't have the same Balljoint problems that the A arm rangers do.

Just my opinion.

JFA_Spyderman · Feb 1, 2008

Yo,
An 89 - 97 ranger is what you want. They had body style change in 93', an interior change in 95', and a 4.0l engine will get you the D35 up front and 8.8 in the back. Good luck and get us some pics when you pick one out!

busted bones · Feb 1, 2008

I knew about pre-97 being the I-Beams. I was planning on 2WD for my offroading purposes which will involve high speed CA desert offroading. What exactly is bump steer? My buddies have aftermarket steering systems because they had problems low in the suspension with hitting the TIB. How does TTB compare to TIB or are they the same basically?

JFA_Spyderman · Feb 1, 2008

Yo,
TTB is the 4x4 version of the TIB. The 93' - 97' had larger wheel wells, so you can fit larger tires. However, you can get aftermarket fiberglass fenders for almost any year ranger. When you get into some of the high speed stuff, bump steer can get pretty bad. Most guys move to a swingset style steering. Look at some of the links here.

http://www.camburg.com/
http://www.giantmotorsports.com/

Good luck!

busted bones · Feb 2, 2008

Well Im trying to sell my 98 4 banger for about 2G and find a 93-97. Im looking for a 4.0 w/ a 5spd and the extra cab. Might be awhile until I can build it up because all the trucks Ive found are autos. Would finding a one like that and doing a 4.0 swap be cost efficient? Ive never done a full motor swap so Im a leary of it. Also could I still pass smog in CA going from 2.3 to 4.0? Sorry for getting off track.

JFA_Spyderman · Feb 2, 2008

Yo,
It's possible, but you almost have to buy the donor truck to move everything over from. So it begs the question, why diddnt you buy that one in the first place? lol. Keep your eyes open, you will find a good deal. I may be wrong, but $2000 seems like a little low to me, check around and make sure you are not low balling yourself either.

crazywhiteboy · Feb 3, 2008

im thinkin bout sellin mine. im in nor-cal. look at my sig. if ur interested, let me know.

busted bones · Feb 4, 2008

Well I payed 1500 for it. I'll look around though. Im in SoCal and prices are a bit inflated here imo. I didnt get the older model first because this one popped up and I was low on cash while needing a truck for work. I also found a shop thats willing to buy and sell engines so an old 4 banger isnt out of the question. If I sell them the 4 cyl and buy the V6 the difference is $500. That includes tranny swap, removal of old engine and installation of the new engine. Does that sound fair in price?

I-Beam Vs. A-Arm

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