solid axle swap

[fordbrian333]

i have a 94 ranger and im looking to do a solid axle swap, what axle (if any) will bolt rite up in place of my ttb set up?

 

[4x4junkie]

The early Bronco D44 comes closest, but none just "bolts in", you'll have to fab up a trackbar bracket for it (and possibly brackets for the radius arms too).
Many have also used the D30 axle from Jeeps.

Do be aware the TTB axle (if a D35) is a bit stronger than both of the above axles (almost matching that of the F-150 D44). It may be worth hanging onto depending on what your plans are.

 

[RebelAssaultTruk]

ttb might be a strong front end, but the d35s our ex n rangers come with have wheel bearings positioned too close together, i used to blow bearings left n right with 33 tires...id say that bronco axle, with width and strength considered would be best bet and probly least fab done...track bar bracket, and factory bronco radius arm brackets can be drilled n placed easy

 

[JohnnyU]

...the d35s our ex n rangers come with have wheel bearings positioned too close together, i used to blow bearings left n right with 33 tires...

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47420

 

[LittleBigFoot]

Before you invest in any axle/suspension, think of what your ultimate goal is.

If you just wanna crawl the curbs at the mall, a D30 would do the trick.

If you weekend wheel and push your rig a bit, a D44 can hold up to some decent abuse.

If you want big meats and if you like to rhomp, go D60 +


Ballistic (sp?) and other off road design companys sell weld on brackets to run coils and air shocks at coilovers, what ever you want.

Leaf springs (taking a step backwards for you cause you've already got buckets) are nice cause you can change axles with some perches, U bolts, steering ends, shock mounts and conversion U joints. (And some other stuff depending on the axle)

What tire size do you want to run in the end? Amazingly enough some can make a D30 survive locked with 37s.

People have made built D44s survive 39s with a mildly built motor.


It all depends on your goal in the end, purpose, and budget.

Check out the pics in the tech library and gallery and read a lot of build threads to see what's involved.

A simple lift kit might be what your looking for, or you can do some crazy shit if it's in your means.


Good luck

 

[4x4junkie]

ttb might be a strong front end, but the d35s our ex n rangers come with have wheel bearings positioned too close together, i used to blow bearings left n right with 33 tires...id say that bronco axle, with width and strength considered would be best bet and probly least fab done...track bar bracket, and factory bronco radius arm brackets can be drilled n placed easy

The narrower spacing of the D35's bearings does make it less forgiving of improper setup, this is true... but they'll stay together fine if you set them up right and use a good quality grease (this usually means putting more torque on the outer locknuts than what the books call for for them to stay tight).
45,000 miles here on the same bearings running 33x12.50s, and now 35x12.50 tires.

And yes, the option JohnnyU posted can take care of the issue completely. It does change the lug pattern though.