Project Trail Authority (Official Build Thread)

[Viva*the*Ranger]

So the build begins gents. Here are some pics for refference. I'll be posting lots and lots of pics as the build progresses. Tomorrow I'm going to pick up a Dana 35, to replace the 28 that's in it. I found it on craigslist for $150 including manual locking hubs

I decided to convert it from an XLT to a Lariat!

Before

After......

First in line, was replacing a U-joint (slip yoke). It was so bad, that there were no more needle bearings left AT ALL! The yokes were banging against eachother...

Old:

New:

This has nothing to do with the build, but I thought it was awesome! Got it off ebay last night. It should ship Monday. 12.5 x 16" and it's made of tin.

And lastly, I picked up the most ignored object, known to vehicle ownership.

Today, I'm replacing the fuel filter, changing the oil, all light bulbs, and Seafoaming the intake. If it's not raining next weekend, I'll be swaping axles. I'll make sure to post ton's of pics, and any helpful information the tech library may have missed. I doubt it though, it should be pretty straight forward.

I'll have the 6" Skyjacker lift towards the end of next month

 

[wakingtowinter]

I think you might be picking up my D35

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

I think you might be picking up my D35

Ha ha, go figure. That's hilarious man.

 

[exbass94]

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

Why is that? This IS general truck discussion......

 

[TheTopher]

We have a RBVs under construction section for build threads

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=70

...don't see why people need to start picketing over it though.

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

Oh okay, cool. Thanks man. Mods can move it if they want.

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

Well I picked up the D35 yesterday, from Matt "Wakingtowinter" and it looks like it's in pretty good shape. I think I'm going to rock it till it breaks, then do the Dana 44 knuckle swap. I did a bunch of reading today, and it seems like a pretty good setup.

I have some questions about this swap. I read up on it in the tech section:

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/4wd_Front_Axles.html

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/D28_D35_swap.html

but it didn't mention anything about the drive shaft. According to the pics I saw,the u-joints/drive shaft are different sizes, also I'm not positive about the calipers, weather or not they will fit.

Is there a conversion u-joint I could use, to take advantage of the larger D35 drive shaft? The calipers look like they'll work, but I'm not sure. Anyone know?

Thanks

-Denny

 

[NJRanger94]

no you need a conversion joint for the rear if you do a 8.8 swap but the front drive shaft has to be cut about a 1 1/2" i have a pic in my build thread

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

no you need a conversion joint for the rear if you do a 8.8 swap but the front drive shaft has to be cut about a 1 1/2" i have a pic in my build thread

You are the man! Thanks

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

looking good man!

 

[disciplerocks]

Yeah the only thing that needs changed for a D35 is the front driveshaft shortened 1" to 1.5". I had mine shortened 1.25" and cost me a whopping $40.

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

Yeah the only thing that needs changed for a D35 is the front driveshaft shortened 1" to 1.5". I had mine shortened 1.25" and cost me a whopping $40.

Oh wow... that's gona break the bank! Ha ha. I should be able to do it at work, if not $40 isn't bad at all, to have it done right.

I can't wait do do this. I think I'm going to gear it down to 4.56's, which might take some more time to get funds. I was hoping to get the lift and swap done by late Jan, but I'm looking at another $400 in gears. If I'm smart I'll wait even longer, and throw a Detriot locker in the front while I'm at it.... The question is, do I want to wait that long? I really want to do some wheeling this winter!

 

[disciplerocks]

What gearing do you have now?

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

The D35 is a 3.27, and the 7.5 is a L/S 3.73.