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86 ranger lift kit with axle swap


Dlillie87

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If I put a Dana 44 TTB and an 8.8 under my ranger, would lift kits for my truck still fit, or would I need to look into a custom job?
 


ericbphoto

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In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are different.
Rear should be fine. Front depends on exactly how you installed the D44. But I would expect any custom fab needed to be minimal. Also might depend on which lift kit you're talking about.
 

Dlillie87

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Rear should be fine. Front depends on exactly how you installed the D44. But I would expect any custom fab needed to be minimal. Also might depend on which lift kit you're talking about.
My plan is to attach the dana44 to the original locations and cut the inner passenger axle 1.5-2 inches, based off of the write up on here that looks the easiest. And probably the 4in rough country with new front and rear springs. Hopefully very minimal customization will be needed
 

ericbphoto

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In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are different.
My plan is to attach the dana44 to the original locations and cut the inner passenger axle 1.5-2 inches, based off of the write up on here that looks the easiest. And probably the 4in rough country with new front and rear springs. Hopefully very minimal customization will be needed
Be aware that there is an issue with the Rough Country lift, if I recall correctly. I believe it presents an opportunity for one of the axle beam brackets to hit the differential. Check the tech library here.
 

Dlillie87

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Be aware that there is an issue with the Rough Country lift, if I recall correctly. I believe it presents an opportunity for one of the axle beam brackets to hit the differential. Check the tech library here.
I think I remember seeing something about that from using drop brackets. I'll look more into it
 

scotts90ranger

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Yeah, that, but a TTB Dana 35 has the same outer U joints as a Dana 44 TTB, the only real gain is wheel bearings which if you keep the tires in tight like they should be isn't a huge problem up to about 35" tires... Some people can't keep shafts in them but I've yet to break one, but I don't have torque, just horsepower...
 

tw205

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Stay away from that roughy country lift if you’re going to use any TTB other than the Dana 28. The rough country uses a drop plate to lower the stock axle pivot and the plate will smash a hole in your diff when you flex suspension. The skyjacker uses a new longer axle pivot avoiding that disaster.
52087934-43B6-45BA-AD8E-B4B315D8F72F.png

Image from TRS
 

Dlillie87

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Yeah, that, but a TTB Dana 35 has the same outer U joints as a Dana 44 TTB, the only real gain is wheel bearings which if you keep the tires in tight like they should be isn't a huge problem up to about 35" tires... Some people can't keep shafts in them but I've yet to break one, but I don't have torque, just horsepower...
I have the dana28 currently. Definitely swapping that out before I drop the V8 in

Skyjacker is definitely looking like a better option.
 

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