2001 Ranger 4x4 axle, suspension upgrade ???'s

[Wingnut]

I hope this is the correct category for this post. If not, my apologies. I have a 2001 4x4 with 4.10 gears. I'm installing a fiberglass kit to widen the front and rear fenders by 4". It also has larger wheel openings that will allow me to install 35" tires with stock suspension. I'm also installing a heavy duty winch bumper on the front. I have a truck camper that weighs approximately 1200 lbs that I use occasionally. The truck will be used mainly on road with occassional off-roading.

I'm 'planning' to swap the rear axle with one from an Explorer, changing the gears to 4.56, installing new wheels and tires,and replacing the rear springs with heavier duty ones.

Here's my questions:

Is there a better rear axle (width and strength) that I could swap with minimal fabrication?

I want to keep the same style setup in the front (torsion bar) but would like to make it more capable of handling the load requirement both on the axle and suspension. Is there a way to do this without doing major modifications and fabrication. I'm not too familiar with the front drivetrain limitations and want to upgrade it.

 

[hoosier1104]

A better leaf pack and rear shocks should do the trick.

 

[Ehranger07]

SAS baby


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[don4331]

1200lb camper, 35s, winch? I think you are looking F-150, not Ranger.

Ranger payload is 1,260lbs max - with difference between stock wheels and 35s, and the camper, you are over weight and that didn't include significant other, winch, etc.

Explorer axle, heavier springs, etc do nothing to increase GVWR.

 

[Desertrunner33]

The explorer Ford 8.8 swap seems to be by far the best bang for the buck. It is the only axle you will find that has parts that will directly fit your Ranger (really only driveshaft yoke, brake lines, and e brake cables). Of course there are other options but the Explorer axle seems to be the best.

As far as your question goes about the front suspension.. no there are no significant increases to be made without major modification and fabrication

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk