89 ranger SAS build

[escort_gts]

yes the 2.3 should be ok for normal street and trail use as long as you dont go any bigger than 33 tires with the 4.10. it would be better to have 4.56 with 33's. or if you are dead set on using 4.10's i would go with 30 or 31 tires then. good luck and have fun with your axle swap.

 

[White94Ranger]

yea i have 31's and im in the middle of doing a 2001 expo rear swap with the 4.10's, and its not going to be a major off road truck. i mean this truck has to still get me to and from school and work, just cant make my mind up on dana 44 or dana 30 or stay 2wd, hopefully i fugure it out soon lol

 

[escort_gts]

The D30 will work for normal driving use. The D44 would be better for more heavy offroad use. either one would work with the 2.3, 4.0, or a 302 it all depends on your driving style

 

[Roger]

I'll tell you that a 2.3 and 31s isn't a lot of fun. With 4.10s and a 5 speed its livable, but around town and on the trail, but don't expect to be a speed demon on the freeway. Of course, I don't know what it will be like with 33s I put on it. As soon as I am comfortable (knee replacement back in November), I need to swap out the slave cylinder so I can at least drive the truck... Oh, I was also getting 28 MPG average when I quit driving it before the cab swap and then sitting for the last couple years...

 

[escort_gts]

Ok, not much has happend in the last few months. Just franticly looking for an explorer. The 2.3 is shot. It's on its last leg.

I have been thinking of getting a cherokee or something besides my truck. Or swap the axle to an explorer that is in better body shape than mine...

 

[dangerranger83]

Then Ill take your truck off your hands being that it is and extended cab and throw my axle under it or find another axle and longarms. Only thing with an exploder is they have the D35, not worth downgrading the front axle.

I would get another 2.3 and keep her alive.

 

[escort_gts]

I am thinking of just doing a 4.0 swap unless I find a decent explorer. Going tomorrow to go look at a 94 ex for $800.


I am planning on changing a few things if i do the 4L swap. Lower it about 2" or so. Trim some fenders. And push the front axle 1.5" forward to where it should be. Make a new front bumper.

 

[kroussinoffroad]

I farted around with the explorer idea for awhile. in the end I decided they have too much glass, and are more top heavy. and on top of that my chassis is setup pretty much how i want it, as far as bumper's, axle mount's and what not. and I kinda know the in's and out's of this truck.

 

[Roger]

I really think the Explorers are too heavy for the D30, I have seen a couple and they don't venture far off the pavement. While I wheel my 95 Grand Cherokee with the D30, I know this rig is about as heavy as I want to run a D30... My short wheelbase 2.3 4x4 Ranger weighs a 600 pounds less than my ZJ... And Explorer weighs 4-600 MORE than my ZJ...

 

[4.0B2]

Explorers already have the d35 also... Not the d28 most are swapping out to do the d30.

 

[dangerranger83]

Sure if you went all out on the axle for upgrading it then it may work but by then, a D44 would be the best bet. I cant say that I have seen a SAS exploder, but I guess the reasons stated above is why.

 

[escort_gts]

well i think i have decided on getting an xj. Found a 2001 with 98k miles for 4000$
its in good shape for the price. But i am going to keep looking for another ranger untill then.
I really dont want to get rid of my ranger if i dont have to.


Edit: i just found a 91 ex on craigslist for $1000 that has a 98 4.0l in it that has 60k on it. If the person replies to my email i will go check it out. The pictures on the listing looks to be in decent shape. Oh and it has man transmission.

 

[dangerranger83]

Thats what Im talking about, keep it in the ford family, nothing against Jeeps. If I couldnt find a Ford exploder Im looking for, a Jeep Xj would be next.

 

[escort_gts]

need something now! loosing compression in no.2 cylinder. Only getting 60psi compared to 100psi in the other three. Plus i only getting 7mpg here lately.

 

[dangerranger83]

Hell try a can of that restore stuff or oil thickener to get you by. Its safe to say that with only 7mpg, you have a ton of blow by, suprised that you dont have gas in your oil. Your either lossing a valve (or spring) or lossing your rings. May just have to bite the bullet and throw another 2.3 in her or do the 4.0 swap you are wanting to do. I will say dont give up on the truck like other people would do.