96 ranger with full width is the next project

[wyo-ranger]

i have a 79 bronco that i habitually spend money on yearly that my daughter loves to drive but not wheel. later this year the plan is to start throwing her ranger under the knife. it is currently a stock 96 ranger with auto hubs, electric t-case, automatic and the 3.0 V6. the current problem is with the tranny because the PO put some kind of stupid shift kit in it and it shifts damn hard.

plan is to swap out the auto with a manual, replace the electric t-case with a manual (later will maybe make a doubler out of the electric) and maybe swap out the 3.0 for a 4.0 if we can find one. what we already have is the D44 and a 9" out of a 79 bronco that we are going to put under it. i have a few questions though regarding all the electronic sensors and stuff since the 79 axles don't have ABS or any type of speed sensors that i have been reading about with other swaps. what kind of issues are we going to run into and other things to look for in this full width swap? info, where to look and any links are greatly appreciated!

thanks,

 

[Hopman]

Good call about swapping out the auto for a stick!!!!

Welcome to TRS!!!! Do your daught let you have the truck or did you excercise some "parental authority" to get it?

 

[wyo-ranger]

"parental authority" because it was actually mine first then handed down to her. she was driving my other ranger (a 97) which is a 2 wheel drive then somehow she ended up getting the 96 because it was 4X4.

here is another question, which years are more interchangable? i was thinking 92-97 but not for sure.

 

[bcost882]

what do you mean interchangable? and welcome and have fun

 

[AngryLepercon]

Welcome To TRS!

 

[Boggin]

welcome, youll have to space the coil buckets from the frame to run fullwidths, and you need a minimum of 6" lift.

 

[ChrisR1S]

Welcome! you wont have any issues with sensors far as the axles go. The VSS(speed sensor) is located in your transmission(in the axle on 98+ rangers) and just ditch the rear ABS for now.

 

[Josh40601]

Welcome! I dont know if you have seen my build yet, but i am actually doing what you are planning on doing. I have a D44HP up front and a 9" out back. Both are still full width and the truck will be completely street legal

 

[wyo-ranger]

sorry for the delay. been a little busy. thanks for the welcomes and all the info. good to hear that there won't be any sensor issues to deal with. thanks for the call on the coil buckets. kind of thought we would have to do something because the ranger frame is narrower than the old bronco frame. i will be looking some more at others builds for sure to get ideas and info on the swap. we will be posting pics when we get started. a lot of the work willl take some time because i don't get around to well now. i am still recovering from a motorcycle accident last Aug. had a minivan try and do a u-turn right in front of me and i hit the van at an est. 70mph. doc said i was 3X lucky to still be alive (he actually said "Size does matter!!). i hit the van right in the driver's rear corner and left a hell of dent with my helmet/head. ended up with a broken femur, shattered tibia and severed artery. alls well and i am alive and kicking. trying to get the bronco done for some wheeling this summer and start on the ranger maybe this winter (if i can find some other parts).

 

[jimmy3970]

Welcome To TRS. Would loved to see some pictures when you get time.