Best front end???

[tedcrf450]

I am looking at getting a newer ranger. Everyday driver and weekends in the hills. I currently have a '91 4x4 ex-cab 4.0L. I have been wondering about the '98 and newer independent front end compared to the dana 35 I currently have. Can you help me with the pro's and con's for these 2 front ends??

 

[Boggin]

i would prefer the ttb in your 91. both front ends are dana 35. ifs isnt a good offroader though, but it makes for good street use and snowy roads and what not

 

['99 EB Explorer]

I have IFS on my Explorer.....HATE it! I'm getting rid of it as soon as I can afford to. And, if you're unfortunate enough to get a Ranger with IFS, you're stuck with torsion bars. BLAH!!!

 

[JohnnyO]

Can you help me with the pro's and con's for these 2 front ends??

98+ SLA:
Pros - Ride and handling on-road is better. Longer tire life due to less camber change.
Cons - Weaker, much more expensive to lift, less travel, no locking hubs, much less choice in lockers, less ground clearance due to torsion bars.

 

[Original_Ranger84]

Dana 35

Pros: Stronger, Easier to mod, Better travel, Locking hubs.
Cons: Heavier, Snowplow Effect in deep stuff, Tire wear, Not a comfortable ride.

IFS D35

Pros: Much smoother ride, Available as live axle, Better through snow and mud, Better tire wear.
Cons: Weaker for off road use, More expensive to lift and install lockers.

 

[4x4junkie]

I thought my TTB Ranger rode 10× better than my brothers '98 Ranger, that thing almost gives me a neckache it tosses side-to-side so much (pulling the giganormous front swaybar off it would help this a lot).

The '98 truck I think did handle better though (at least trying to recall back from when mine was still stock), though it is a truck... Is handling really all that important?

As for tire wear... Yes, if you don't properly correct the steering after you lift it, the TTB 'll definitely eat tires much quicker, but properly done (or if stock) I've seen no noticeable effects come from the somewhat tighter camber curve it has vs. on the SLA IFS suspension (I get dang near the same mileage my brother does out of a set of tires anyway, and he runs A/Ts where I have M/Ts).

I would say if you don't plan on lifting it and modding it, the SLA IFS should serve you well. The last TTB truck is now 14 years old...