Can low budget and SAS be used in the same sentence?

[t0x1k]

Just like the title says.
I just picked up a base model 1994 4x4 ranger. It currently has a 7.5 open rear with a dana 35 hybrid in the front.
This summer I want to do some work on it. I've got $2000 to spend but don't plan on spending it all.

I want to do leafs, it's the easiest for me, but if coils are easier with a specific axle then tell me.
I know basic welding skills and have a welder. Hardest part is probably getting the axles.

My other option is to upgrade to a dana 35 diff and a 8.8 in the rear with a 6" lift. Is it possible to swap out the differential and housing without having to redo the whole TTB set up?

 

[dangerous_rangerous]

Dana 44 out of a 73-79 f150 would be easiest since they are set up with coils already, along with the early bronco axles. It just depends if you want to go with a full width axle or stay stock width. With purchase of axles and rebuilding them I'm only around 400 spent but that's without cleaning them up and repainting or even tires and rims. Finished I would say I will have right around $800 in my SAS if I can find a deal on tires and rims.

 

[t0x1k]

I don't care to much about width. Just ease of installation. I've got a drive way and people hate me working on my vehicles so it can't be a month long project.

 

[dangerous_rangerous]

biggest thing is to gather ALL parts needed before swapping. IF you have ALL pieces needed it should only take you a weekend to do that is if you go with coils.

 

[t0x1k]

Yeah, I figured gathering parts is the hardest. I'm planning a junkyard run and taking tons of articles with me looking for axles.

 

[trusted_expert]

you can absolutely do it on a budget just start collecting parts for deals. you could probably get it driving in a weekend but give yourself more time if needed because your gonna run into some problems without a shadow of a doubt.

 

[4x4junkie]

My other option is to upgrade to a dana 35 diff and a 8.8 in the rear with a 6" lift. Is it possible to swap out the differential and housing without having to redo the whole TTB set up?

Yes, you just need the center chunk and the two axle shafts that enter into it.

 

[slammer67]

I did my SAS for about a grand.
If your doing your own work, can weld, and have welding and cutting tools available, you could do it pretty reasonably.
leafs are pretty simple and not to expensive, but radius arm setup would be the simple too.
just start looking around for axles and parts.
you might change your mind depending on what axle deals you find.
for example, I was set on doing a dana 30 SAS cause I could get one cheap, but eventually found a deal on a built set of dana44/ford 9" axles so I went that route.

If you wanted to stay with the TTB, you could probably find a dana35/ 8.8 combo with lower gears and lockers for sale for 500-800 if someone is selling to go SAS

 

[NMB2]

i second doing the D35/8.8. Its going to be the best route for your budget. I have almost 2k on my front axle alone.(even after getting the axle free). That is just in parts.

 

[t0x1k]

I think thats my route then, dana 35 with a matched 8.8. I do need tires and a lift after all.
My first goal is to pass inspection and hoping she won't break down. She has 245K miles after all.