Can my 4.0 OHV push dana 44 front and 60 rear?

[Adamg16]

So I have a dana 60 rear and 44 front from an 89 dodge that I'm really tempted to put under my ranger (1993 xlt 4x4, 4.0 OHV, automatic) with 35's. I am currently running stock suspension with 33's and the stock 3.73 gear ratio. I'm not afraid of the fabrication that it is going to require but the power to weight is scaring me a bit. I was already planning on a full dana 44 swap this summer but ended up finding this set of axles. I believe the new axles have either 4.10's or 4.56's in them. Would I be alright to run the extra weight? I do have to do some highway driving to get to the trails in the mountains.

 

[Northidahotrailblazer]

Isn't that D44 a pass drop? Your ranger is drivers drop. but other than that, as long as you regear the 4.0 wont have a problem. Plenty of people have D60 and 14 bolt/10.25 axles without issues.

 

[Adamg16]

I was able to find a set with a drivers side drop.

 

[Curious Hound]

I was able to find a set with a drivers side drop.

Go for it

 

[Eddo Rogue]

Proper gearing and tires and good to go. Maybe go electric fan to free up some ponies on the 4.0, but it should be fine, they're built for torque. If anything the rest of the drivetrain might struggle a little bit (trans, xfer case, driveshaft). Also depends what you're doing with it.

 

[Adamg16]

Not planning on anything crazy trail wise. Definetly getting past the old firetrails and into little more challenging stuff. The main concern I have is some daily driving on weekends or 30 minute highway trips. I could definetly see the t case being the next point of failure. I just rebuilt the trans so i would like to believe its up to the task but everything has a limit.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

If that's all, then why the swap? That's pretty much exactly what I do with my ranger, and its better off road than on around here. The lighter driverain comes in handy changing lanes in 80+mph traffic flow. Fire roads and sand washes no problem. I run heavier LT tires, no problems. I did do the 1 piece driveshaft swap, loving it. I would do the 44/60 swap for like a major prerunner...or if you dont have axles now.

 

[Adamg16]

I would like to do some crawling. I guess I didnt say that earlier...

My front TTB u-joints are going/gone and im going to have to take it all out to replace them anyway. This is going to be a stepping stone to an upgraded engine and drive train in the later years. I am also going for the wider track width.

I did do the 1 peice drive shaft as well last year and it was a game changer.

 

[scotts90ranger]

The 1354 transfer case can take all kinds of abuse, it's not a common failure point...

 

[Eddo Rogue]

Transfer case is solid. The 5 speed trans, M5OD or whatever is kinda wimpy. I went through a 5th gear twice, and a 2nd gear in previous rangers, This one I think needs synchros. Nice thing is it doesn't weigh much.

 

[Bracket racer]

Definitely swap it!!
Forget hp, if it is 4.11 or even better 4.56, a 4.0 will pull it no problem.

I’ve seen a 2.3/5spd ranger, all stock, buddy put 44/10.5 with 35’s and with 4.56’s it was no speed demonat highway speeds, but excellent in low range off road. Remember a 4.0 is either 165hp or 205hp, 70’s 302’s were 140-150. HP is only needed for sustained highway or slinging mud out of the tires to clean them. For 99% of most off roading, you never have it on the floor so you’re never using all 165-205, heck 500hp just means you idle around and barely stab the throttle.