Corner like a Miata.

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Found it!

This is the Thunderchicken rear end in question.

IRS Rear Suspension 8.8 Assembly Lincoln Mark VIII Ford Mustang Cobra Kit Car | eBay

A used 8.8 rear suspension out of a 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII. This is complete as shown. This is great for installing into a kit car or rat rod.

rover.ebay.com

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

I agree with Bobby as well on the transfer case.

Don't want to over-explain, but just in case this thread is dug up later, the Aerostar vans with AWD used a transfer case also called a Dana 28 (yay confusing part names!) that gave a 70/30 split AWD. I had very seriously considered using this one in place of mine before I went to the trail ride. Only reason I'm not still planning on using one is I had a blast there, and have decided to hold of on a rally build until I have a little more experience/time, and I want to retain low range.

Swap Dana 28 E4wd to 2001 Ranger Edge 4X4

I thought I would start a thread here, will help me organize and it might help someone else. I am going to try and swap-in a Ford Aerostar Dana 28 Tranfer Case. I want AWD, do not need 4lo, and should still have the ability to lock the transfer case for really slippery or deeper stuff. My...

www.therangerstation.com

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

What Bobby is talking about was the direction that I really wanted to go.

Sorry for triple post, but.... I'm all excited and stuff.

The layout he's describing is exactly what I had considered for a first gen. If I had to pick a donor, it would be a first or second gen to retain simplicity and grandpa looks. Swap in a 2.9s/c / 2.3T / 2.8s/c, third gen IFS, Thunderbird IRS, Aerostar transfer case, *whatever fits* 5 speed, and go to town as a dirt road/pavement/rally Subaru eater. Keep it low, chop the sh*t you of body panels to allow full articulation. Cut out every last ounce that wasn't absolutely necessary for it to run, crossmember the ever living sh*t out of the frame, hide a cage in the cab, and go do dumb stuff with it.

Had even briefly considered an extended cab and mid-engine the SOB with a firewall inside the cab directly behind the driver.

Final goal would be a low and fast Ranger that still looked like pappy's beater truck that was an absolute freaking animal.

Other engines were considered as well, up to and including the BMW S54/E46 I6 blocks. Light, 8000 rpm redline, and 300+ hp in a truck that weighs freaking nothing.




Either way. Sorry for the rant. This is the dream build for me.

 

[Snoranger]

Found it!

This is the Thunderchicken rear end in question.

IRS Rear Suspension 8.8 Assembly Lincoln Mark VIII Ford Mustang Cobra Kit Car | eBay

A used 8.8 rear suspension out of a 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII. This is complete as shown. This is great for installing into a kit car or rat rod.

rover.ebay.com

View attachment 32529

The SC rear has bigger diameter axle shafts then any other MN12 chassis car and the biggest brakes.
The Mark VIII center section is aluminum... all others are cast iron.

 

[Bird76Mojo]

@PetroleumJunkie412 you'll like this build then, even if it's a Chevy:

 

[Ramcharger90]

To put it the politely if I wanted an electric car I'd buy one. I dont need someone to persuade me into something I have no interest in. If that's what you want buy all means go right ahead. But until the fag communist nazis ban all fossil fuels and personal vehicles. I will continue to enjoy automobiles the way I see fit. There is a reason why racing is broken up into classes for legitimate racing street racing is different of course im looking to touge/cat and mouse not straight line.

 

[Dirtman]

You tell em!