Direction In A SAS (Not axle specific)

[LittleBigFoot]

So I'm still researching my options in a SAS on my IFS Ranger.

I originally was planning on using a Wagoneer Dana44 and running leafs.
I have a Waggy 44 sittin in my garage. Needs a lot of work but it could be used.

Saturday I met up with a neighbor who used to work at High Country 4x4 here in CO. He's running an explorer with 14" of suspension lift. This thing is a beast. Amazing flex.

Hes currently running an HP D44 out of a 73-79 Ford 4x4. He's using the stock radius arms, coil buckets, and for a while he was even running the original coils. No drop brackets, nothing.

I found a guy parting a 78 Full Size Bronco with the hp44. (This modle is based off of the 73-79 F-100 with the HP Dana44) He's asking 200 for the axle and all it's suspension components. He originally bought it as a donor truck for his other project, but ended up not needing anything.

I've looked around and running leaves up front would cost me more then going with this set up. It also would kill my attack and I'd have to fab a massive front shackle to get the arch right on the leaves and keep my axle placement where I want it.

To run the FSB D44, all I really need are brakelines, matching/upgraded ring gear, wheels (that I would have needed anyway) and steering linkage. The bronco it's comming out of is still running.

I'm passing up the 9" and I'm just planning on custom axle shafts for my 8.8"

Advice? Direction? Experience?

I like the idea of running coils, and yes, I have his help for any fab work/other things above my head at this point.

I think I'm going for it, unless some one can convince me otherwise.


Thanks guys,

Adam

 

[Maverick]

Are you going to leave it full width?

 

[BLOODBANE]

I am planning on using the FW HP44 in my Ranger. To leave it FW you will have to also move the buckets about 2" out from the frame(both sides) to use the spring perches. I do know that the Bronco(thats what I'm using)buckets are mounted at the stock height and 2" forward of my stock spring buckets. Don't forget to get the Buckets, drag link, tie rods, shock mounts(drag link mount doubles a driveside shock mount, and radius arms(Digger over on RMFTC said he could make me some killer radius arms using the Broncos). There are some odds and ends I'm sure I'm forgetting, but thats the long skinny of it. I plan on using the 9" out of the same donor though(width will be the same as will be the bolt pattern for the wheels). Let us know what you deceide.......Later.......BLOOD.

 

[LittleBigFoot]

I'm going to go with the HP 44. I havn't decided if I want to keep it full width or shorten it. I have a pal who used to work at Poison Spider Customs who can help me out with moving the buckets.

I can't afford the 9" yet and I don't want to have to deal with the third member. I think I'm going to go with axle shafts with the punch pattern I need. And maybe spacers if I need to.


How much work is it to shorten a steer axle? What all is involved?

and:

What's the length on extended radius arms for a ranger? Like, from a standard kit, like through James Duff?

And what's the length of a FSB stock radius arm? (I have a thread going on FullSizeBronco.com trying to find that one out too)

Thanks,
Adam

 

[PARKINGLOT]

"Piney" had a pretty good write up on shortening an FSB axle...don't know if it's still around though...

 

[LittleBigFoot]

I'll keep looking for it. I think I might keep the D44 full size and try to find a cheap 9"

I might take a cheap pair of wheels and cut them out and change the back spacing to get a "matching" stance in the rear while I look for a 9"

They're pretty common around here.

How much will it cost to have my drive shaft re-lengthened? (I know it depends on area, but in the ball park of....)


Thanks