Dreaming in double

[frogger1313]

Hi all. I am new posting here but have been viewing for years.I have myself a conundrum. I have a 1988 ranger extended cab 4x4 automatic hillbilly dee-lux. It has factory flares, but a semi float axle. I want to throw an extra pair of wheels back there but I don't know if I can get away with just a spacer. thoughts comments and questions welcomed.

 

[frogger1313]

pics of what I'm working with

 

[Kowboy]

I think you should pause and take a deep breath. Doubles would definitely be beyond the flared fenders. Any side to side rocking at the rear would spell trouble. It would definitely not allow for any loading of the trucks bed. I've built dually spacers for lawn tractors, but we're talking a vehicle that would be on the highway. I also do not see the existing axles and bearings being able to cope. I will vote w/ the cold water committee on this one. I see that there is plenty of room for wider rims and tires. Go for that. I wish my 2000 step side had that kind of room . Envy!!!! By the way, definately Hillbilly Dee-Lux.

 

[frogger1313]

I was thinking of a 4" bed lift but I think the issue stands. I think Im just going to throw some 31" swampers in when I get some more dough rolling.

 

[Kowboy]

I'm kinda in the same boat as you right now. I have a 2000 XLT step-side and want to update the old steel rims. I want to go old school w/painted rims and find some old original ford dog dish caps. Then there are times I look at some of the trucks on here and change my mind. I've decided to just paint the originals black and maybe black chrome the original plastic center caps. Maybe I'll be satisfied w/ them that way. I also am debating cutting up the 60/40 seats to make them true buckets. Then I say, the seats aren't too bad as they are. I think man just needs to make changes to things. Personalize things. Go for the bigger wheels, it'll be less future frustration for you.

 

[Mudhound]

Like the "cut down" GM dually fenders. Easier to work with than the Ford fenders. more "compact". have seen this before. On the wheels, JCWhitney used to carry a "conversion kit" for this particular thing...

 

[simpler=better]

Of you really want duals hit up craigslist and find a dualie rear end to swap in...

 

[Jim Oaks]

Was this a dealer package truck? Was it a bunch or parts added by a previous owner? Does it have any plaques or emblems from any companies that did work on it?

 

[JoshT]

Wow! I'm kinda used to necroposting by now, but Jim doing it is something new.

Jim that's a Zimmer Conversion truck. It was an aftermarket conversion sold through dealers back in the day. There have been a few of them pop up around the various forums in the past several years, someone over on RPS even V8 swapped one a couple years ago. Personally I don't want the truck but do want the flares. Hang a set of first gen bed sides with those flares on a step side bed. It would be a lot of work, but I think it'd make a bitchin first gen step side.