front driveshaft clearance

[Crazyguywithwelder]

Ok, long story short, I have spent summer off and on putting a 300-6 into my '84 4wd Ranger. Its been interesting to say the least with no body lift. Finishing up to use it this winter as mostly a road vehicle that can get up my steep and very rough driveway. Engine in and 3spd manual tranny and Dana 20 transfer case from early Bronco is installed. Interestingly the front early Bronco driveshaft is correct length and Ranger front axle flange uses same ujoint. Anyway I put front driveshaft into place temporarily and bottom of driveshaft is only like 1 to 1 1/2 inch above the sway bar that runs in the channel crossmember that goes from one radius arm bracket to the other. Been months since I removed original drivetrain and I dont remeber what clearance for stock setup (V6-5spd) was. HOw much driveshaft clearance do I need? This is stock chassis, no body lift, no chassis lift. Last thing I want to do is damage this driveshaft finding out the hard way.

If this is too much information to digest, anybody with a stock unlifted early Ranger or Bronco II just tell me clearance from bottom of front driveshaft to top of the sway bar on their vehicle. Thanks.

 

[metalmacguyver]

Pull the spring on that corner and cycle the suspension to check for clearance.

AFAIK, the sway bar is on the front of the axle on RBVs but your setups may be different.


I like your name. Reminds me of me!

 

[2ranger87]

Pull the spring on that corner and cycle the suspension to check for clearance.

AFAIK, the sway bar is on the front of the axle on RBVs but your setups may be different.


I like your name. Reminds me of me!

The earlier Rangers had the sway bar on the rear side of the ttb. It ran in the tunnel of the radius arm crossmember and joined the radius arm just behind the lower shock mounts.

Essentially, you wouldn't see it unless you went looking for it.

 

[Crazyguywithwelder]

This isnt my Ranger, but found this pic on web that shows part of crossmember channel that sway bar fits into. Look below front of transmission in pic.

And yes this causes confusion, I've owned and driven this Ranger with 2.8 for 3 years. I replaced radius arm bushings and sway bar bushings. Two middle sway bar bushings are square to fit in that channel you see. Local parts store people were clueless and kept trying to sell me bushings from later Ranger that have sway bar in front of engine. Finally found them at RockAuto.com and then only was sure cause they had picture of it.

 

[metalmacguyver]

Well I guess you learn something new every day. Thanks!