Going 4WD???

[zukirider21]

Well I got an 89 Ranger ext cab and for some reason after watching a bunch of BII vids on youtube last night, I'm really pissed that I dont have 4WD haha. Now, 302 + T18 plans are in the NEAR future, and I figure that tossing an np205 in there while I'm at it shouldnt be a big deal. But what I wanna know is, can I bolt in 4WD ranger/B2 front axles or what? If so, how hard is it to get the prefered d35? also, how much of a project would it be to install a jeep d35? solid axle?

 

[Downey]

you need new axle brackets and the whole 4wd dana 35. you will need the dana 35 radius arms too i believe.

someone on here just did this search around a little you will find it


but if your going to do all that work why dont you find an eb dana 44 and swap it in and have a solid axle. much better off road

 

[zukirider21]

well i knew that a solid axle would be way better off road, but i was thinking it would be a ton of work. how big of a job is a solid axle swap?

 

[USMCFords]

well i knew that a solid axle would be way better off road, but i was thinking it would be a ton of work. how big of a job is a solid axle swap?

Less work than swapping the engine crossmember with a 4x4 one.

 

[Captain Ledd]

Less work than swapping the engine crossmember with a 4x4 one.

x2

 

[Beanmachine7000]

Less work than swapping the engine crossmember with a 4x4 one.

x3... You can't just bolt everything up, you have to pull the engine and replace the 2WD crossmember with a 4WD one... A SAS would be much easier, and if you're going through the trouble of that, use a D44...

 

[zukirider21]

alright, are there any good write ups on solid axle swaps?

 

[Downey]

go to the tech library and read the eb dana 44 swap. if you use coils and radius arms its pretty much a bolt in.

 

[zukirider21]

hot tits it looks like i may have this handled...

if i find an EB 44 and radius arms, will they be spaced apart properly?

 

[zukirider21]

also, will the bronco radius arms be the right length? or will i need to move or make new radius arm brackets?

 

[85DANGERanger]

you can use the bronco radius arms and brakets but youll have to relpcate the mounting brackets on the frame. if you read the write up in the tech liberary, youll understand.

 

[MichiganLarry]

QUOTE=USMCFords;529845]Less work than swapping the engine crossmember with a 4x4 one.[/QUOTE]



Just did this swap. Lots of work.

 

[zukirider21]

well guys, im really liking the way all of this is sounding.

but i still have a few more questions that werent answered in the tech section befor i go ahead and do it:

1- is it ok that the coil spring mounting widths are a little wider on the axle then on the frame?

2- Do i get 4" lift coils for an early bronco or for my ranger?

3- do i get stock 78-79 radius arm brackets or 4" lift (dropped) brackets for a 78-79?

 

[zukirider21]

bump