I'm puzzled....TTB???

[Dan B.]

Ok......I'm stirring the pot on my next project and getting some ideas. Everyone, I would like you to meet "The Club".

It's a 4wd 1988 Ranger, crate 302, C6, 3.73's (7.5" rear and I'm guessing D28front), and resprung rear end that is purpose build for hauling wood/coal. As with about every vehicle in PA of this vintage, the body is SHOT and when we were running it, well, it was more ""ab-use" than it was "use". It is the next project going into the garage.

That gets me to the "TTB" thing. I'm reading some in the 4wd forums and I keep seeing TTB in posts and I have no friggin clue on what the heck it means....can someone clue me in?? I searched and could not find an explanation.

Next I'm going to be researching a D28/7.5" to D35/8.8" swap info. I'm sure it's stickied somewhere. EDIT: Found this info!!!

As for the body, it's getting a "Faceoff" (old movie reference) style resurrection. I have a donor 1990 2wd truck that has an excellent cab and bed but driveline is toast. So all of that steel will be getting placed onto the 1988 chassis.....after the chassis gets a thorough cleaning, inspection and needed maintenance.

Maybe I'll make a run of ORTOTM since I have a STOTM title under my belt?

Thanks.

 

[sirfunkeybut]

is twin traction beam what your looking for?

 

[Dan B.]

is twin traction beam what your looking for?

Ah-ha.........

So this refers to the factory twin I-beam system? I feel dumb but I'm more knowledgable on the 2wd set ups.....like that isn't obvious!

 

[Heavyfire14]

well first off since its a v8 i would go with a ford 9" rear end instead of the 8.8 and for the front. ttb are/is the front axel thing. its two "beams" instead of a a-arms like other trucks have. all factory rangers years 1983-1997 were beamed (aka ttb) i forget what it stands for but it should say in the tech library. and if you plan on hardcore 4x4 action i would ditch the beams and do an sas (solid axle swap) i personally favor the dana 44 front axle for most setups. and with an sas i believe there is three routes to go, 3 link, 4 link, and leaf spring (i believe its the cheapest and simplest route)


oh and make sure you post alotta pics and make a build thread.

 

[Heavyfire14]

is twin traction beam what your looking for?

yea! thats what it is now i remember haha

 

[Dan B.]

Heavy....thanks for the info.

Not planning on much OR use other than getting back into the woods to cut firewood. May end up putting this back together and selling my 2001 F-150. I'm sure a D35/8.8" swap will be fine.....have several moderate HP fox bodies running 8.8's and they take plenty of abuse!!

I forgot to mention, it has a dump kit under the bed. That makes it super sweet for hauling heating materials....one less time to handle them!!

 

[Heavyfire14]

but what do i know haha. im just a desert rat with a 2wd

 

[Heavyfire14]

Heavy....thanks for the info.

Not planning on much OR use other than getting back into the woods to cut firewood. May end up putting this back together and selling my 2001 F-150. I'm sure a D35/8.8" swap will be fine.....have several moderate HP fox bodies running 8.8's and they take plenty of abuse!!

I forgot to mention, it has a dump kit under the bed. That makes it super sweet for hauling heating materials....one less time to handle them!!

ooooo i see.. yea the d35 and 8.8 should be fine then. for the 8.8 may i suggest (if you can find or regear it) a 4.10 gear ratio. and the ls 8.8's are nice

and thats awsome that it has a dump kit. i cant even begin to tell you how many times ive wished that i had something like that (not on my truck of course)

still hope to see a build thread tho

edit: i just realized you have two v8 rangers thats not fair

 

[brinker88]

Grab an explorer 8.8 with discs for the rear. They're purpose built from the factory to support a v8 and its the perfect width for slapping it under that badass ranger you have.

You WILL need to do some welding on it though

 

[Dan B.]

You WILL need to do some welding on it though

Spring pad relocation?? If so, no problem there.

 

[doorgunner]

A real dump kit! I only have the redneck dump kit....

throw the truck in reverse--

get up to 30mph--

hit the brakes at just the right spot

 

[Dan B.]

A real dump kit!

Yep......we're hightech in SW PA.

 

[ZMan]

well first off since its a v8 i would go with a ford 9" rear end instead of the 8.8 and for the front. ttb are/is the front axel thing. its two "beams" instead of a a-arms like other trucks have. all factory rangers years 1983-1997 were beamed (aka ttb) i forget what it stands for but it should say in the tech library. and if you plan on hardcore 4x4 action i would ditch the beams and do an sas (solid axle swap) i personally favor the dana 44 front axle for most setups. and with an sas i believe there is three routes to go, 3 link, 4 link, and leaf spring (i believe its the cheapest and simplest route)


oh and make sure you post alotta pics and make a build thread.

Using a 9" is the old way of thinking. The only real advantage of a 9" over a 31 spline 8.8" is the removable third member. Don't forget you have to narrow a 9" to fit, not worth it when a 31 spline 8.8" is just as good and is an almost direct swap.

 

[Snoranger]

Using a 9" is the old way of thinking. The only real advantage of a 9" over a 31 spline 8.8" is the removable third member. Don't forget you have to narrow a 9" to fit, not worth it when a 31 spline 8.8" is just as good and is an almost direct swap.

Its better. Most 9"ers are 28 spline.

 

[brinker88]

BUT 8.8s have c-clips (granted the caliper CAN hold the shaft in times of crisis) I dont really have anything bad to say about my 31 spline axle...I love how EASY it is to work on.

Yea the welding requires spring pads on top of the axle and shock mounts welded on.

Im from Williamsport, PA. Where exactly are you located at OP?