Jeep D35?

[4x4junkie]

OP, you might want to take a read through this thread:
http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=148460

I personally do not recommend a D30 under a Ranger Supercab because of it's weight. You did say your buddy's axle was trussed (which will help greatly), but the axle really wasn't designed for that much weight. (now I know I'm probably gonna be told that I'm flat-out wrong, but the D30 failures I've seen with my own eyes with the axle under the vehicle it was designed for don't lie).

I would suggest finding a D44 out of a F-150 or a Bronco and narrowing it down 6" (it's not hard to do, there's a link to a How-To in the link I posted). Your 8.8" axle flanges are just big enough you can have the pattern redrilled for the D44 5x5.5" lug pattern, though you do have to use thread-in studs for it.

 

[RangahDanga]

I would suggest finding a D44 out of a F-150 or a Bronco and narrowing it down 6" (it's not hard to do, there's a link to a How-To in the link I posted).

Might have to look into a D44 then... I was mostly going with the D30 for its ease and how readily available they are in my area. Not sure i'd shorten it myself, but the machine shop[ down the road does work dirt cheap. If i was to start hunting for a D44, what years/vehicles might i look for? i know you said F-150's??

Keep the ideas flowing guys, its really helping!

 

[4x4junkie]

Might have to look into a D44 then... I was mostly going with the D30 for its ease and how readily available they are in my area. Not sure i'd shorten it myself, but the machine shop[ down the road does work dirt cheap. If i was to start hunting for a D44, what years/vehicles might i look for? i know you said F-150's??

Keep the ideas flowing guys, its really helping!

The D30 is quite tempting just for that very reason... Some do seem able to get away with using them too (as some in that other thread are enthusiastically suggesting), but I would not feel comfortable with it myself.

For a D44, easiest bets are '73-'79 F-150, '78-'79 Bronco. Note that pre-'76 axles will have drum brakes, though converting it to discs isn't difficult (can still be a good deal if you can get the axle real cheap).

'80s Jeep Wagoneers have a useable D44 also (won't have to narrow it), though it's set up for leaf springs, making for a little extra work if you want to run a coil spring suspension.

 

[RangahDanga]

'80s Jeep Wagoneers have a useable D44 also (won't have to narrow it), though it's set up for leaf springs, making for a little extra work if you want to run a coil spring suspension.

Interesting, about the same width as an Exploder 8.8? Not that a wider axle is a real issue, but i'd like to keep it close to stock width (not that narrowing one seems terribly hard). That's why i like my ranger, compared to some local guys that wheel full-size trucks the ranger is so nimble and fits in tiny little spots.

Now does anyone have any insight on how the D44 will match up to my drive line? A buddy suggested a tractor supply "cut to length driveshaft"... that sounds frighteningly like a bad idea...

so this is what i've come up with so far:

1) Avoid the D30, suck it up and get a D44.
2) look for the D44 in a '73-'79 F-150 or '78-'79 Bronco and narrow it (or an '80s wagoneer)
3) Probably want an axle after '76 for discs (need to find a write-up or thread on a drum-disc swap)
4) Coils, likely from a bronco (or aftermarket for a bronco?)
5) Drive-shaft, still not sure what flanges/joints will match up or need to be custom (DO NOT USE CUT TO LENGTH SHAFT)
6) steering, haven't even considered that part yet (need to use the search button some more)

 

[Hagan]

so this is what i've come up with so far:

1) Avoid the D30, suck it up and get a D44.
2) look for the D44 in a '73-'79 F-150 or '78-'79 Bronco and narrow it (or an '80s wagoneer)
3) Probably want an axle after '76 for discs (need to find a write-up or thread on a drum-disc swap)
4) Coils, likely from a bronco (or aftermarket for a bronco?)
5) Drive-shaft, still not sure what flanges/joints will match up or need to be custom (DO NOT USE CUT TO LENGTH SHAFT)
6) steering, haven't even considered that part yet (need to use the search button some more)

1) Dana 30 sucks
2) Wagoneer has different bolt pattern
3) 78/79 axles suck to narrow. You're stuck with the use of radius arms
4) I used early bronco coils. Same size as bronco/f150 springs but softer
5) My stock driveshaf fit my axle but was too long so I narrowed it.
6) I used a kit from Ruffstuff to upgrade to bigger and stronger tie rod ends. It came with the tubing and inserts to cut and make your own steering.

 

[kryptonitecb]

All this drama for a d30?! Let the dude break it and find out the hard way.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I547 using Tapatalk

 

[RangahDanga]

I was looking on how to do the SAS, what parts, and the best way, not necessarily the argument on whether or not the D30/D44/8.8 are stronger than the next. lol.

The engineer in me says the bigger number = stronger, so I'm gonna follow that logic and go with the D44. anything more would be overkill for what i'd be doing.