Looking Into A Swap

[4x4junkie]

No, you can't convert a D44 to 5x4.5" (not without inheriting problematic wheelbearings in the process anyway).

Spacer adapters are out of the question as well, they will not fit over the D44 hub either.

 

[TRUNK_MONKEY]

So I found a complete dana 30 hub to hub for 75 bucks.

Should I take it?

And even if I were to use the D44 and Ford 9" aren't there lug pattern conversion kits?



Adam

here are my own reasons for a d30 under a ranger
your bolt pattern will stay the same.
used parts(pull n save.etc) are plentiful.new parts are as well from napa,advance etc etc.
a d30 is good for the power out put of a ranger--jeep 4.0 makes 180 ish HP and gobs of torque.
lots of aftermarket support--axles,gears,u joints,brakes
d30's are cheap and easy to find.and besides in 456 gear ratio,it actually is a really strong axle.it is no d60 or d44 for sure,but very cost effective and easy to get parts for.
plus with the bigger axles,you have significant extra amount of steel added to vehicle weight.
i would suggest not replace the 8.8 you have,they are great axles in stock form.
they are available in high or low pinion,and leaf or coil spring.

 

[TRUNK_MONKEY]

No, you can't convert a D44 to 5x4.5" (not without inheriting problematic wheelbearings in the process anyway).

Spacer adapters are out of the question as well, they will not fit over the D44 hub either.

ahh the old unit bearing.
110 thousand miles i put on mine,they are still just fine.plus,junkyard spares are dirt cheap--get the entire axle(inner,outer and unit bearing) as an assembly.
break an axle?smoke the bearing?take off the wheel,2 bolts for the caliper,3 for the unit bearing then remove assembly.if broken,use magnet to get broken stub out of diff.install new/replacement assembly (slide in),3 bolts,2 for the caliper,re install wheel.you are back in action.
there is also the Jeep Rubicon d44.it is a d44 center section with the d30 knuckles and unit bearings.more gear options,and the same readily available bone yard parts,and full on aftermarket support of alloy axles etc etc.
will you be going nuts with 37's? no,but for the stock to mid range wheeler it is a great cost effective swap.

 

[LittleBigFoot]

Well, I hope you guys are still ready to throw in your two cents

I'm about to pick up an engine-less 1980 Ford Bronco with the D44 and Ford 9" and a brand new C6 tranny. For 200 bucks it's damn well worth it. I'm thinkin about going with coils instead of leafs up front. There seems to be too many problems with tierod placement etc.

The Bronco has a pretty new set of BFG A/T's at 33x12.5 (Same size I'm running now) And for the price of the bronco it's totally worth it for the wheel change.

I should be able to use the coil buckets and suspension parts from the Bronco on my Ranger right? I know the bronco is the SUV version of the (damn, is it the F150 or F250?) And I've read that people have gotten away with using coils from the F150... (I should be able to fit them if I'm using the buckets right?)

Later on I'm planning on a 302 swap and that brand new c6 shoudl come in handy.

I'll later on scrap the Bronco after pulling the desired goodies...

I also want to use a manual T-case, would I be able to use the manual from the Bronco?

What is needed to adapt the 4R44E to use the D44 and Ford 9"? I know there are adaptor kits, I think....

Now steering comes to mind.... Rack and Pinion to cross over. Hmmmm. I've seen kits that use the existing power steering box and pitman arm for cross over steering.... Who wants to fill me in. I have no idea in this case.


Sorry to ramble on so much, but I've had this on my brain a lot latly.

Thanks for your help,

Adam

 

[JohnnyU]

Was a solid D44 swapped in? In 1980 they first started using the TTB D44.

 

[LittleBigFoot]

I read into that and ended up turning down the bronco. I was pissed to find that they changed the axle. The only good thing bout the 1980 was the straight six engine...

I'll have to keep lookin

 

[Explorin94]

Was a solid D44 swapped in? In 1980 they first started using the TTB D44.

You're right John! 1980 was the first year for the TTB 44. If that Bronco had a C6 in it wouldn't have worked with the 302 anyway. That bronco probably had a 351M/400 big block engine in it.

 

[LittleBigFoot]

And thats why I come to you guys for help...