My Build - Ranger SHO / Ranger GT

[Wicked_Sludge]

he was considering converting it.

lots of full-size trucks have used u-joints and full time hubs at one time or another (some might still). u-joints arent quite a smooth as CV axles, but they do fine.

the main advantages to CV axles is their longevity compaired to u-joints. look at how long front bearings and axles can last on FWD applications.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

he was considering converting it.

lots of full-size trucks have used u-joints and full time hubs at one time or another (some might still). u-joints arent quite a smooth as CV axles, but they do fine.

the main advantages to CV axles is their longevity compaired to u-joints. look at how long front bearings and axles can last on FWD applications

That is why I recomended it.

It would be interesting to see how things would work out if he could plop his rust free body on a newer frame... 4x4 swaps are not easy and he would be getting far from an ideal street drivetrain out of it.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

you recomended it because you thought they were "much smoother"

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

you recomended it because you thought they were "much smoother"

Turning sharp under power with u-joints makes them operate rough and not live very long. This setup was not designed to be ran under power on dry pavement.

It is very obvious in any TTB truck I have driven when the hubs are locked in, there is a slight vibration up front just going straight... and that is without the t-case locked in.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

the front axle doesnt care what surface its on. its the stock 4wd t-case that binds when driving on high friction surfaces with the 4wd engaged. the explorer AWD t-cases use a viscous coupling on the front output that allows the front and rear drivelines to turn at different rates, eliminating the problem.

take a spin with your hubs locked in with the t-case in 2wd...rides pretty nice. granted under power one might feel the speeding and slowing of the front u-joints under a near-full lock turn...but under most driving situations most people would never know it was AWD.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

the front axle doesnt care what surface its on. its the stock 4wd t-case that binds when driving on high friction surfaces with the 4wd engaged. the explorer AWD t-cases use a viscous coupling on the front output that allows the front and rear drivelines to turn at different rates, eliminating the problem.

take a spin with your hubs locked in with the t-case in 2wd...rides pretty nice. granted under power one might feel the speeding and slowing of the front u-joints under a near-full lock turn...but under most driving situations most people would never know it was AWD.

I used to drive around like that most of the winter, I noticed a difference.

 

[mrecoolgar]

It may take longer than expected.
The friend who was going to buy it back now changed his mind.
Not only will I not have the cash from selling my Nissan truck,
I'm also out the monies I put into it to get it ready to sell.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

time to hit craigslist

 

[grey ghost]

will you be using the cap or are you ditching the thing?

 

[mrecoolgar]

Yea, when I get it finished I'll try selling it.
I'm unsure if I'll keep the cap on or not.
I'll be placing tools and such in the cab instead of in the bed, as I currently do.
I prefer it off but depending what I haul designates if it'll be on or off.
My plan is a solid bed cover that rises vertically to reveal cabinets and shelves.
That's what I'll be needing for my business.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

tools? cabinets? toppers? plus the extended cab...

this thing sounds like its getting heavy fast....

 

[mrecoolgar]

Good thing it won't have the 2.9 then.
Foremost it's a truck outfitted for my business.
Secondly it's a sport truck I can take to shows.

 

[mrecoolgar]

The Ranger was brought home yesterday.
I installed the front bumper and removed the owner installed red pinstripes.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

nice 3 car garage!

 

[mrecoolgar]

Oh boy.
It's actually an 8 bus garage that measures 70' x 30'
It was built in 1929 for buses that transported the Harrisburg Senators.
As well as local routes and school runs.
Now if only I could get an entire second floor in it.
Here's a better pic.