New build, could use some help!

[Mad35]

Hey, new to this community! Went back and couldn't find any reviews or comparisons of either of the 6' skyjacker or BDS lifts, I have a 88 standard single cab long box, 4x4 with a 2.9 that I'm just starting a mud project on, also wondering what if any are the best mods to do to this bad boy? Also what size tires and rims should I run? And should I re-gear or just get one out of an old explorer? Thanks again in advance to any and all help!

 

[4.0B2]

the main questions...
how big do you want to go?
are you going to solid axle swap or leave it TTB?
what's your budget?
what's the overall goal?

if TTB; look in my build thread starting about page 123... see my D35 swap. I pieced together a really nice lift kit using different parts and used stuff.

I would HIGHLY recommend explorer axles for the stronger 8.8 and d35. Gears depend on tire size. If you go larger than a 32" tire, you will need to regear. I'm running a 32" tire and 4.56 gears with the 4.0 motor and love it. My setup is more for trails/light rocks/daily driving/hunting/camping/whatever lol.

For mud, I'd run at least 35" tires and 4.88 gears... I'd say 4-6" lift and cut the crap out of the fenders. Keep it as low as possible and clear the tires.

if it's not a street driven rig, gear it out and be done; but don't waste money on the stock axles. Upgrade to the 31 spline 8.8 and d35... or do a solid axle front. Doing either properly won't be cheap... so budget changes a lot to. However, remember the TTB axles are kinda like a bulldozer compared to a solid axle. If you can get a d44/Ford 9" combo cheap, get it and build/use those. A SAS will require some fab work though... so skill level changes stuff to.

 

[Mad35]

A budget on a toy seems ridiculous to me so I have no budget, and overall goal is to get it in the mudd as much a possible with the 2.9 until it dies then I'll upgrade that to a 4.0 also, I may have a similar ranger to your bronco when I am finished after this heads up! Thanks! And as for Skill level its about moderate to advanced, Thanks again!

 

[4.0B2]

Yeah personally I love the outcome of my B2... for 33" tires.
if you wanted to go 35's you could cut fenders or do a 2" body lift or both.

I took my time and learned the TTB stuff and I'm extremely pleased with the outcome. Granted, I don't mud.... If I'm playing in much mud, I'm on my 4wheeler.

There are a lot of other great TTB builds as well as some nice SAS builds on this forum. Get to the "Build Thread" section and look at first and second gen builds and learn.

 

[JOSEPH169]

I did a hybrid lift system on my truck with superlift brackets for the TTB with BDS coils since BDS and Skyjacker are the softest TTB springs you can buy. Just make sure you get the steering geometry right or it will bump steer pretty bad. i only used a 4'' drop pitman arm for my lift since I was going to eventually get the Superrunner steering system. You'll just need to figure out if you want to stay TTB or go SAS. Each one has it drawbacks.

 

[adsm08]

yeah i know, but i'm trying to get the axle swaps done before any other project on the list

if TTB; look in my build thread starting about page 123... see my D35 swap.

How'd getting those axles done first work out for you Ben?