New owner seeking advice

[crawlin91]

I recently purchased a 1991 ford ranger. Right away I had to put new rear leaf springs on as both sides were broken and it was dog-legging like crazy...Problem solved. It is a completely stock 2.9L V6 with a manual tranny. Anyway, Im simply looking to get suggestions as to what setup to get. It is my daily driver so dont want to get crazy but I would like to beef it up for the trails and some 4x4 action. I also would like to put a 4.0 in eventually and was curios if there were any performance add ons (exhaust & intake,etc. that would carry over)

Things i am considering. 31" or 33" tires, body lift kit, suspension lift kit, larger axles, manual front lockers, and engine mods. Any ideas, suggestions or comments are greatly appereciated.

I also wanna cut down my 60 40 bench and put in a center console. I saw the foam and fiberglass idea but was curious if any thing else may fit well.

 

[Hahnsb2]

You should already have a d35 up front which is plenty strong. "Manual lockers up front", do you mean manual hubs? If so manual hubs are much stronger than the auto hubs and are a very good upgrade. Throw a lock-right in the front and/or rear axle with some 31-33 inch tires and your rig will be plenty capable. You might also want to think about gearing, 31s are nice with 4.10s and 4.56 is good for 33s. 4.10s did come stock so you can find them. 4.56 you'll have to regear.

 

[AllanD]

an 8.8" axle would be a good upgrade, especially since you already have
the D35 up front.

And while you almost certainly have 10" brakes on the back
There is a small upgrade by simply swapping '93-up Aerostar drums.
they are finned where your current drums are smooth.



AD

 

[4x4junkie]

Some 2.9L trucks of that era came with 8.8s, check to see if you already have it, you'll be all set in the axle department (other than gearing maybe).

 

[86ford]

i agree with everyones suggestions but for me i personally preffer to run my current tires out, grenade an auto hub, have the 7.5 fail etc. i do that because i am cheap and find that broken parts lead to upgrades. i find it much more justifiable to purchase things when the current parts are worn or broken. if you do decide to re-gear make shure you get your locker, spool, limited slip etc installed at the same time because it tends to be cheaper. your going to kick yourself when you figure out that you could of already justified lift leafs in the rear and maybe even sold yourself a whole new suspension all over some broken leafs!

86

 

[Joe_Roofer]

Manual hubs are a great place to start, easy fairly cheap mod, and like hahnsb2 said throw a locker in the rear and your pretty much good to go. Tire size, what ya can fit! Body lift, suspension lift= all in good time. (my opinion anyway, I'm gettin' around to it)
If you do those two things you'll be on your way.