Noob...

[cnelson]

joined a few years ago when i had a 86 raner with a 2.3 and a 92 that i was doing a 2.3 turbo swap into. got into jeeps instead, now the jeep is starting to bug me. its a 88 comanche with 99 zj block, 97+ front/doors/interior and some $$ axles. just tired of a reg cab and unibody. so ive been reading up on rangers again, seems like they have HORRIBLE rust issues, doors, spring hangers, firewall seam etc. im looking for a 98+ 4wd, but im getting confused on which trucks have TTB and when and what year went to the IFS that everybody is complaining about. the truck will be a DD, but i will want to lift it for atleast 33" tires and actually offroad it, more than likely SAS it down the road and add coil overs. im up in the air between a ranger or ZR2 s10 as a better starting platform. im aware this is a ranger site but i would like some honest opnions. here is my jeep

this is along the lines of what im after...

 

[Explorin94]

joined a few years ago when i had a 86 raner with a 2.3 and a 92 that i was doing a 2.3 turbo swap into. got into jeeps instead, now the jeep is starting to bug me. its a 88 comanche with 99 zj block, 97+ front/doors/interior and some $$ axles. just tired of a reg cab and unibody. so ive been reading up on rangers again, seems like they have HORRIBLE rust issues, doors, spring hangers, firewall seam etc. im looking for a 98+ 4wd, but im getting confused on which trucks have TTB and when and what year went to the IFS that everybody is complaining about. the truck will be a DD, but i will want to lift it for atleast 33" tires and actually offroad it, more than likely SAS it down the road and add coil overs. im up in the air between a ranger or ZR2 s10 as a better starting platform. im aware this is a ranger site but i would like some honest opnions. here is my jeep

I like those Jeep Comanche's. The rangers only have major rust issues if it is bought in a rust belt state, and that doesn't just pertain to rangers! All the makes rust out. The TTB (that you say everyone complains about) stopped production in 97, but don't be afraid of it especially if you plan a SAS under it. I have an 88 with a 92 YJ Dana 30 under it running 37's and it is strictly a trail toy. That came factory with a Dana 28. I can probably tell you with definate certainty that the ZR2/S10 won't get any love on this site, although the 4.3 is a good engine and has a better range of parts available evn easier to do the V8 swap and the transmission can stay in place.

 

[cnelson]

I can probably tell you with definate certainty that the ZR2/S10 won't get any love on this site

lol thats understandable, its like going on comanche club and asking should i get a yota or comanche. really 37" on a D30 lol is it open diff, sleeved,trussed,gusseted with chromos or what

the bit of confusion of the IFS/TTB was from the tech section and how it is worded compared to the diagram. i just know nothing of TTB or IFS

In 1998 the Ford Ranger went to a Dana 35 IFS front axle.
max tire dia. 35 Inches (TTB), 33 Inches (SLA IFS).

now im curiouse if this is a true wheeling comparison/guideline or playing on the street? and also is every ranger 98+ the Dana 35 SLA (dont understand the SLA) IFS or did certain 98+ get the TTB dana 35? seems like there is only superlift and dixion bro's for the 98+ lift and from what i read i think people were complaining of the superlift not flexing at all.

down the road if i get one i would like to SAS it and do coilovers so it can ride smooth as butter. the appealing thing of the IFS is the ride quality compared to my mj but ill want to do a suspension lift to get started to clear 33"s.

 

[Explorin94]

lol thats understandable, its like going on comanche club and asking should i get a yota or comanche. really 37" on a D30 lol is it open diff, sleeved,trussed,gusseted with chromos or what

the bit of confusion of the IFS/TTB was from the tech section and how it is worded compared to the diagram. i just know nothing of TTB or IFS

In 1998 the Ford Ranger went to a Dana 35 IFS front axle.
max tire dia. 35 Inches (TTB), 33 Inches (SLA IFS).

now im curiouse if this is a true wheeling comparison/guideline or playing on the street? and also is every ranger 98+ the Dana 35 SLA (dont understand the SLA) IFS or did certain 98+ get the TTB dana 35? seems like there is only superlift and dixion bro's for the 98+ lift and from what i read i think people were complaining of the superlift not flexing at all.

down the road if i get one i would like to SAS it and do coilovers so it can ride smooth as butter. the appealing thing of the IFS is the ride quality compared to my mj but ill want to do a suspension lift to get started to clear 33"s.

The 30 is gussetted on the tubes and C's with chromoly shafts and a lunch box locker. Destroyed some ujoints but nothing like carrying a spare shaft to replace it with.

The 98's with the SLA (Short Long Arm) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Short_long_arms_suspension

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twin-Traction_Beam

That should clear up some questions for you.

I can honestly tell you that I have never owned a 98+ ranger. But do know that the lifts for them are quite pricey.

 

[Reaper4533]

welcome to TRS

 

[5speedin2.3]

83-97 are TTB 4x4
98-11 are SLA IFS 4x4