Prerunners B II under construction (finally!)

[prerunner]

Well, after lurking here from time to time and waiting for something to come along for my B-II - I finally caught a break. A local guy parting a lifted 88 Ranger. Most of a front lift, I think only the drop pitman arm is missing, but I'm not sure. I don't know what brand even (he didn't.)
But for $150. I ain't complaining.

 

[prerunner]

I'd have taken the pitman arm too but he'd have tried beating that out with a bfh. So I'll spring for a new one.
One more pic then I gotta get that crap outta the ole ladies garage. She'd kill me. lol

Next I have to figure out what I got. (But I think I got a decent deal just the same!)

Just thinking he had a 5.0 in that 88. Bet those coils are stiff...

Edit: I think the radius arms are Skyjacker RA-135's. Crossmember is factory stock. The suspension brackets are stock (zero lift). The coils are longer, as are the brake lines. Wtf is this?

Edit Feb 9: A mix n match lift kit. Probably good for 2 - 3 inches of lift with messed up camber. The good part is the Radius arms. Still worth $150.

 

[prerunner]

Its funny how you can think you have a direction on a project and then something changes it. Today, while looking for dana 44 parts (to do the Mappyjack conversion on my dana 35 - http://www.mappyjack.com/Dana44.htm ) I found a "short" dana 44 set up for a S-10 on Craigslist. Didn't know what to think of that but kept going back to re-read it. Ended up calling, going out there and buying it.

 

[prerunner]

Now depending on your point of view, this is either a decent find for $140 or a total abortion. I haven't found the BOM # on the housing but seems like an early Bronco 44 with Chevy outers (even the flat top spindles that convert to high steer). Missing the short side inner & outer axles, calipers and tie rod. Oh, and the one spindle has a mess of welded crap on it. Hubs were disassembled but included.

 

[prerunner]

Also has 4.10's with an open carrier inside. Looks to be a pretty good fit for the B-II. What would you guys recommend for leaf springs for this?

BTW, I won't be adding a thread for the Exploder Centaurus. I actually don't like it much.

 

[Ford78]

That looks to be a jeep wagoneer Dana 44 since it has a 6 bolt hub. I went with some rancho 44044 springs for my front, they give a pretty good ride and flex decent.

 

[prerunner]

That looks to be a jeep wagoneer Dana 44 since it has a 6 bolt hub. I went with some rancho 44044 springs for my front, they give a pretty good ride and flex decent.

I hadn't considered that it might be a Wagoneer axle. I'm going to have to peel the paint off the axle tubes to find the BOM. I'll need the info to find or order missing axle shafts.
The spindles have the old style Chevy disc brake mount which makes me think they're Chevys. The guy I got it from said the axle was a "70's Ford" but he got it from a buddy who'd mocked it up under an S-10. So really, who knows?
Pretty cool Ranger by the way, Ford78 and yeah, it flexes pretty well.

 

[prerunner]

Found the BOM #. 603368.7 . Referenced it at http://manuals.forever-ink.com/Dana_BOM.pdf (shows all Dana BOM codes from 1967 to 1978): 603368 - Ford - 44 - Front - 1973 U-100 Bronco

This is good news and bad news. Good, I know what it is now and it is upgradeable. Bad, its one of the weaker versions of the 44.

 

[prerunner]

Decided to stay with Chevy spindles though I'll replace the right side one. Brakes, outer shafts and locking hubs are strong but cheap. I'll convert to F150 hubs and rotors to get back to a Ford 5 on 5 1/2 pattern. I have wheels for that.
The Dana 44 articles from "Mr N" are the best research tool out there.
http://77cj.littlekeylime.com/web_rs44 (long list of links.)

I'll find another complete D44 Chevy axle soon for extra parts. (Yay Craigslist!)
I need a left inner axle (U-100 Bronco) & Chevy D-44 outer (stub) shaft.
And, I'll try to keep y'all posted.

 

[prerunner]

Its sad. I keep finding parts but can't run & get them until payday.

I found a new in-the-box G2 4.56 ring & pinion for $100 obo (though I think I'll need 4.88 or 5.13's), but its hard to beat that price. Spare Chev D-44's are cheap & plentiful.
I want either an aggressive limited slip or soft locker of some sort for the front axle. Any recommendations for a budget build?

Its looking like a Jeep leaf spring will be my best bet on front. Thanks Ford78 for that recommendation.

Edit: Has anyone used the Auburn pro series positraction? I found a new one for $366 Canadian, local.

 

[prerunner]

Okay, its looking like the better way to set this 44 up is to keep it as Chevy as possible. The Jeep guys have been building 44s up for their rigs like this for ages and their method is proven. Chevy from the knuckles out, except for discs (78- 86 F150, fs Bronco), high steer (Chevy 73- 76) with 86 Blazer tre's (one ton spec) and Warn premium hubs. Pirate 4x4 site includes every part number. ( http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Steering/Steering_Research/steeringresearch.htm ) Mr N's site has too.
I'm picking up the Auburn positraction this weekend. The guy said it was fine for a front axle as long as it wasn't reverse rotation. (I know, pix or it didn't happen.)

Btw, the Dana 44 has 4.09 gears already installed (dated 1973).

Edit: Won't be picking up the posi this weekend, they're closed for the long weekend. Next maybe?

 

[prerunner]

Picking up another Chev D 44 this weekend for $75. That and the posi will eat my budget for another two weeks.

 

[prerunner]

Picked up the Chevy Dana 44 today for $75. Bonus: has Warn standard hubs. Minor inconvenience: only one flat top knuckle.
The tie rod has a hole in it (originally for a steering stabilizer) that I'll convert to a link for 'inverted 'T' steering.

(upside down in my Exploder) I'll try for better pix tomorrow.

 

[prerunner]

Also picked up the Auburn Gear Pro series positraction for the Dana 44 this afternoon. Tyller at North Shore Off Road seems cool to deal with. This was something they were selling through Craigslist for some reason, discounted to $366. (cdn)

$409.92 total.

I figure at the speed my budget allows me to build this it'll be 3 to 4 months before it can be mounted. Next up: G2 4.88 ring & pinion, High steer arms, install kits for both.

Edit: turns out I still need a right side high steer knuckle. The extra axle didn't have one and the early Bronco one needs replacing. May source from http://www.northwestfab.com/ . They're local.

 

[prerunner]

I might downgrade to 4.56 gears since theres a couple online. Would it work better with 4.88's? Probably a bit - but the actual numerical difference is tiny (.32). So in the real world I think I'm better off putting the 4.56's in and putting the $$$ I save towards a doubler or small block swap. (Or both?)

Been leaning towards a 9" rear for it lately. I haven't totally decided cuz I might part the Exploder Centaurus into it. That thing sucks, I hate it. So the 8.8 disc rear might become available. I've found a few interesting non truck 9" axles, like a '57 wagon 9" (narrowest 9" made) and two Lincoln Versailles (disc brake 9" correct width) rears. I want the light truck 5 on 5 1/2 pattern though and haven't researched axle shafts for these yet. I might have to wait and see what pops up.