Rangebe...version 2.0

[-Nathan-]

Tore down the 50 tonight, everything is significantly larger than the 35/44 TTB versions. Not to mention it weighs a fair bit. I took some comparison pics between the 44 and 50 beams for future reference.

PASSENGER: 44 top, 50 bottom

DRIVER: 44 top, 50 bottom

distance between ball joint sockets, 44 top, 50 bottom

bearings and spindle nut, 44 top, 50 bottom

and pic of the 50 pig

 

[88_Eddie]

are there lots of lockers/gears available for the 50? i dont recall ever seeing much for them, but i also dont recall looking, lol.

 

[-Nathan-]

yes, pretty much anything you can imagine for gears/lockers exist for the Dana 50.

 

[86 slo-vo]

With some work I believe all the d60 stuff will squeeze in.

 

[-Nathan-]

60 stuff will fit with some massaging. Ill run the 50 stuff until I have problems, than upgrade. I only plan on running a 37-38" tire max.

 

[-Nathan-]

Had a minute to run to the shop and do a bit more work.

Took some measurements, and cut the lower portion of the Dana 50 passenger arm.

Then using the piece I cut off, took measurements from the center line (line created by running a piece of tube through the ball joint holes) and transferred them to the 44 beam, all the while keeping them in relation to the top ball joint. This is the reason I left the top joint, as it allows me to keep the knuckle:beam angle very close to original.

Had to head in for the night at this point, but was able to mock them in place....that is the 44 beam with 50 lower joint and 50 knuckle. I have a few more final tweaks/grinding to do before I weld it all in place.

Ill have a couple hours tomorrow night to work on this more, so hopefully Ill get this beam all set and welded in place, and truss/gusset plates designed.

 

[-Nathan-]

Had to do some grinding to fit the piece where I wanted it. BJ socket to BJ socket is identical to what it was stock, and the angulation of each BJ socket are within a degree of each other, so Im pleased.

I wanted to ensure a strong weld, so I made sure to pre-heat all joints prior to welding, and made multiple passes. Also, all welds were done inside and out.

On the back of the 44 passenger beam, there is a depression. The axleshaft still cleared, but just, and I wanted to make sure I had more than enough room. So I cut it out and welded in another piece.

And here is a "Dana 54" passenger beam

I still need to grind down all the welds, so that my truss and reinforcement plates will sit flush against the beam. Will tackle that and the drivers beam this weekend.

 

[kris97ranger]

Now this may be a dumb question but whats the advantage to this over just streching the 50 beams? other then i guess being able to use stock axle shafts and keeping the 50 outers?

Just asking cause i want to do dana 50 ttb in my next ranger packed with 60 goodies. And your the only person ive seen that said they were going to do 1 ton ttb and actually went through with it

 

[-Nathan-]

Now this may be a dumb question but whats the advantage to this over just streching the 50 beams? other then i guess being able to use stock axle shafts and keeping the 50 outers?

Just asking cause i want to do dana 50 ttb in my next ranger packed with 60 goodies. And your the only person ive seen that said they were going to do 1 ton ttb and actually went through with it

The 50 beams are WEIRD. Different lengths, and are straight. The 44 beams are almost equal length, and curve up at the ends, giving more clearance. Either way there is going to be a bunch of fab work involved, in uncharted territory. There is no "how to" written about this stuff, its just gotta be figured out on my own

 

[Kyle M.]

What are you using for a shaft?

 

[-Nathan-]

drive shaft or axle shaft? The entire drive system will be 50; 50 pig, 50 axleshafts, 50 outers. The only thing that is from the 44 are the beams, well minus the lower ball joint.

 

[legoms013]

THIS is my favorite build right now. Awesome job.

 

[Kyle M.]

Axle shaft

 

[-Nathan-]

The axle shafts are all 30 spline, and the outers are 30 spline; the same as 60 30 spline outers. If and when they start to give my trouble Ill swap out for 60 spindles and 35 spline outers/flanges....and if need be, 60 shit in the pig.

 

[4.0B2]

But you plan to always be on ttb?