Ranger axle swap cummins 4bt

[brockuk8]

Hey guys I need some help. Ive got a 4bt in my ranger, so you probably know my front end is a little weak for the weight. So I'm looking for the best swap for my ranger. i already have a 6inch body lift. Its going to be for mostly driving on the road, maybe a little off roading but not much. And I've looked online its either a dana 44 or dana 30 and some others. So which axle would be best? leaf springs or coil buckets? sorry for the green horn question

 

[4x4junkie]

Your stock IFS has more weight capacity than a D30.
Is your truck a regular cab by chance? If so, maybe a simple torsion bar swap from a 4.0L Supercab truck or a 5.0L 4-door Explorer could work...

Otherwise I would suggest a D44 that uses a standard (serviceable type) wheel bearing design (not one that has unit-bearings). This axle should have no trouble supporting the weight of a 4BT in a RBV, and has bigger brakes to better rein in the weight as well. Most common sources for these would be a '76-'79 F-150 or Bronco, or a '80s Jeep Wagoneer. Narrowing the F-150 axle to RBV width is a fairly straightforward process (described here):
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/narrowing_a_ford_dana44.shtml

The Waggy axle is closer to RBV width as it comes, however it also is configured for leaf springs that run underneath the axle, and isn't quite as easy to find (the Ford axle is set up for coils, which IMO is a better setup than leaf springs).


Welcome to TRS.

 

[cammeddrz]

I think it's more a matter of sheer weight. Than it is axle carrier strength.

Even a well built 4bt only puts out hp/tq numbers of a V8. But it weighs 800lbs, and that's before adding an HD Trans. Unless you spent a small fortune on the adapter.

So basically, your powertrain if sitting in the back of a 1/2 ton pickup, would near max out "1/2 ton"

And so leaf springs do seem to be a better option IMO. I like leaves for several reasons, but when it comes to handling weight-they just work. And that's why every load bearing truck comes worth them to this day.