SAS time

[4x4RangerGuy]

Hey Guys,

I just figured I'd let everyone know that I have decided to begin an SAS on my 98 this summer. I'm already saving up for it and have selected pretty much everything I want.

I'll be running a D30 (don't need a 44, won't ever be going above 35s), alloy shafts, 4.88 gears, with some sort of selectable locker. I'll be using Deaver leaf springs good for about 3-4" of lift. I'm also hoping to convert it to manual locking hubs.

Anyway, I'm going to chronicle the transformation, as there isn't too much I've found on 98+ swaps. I'll keep you guys updated on the progress.

Thanks,
Keith

 

[greasemonkey01]

my buddy did that same swap under his 94 ranger, it turned out pretty good. good luck, it should be fairly simple and straight forward just have a good welder.

 

[martin]

Good luck on the manual hubs with a d30. They have unit bearings.

 

[Captain Ledd]

Good luck on the manual hubs with a d30. They have unit bearings.

I'm also hoping to convert it to manual locking hubs.

Plus depending on the year of D30 (because there's lot of them, he might even be able to find some with manual hubs already. I'm pretty sure there's also ways to do with stock components. Warn offers a kit for the unit bearing ones, which I'm pretty sure the 5x4.5" bolt pattern uses alot of ranger hub parts, but don't quote me on that.

 

[F150hybred]

Warn does make a manual hub kit for it. If you are feeling kinda spendy... you could go with Solid Axles "spyn tec" unit.
http://www.solidaxle.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=17&idproduct=83

Or... just leave the unit bearings and enjoy the fact you can use "off the shelf" parts if something should crap out on you.

 

[4x4RangerGuy]

Thanks for the support guys. I will keep you updated as time goes on. I'm sure I'll be back here for tech questions.

First of which, any suggestions on steering boxes? I have R&P. Should I just go with a stock Ranger box or use something from a fullsize Ford?

 

[metalmacguyver]

Stock ranger boxes and those from fullsize fords are identical.

I would stick with a ford box just because they are literally everywhere in the junkyards.

 

[scubasteve]

4x4rangerguy,

I think its great that you are researching and saving for your build before you get into it. I have read alot of builds where people just started cutting and welding without knowing what they were doing. Search this site i know there are two or three guys that have used leaf springs on their 4th generation ranger sas.

I am currently in the middle of my fullwidth swap on my 98 using coils. It is a trail only rig so I am going to go full hydro for my steering. Yet when I started planning my build I had the intention of using a steering box. I read on pirate4x4.com (caution: they flame noobs hard if you are thinking of joining) that 86-95 toyota 4 runners steering boxes or 1st generation ranger steering boxes are good for a sas.

Make sure you have access to a torch for your swap because of all the brackets that will need cut off. Be prepared to fab up a new engine crossmember because the factory one is way too big to be used with the swap. Other than that good luck and you can feel free to ask me any questions ill try to help if i can.



edit: sorry for the long post!

 

[4x4RangerGuy]

Stock ranger boxes and those from fullsize fords are identical.

I would stick with a ford box just because they are literally everywhere in the junkyards.

Huh, never noticed that. I've done a couple pitman arms on F150s and Rangers too. Weird.

4x4rangerguy,

I think its great that you are researching and saving for your build before you get into it. I have read alot of builds where people just started cutting and welding without knowing what they were doing. Search this site i know there are two or three guys that have used leaf springs on their 4th generation ranger sas.

I am currently in the middle of my fullwidth swap on my 98 using coils. It is a trail only rig so I am going to go full hydro for my steering. Yet when I started planning my build I had the intention of using a steering box. I read on pirate4x4.com (caution: they flame noobs hard if you are thinking of joining) that 86-95 toyota 4 runners steering boxes or 1st generation ranger steering boxes are good for a sas.

Make sure you have access to a torch for your swap because of all the brackets that will need cut off. Be prepared to fab up a new engine crossmember because the factory one is way too big to be used with the swap. Other than that good luck and you can feel free to ask me any questions ill try to help if i can.



edit: sorry for the long post!

Thanks man, I appreciate the advice and offer. I will have access to whatever I need for tools, so that won't be too much of an issue.

 

[bobbywalter]

Stock ranger boxes and those from fullsize fords are identical.

I would stick with a ford box just because they are literally everywhere in the junkyards.

most stock ttb truck boxes are identical. there are a few types of boxes from earlier trucks that are easier to use.


making a ttb box work on an sla frame isnt my first choice, a chevy or ford outside box on the otherhand, or jeep/toy box are a bit easier to deal with.

i have not tried the ttb box on an sla frame because its an obvious pia comparativly, but i have seen it done though. it had to have 300 dollars in borg parts on it too

most of the ford units are easily reversable with common abundant parts too to accomodate steering needs.

 

[4x4junkie]

Agreed, something like the '86-'95 Toyota IFS box will be much easier to fit. Ford boxes won't sit flat against the framerail and will need big spacers under the mounting bosses (not real safe IMO).

 

[bobbywalter]

Agreed, something like the '86-'95 Toyota IFS box will be much easier to fit. Ford boxes won't sit flat against the framerail and will need big spacers under the mounting bosses (not real safe IMO).

i just use the factory ford spacers...never had a problem since 99.

before that mild spacers worked well too. one particular truck with an eb box/axles run that way from 89- @ 05 before it was scrapped due to rot/rust...in the cab and rear frame. its was alot worse then mine due to it sitting alot.. and it was an 84... run pretty much 38's once those axles were iinstalled...basically a mud truck.

the gm boxes with a plate and offset workout ok too. not sure about running that out where you play junkie. i liked it better then my current setup though, i am back to a ford box on spacers...

really i have to agree toy boxes are probably best to deal with on the overall.