Starting my 4x4 offroad build need advice

[Douggie]

Hi I've just recently got my self a 4x4 2006 Ford Ranger and plan to do some changes to it. its going to be an offroad rig in Iceland and I'm wondering about some details. I'm going to be running a big tire probably 37/13.5" and/or Artic trucks 38/15.5" tire. I believe these axles will handle the tire size as I've seen a lot weaker stuff work here in iceland with those tires to get that out of the way.
I just recently bought a coilover conversion kit for the front suspension as a first step in the front before i go full on with the FOA long travel kit, but just with the stock control arms/axles how much travel do you think i can realistically get away with?
I'm also going to be getting Fiberglass fenders and want to know how much bulge people have been running with 35" + size tires. I was shooting for a 6" bulge any thoughts?

 

[sgtsandman]

Someone going that big and keeping the truck mostly stock is not a common thing with the members here. @bobbywalter might have some tips and suggestions on what direction to take or who to talk to.

 

[Douggie]

Thanks, I'll see what people will say. I'm not at all going to keep it stock. I'm just thinking of taking things in stages. First of all upgrading the front suspension as the cranked T bars is like driving with no suspension and bigger tires. Then down the line ill be doing everything from roll cage, engine and more. I will be 4x4 since nothing else works here in the snow in Iceland, and I really want to keep the ifs but if its a huge problem to make that work i will solid axle swap it

 

[sgtsandman]

Thanks, I'll see what people will say. I'm not at all going to keep it stock. I'm just thinking of taking things in stages. First of all upgrading the front suspension as the cranked T bars is like driving with no suspension and bigger tires. Then down the line ill be doing everything from roll cage, engine and more. I will be 4x4 since nothing else works here in the snow in Iceland, and I really want to keep the ifs but if its a huge problem to make that work i will solid axle swap it

The guy I mentioned is running tires about the size you are talking about and he did an SAS. But very little of the truck, other than the frame and the cab is original Ranger. I think the entire drivetrain is from a Hummer and the axles are 1 tons. Regardless, he will be a great resource and will be able to give you the pointers and where to look for and get information and parts.

 

[Douggie]

Sounds great, I'll wait for his reply probably wont be able to see it straight away due to time differences

 

[bobbywalter]

sorry guys... very very busy. i disappear alot because of work load. the next 30-40 days i will be scarce.


even for just handling snow, the 38x15 with 5.13 gears will be pushing it. yukon YG M35-513 should work in the front.

there are a variety of aftermarket fenders in the desert race market that will help for sure. i would think 6 inch will be very close though you will likely be trimming them regardless for full steering and articulation.

you might want to consider a toyota solid front axle or repower from a diesel hilux.

 

[bobbywalter]

here are a few pics from the last gathering... there is a wide variety of trucks here.

bone stock to radically modified and all of them are able to be road driven.

the least modified are the generation of truck that you own. the cost of a suspension system that can hold 38 inch tires and abuse is too prohibitive to make the stock system viable over 4 inches of lift and harder challenges. but for mostly snow i suspect the 4 inch lift, aftermarket fiberglass fenders, 5.13 gears along with some differential lockers and beefed up steering arms will work well for the time being....

of course on a budget, cranking the torsion bars, while it is a miserable ride...but is a free option instead of the suspension kit. and i prefer a 3 inch body lift to make maintenance easier....cause you will be working on the transmission for sure more often...so that with cut fenders will get you by for a very low cost in money and time.. so essentially with the right wheel offset you can get on 38's pretty cheap.


and save for the inevitable upgrades to straight axles later.

the truck in the middle has oem style ttb axles with skyjacker lift and a 3.0 engine and a 5 speed manual.... has no problems running with the sas trucks.

the others are solid axle swaps that would be fun over in your snow with the arctic tires.... the blue pickup, has a 2.3 n/a 4 cylinder with manual trans , the bronco has a modified gasoline v8 with auto trans and full hydro steering... and extended cab ranger has a humvee 6.2 detroit diesel with auto trans.

every one of these vehicles is totally unique in powertrain and suspension options and body modifications to accommodate large tires and the conditions to clear these tires to go off road.

all have been trimmed or have custom beds to keep tire issues at bay from off road activities...the truck with the largest lift is actually the ttb truck which is odd but true.

has the smallest tires and largest lift. so get the sawzall and metal sheer out and start cutting.