Stock axles on 88 ranger with 33 super swampers?

[Mad35]

Hey just wondering if the stock axles on my 88 ranger are capable of running 33 super swampers? Or should I just go for it and throw a Dana 44 and 60 in it? Also if someone knows of a previous thread how to do a Dana 44 swap it would be much appreciated!

 

[4x4junkie]

Your rear 7.5" should be fine with 33s as long as you're not hammering on it, however it's likely to be a short world for your front Dana28...

My advice is to swap a Dana35 in from a 1st-gen Explorer or a later 4.0L Ranger ('90-'97). If you have some suspension lift on there, it's a 100% bolt-in swap, and is quite similar in strength as a Dana44 (you can run 35s easy on the D35, some here have run 38s on it too, though I don't normally recommend that).

I would also recommend you do the Warn Jeep hub swap and Spicer 5-760X u-joints if you plan on throwing a locker in it.

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/D28_D35_swap.html
http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/May04/offroad.htm
http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/May06/dana35_ujoint_snapring.htm

If you get a D35 from an Explorer, grab the rear 8.8" from it also. In a few ways is better than a Dana60 rear also (little bit bigger axle shafts, lighter weight, more clearance). It'll need the leaf spring mounts moved (as would the 60), but other than that it's a very nice fit. '95-'01 Explorers will have disc brakes on the rear, if you want to go that route, though the D35 front you would need has to come from a '91-'94 (or '90-'97 Ranger).

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Explorer8_8.html


Hope that helps

 

[racer1044]

4x4Junkie spot on as always. The swap up front is very simple. If you do the swap its a great time to do the c-clip eliminator mod as well as install new seals u joint ect ect. Normally if you have a lift kit you don't have to shorten the front shaft as well. I run that setup with 34inch super swampers on my truck with a 6 inch lift.

 

[Mad35]

Thank 4x4 junkie, just picked up an explorer! I'll run the stock axles for a bit but what would you recommend I change the gearing to for the 33 super swampers to when I have the time?

 

[4x4junkie]

4.88:1 works nicely with the 2.9L & 33s, though if you foresee yourself going to 35s at all, get 5.13s.

Link for the E-clip eliminator mod racer mentioned:
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/c-clip_eliminator_external.html

DON'T weld on your axle shaft like shown in that link though, that is how you provoke a stress/fatigue failure after some time... Just put the spring within the boot and then hose-clamp it down in the grooves of the shaft (what I did on mine). It won't go anywhere.