Waggy 44 leaf sas

[fire57dan]

I have a donor 89 waggy with both axles. I have an 86 ranger regular cab long bed with a 4 inch lift right now. I am debating on using both the axles from the waggy and swapping them in the ranger. Do you guys think using an 8.8 would be better than the amc 20 for the rear? I would like to use an 8.8 because its bolt in. I would then need parts to convert the front 44 to match the 8.8. I dont know what parts i would need or what to get them from. I'm assuming caliper, rotor, hub, ect but am not exactly sure. as far as leafs I want to end up with a 6 to 8 inch lift. I can just get longer leafs for the back if i go with an 8.8 but what do you guys run for the front? also I want to run 35's should i go with 4.10 or higher gears? it has 3.73 with 31's now and i wouldn't put a bigger tire on. I want to accumulate these parts now for next winter when i build it.

 

[4x4junkie]

An Explorer 8.8" is miles ahead of an AMC-20 (but it's probably a wash with a Ranger 8.8"). The Explorer 8.8" is not quite bolt-in though, you need to relocate the leaf perches on it to on top of the axle tube.

I suggest redrill the 8.8" flanges for whatever pattern the D44 has (5x5.5" i think for a Waggy axle). To convert the D44 to 5x4.5" would mean switching to somewhat-trouble-prone '75-'79 Dodge ends, which you would then have to buy a locking hub conversion kit for if you want lockout hubs (all $$$ for nothing gained, if such stuff is even still available).
The 8.8" flanges are JUST big enough for a 5.5" bolt circle if you use thread-in studs.

35" tires calls for 5.13 gears if you have the stock 2.9L.