What to do?

[TheFarmRanger]

I have a 2000 ranger and I am wanting to do some upgrades. My ultimate goal is to have solid front and rear axles, lifted and 35s. My main uses of the truck would be to go through major mud and snow and pulling out other trucks and small tractors since I live on a farm. Just need some advice on where I should start and any help will be much appreciated.

 

[straycat]

You might want to go to your local 4x4 shop and see what they can do for you. You will need to buy the parts or have some parts custom made. Best to shop on Craigslist or Ebay for good used stuff. If you can do the work yourself you are better off as for saving money. Go to the 4x4 section and search for what you want to do. Lot of info there.

 

[TheFarmRanger]

Thanks for the advice, i can do the work my self with some help of friends. i would liketo start from the most simple tasks and work my way to the more complicated tasks. What do you think the most simple task would be the lift?

 

[adsm08]

I'd start by making sure you have a 31-spline 8.8 in the rear. The lift should to wait until you are ready to do the solid axle up front, because that swap will literally change everything on that end of the truck. If you lift it first you will end up spending money twice.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

It's not something I have a lot of knowledge about, but when I need to know I go to the "tech section" at the top of every page.

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/index.shtml

 

[TheFarmRanger]

Alright thanks for all the tips. gives me an idea where to start.

 

[JohnnyO]

A 76-77 Bronco Dana 44 is the right width and bolt pattern for a solid-axle swap. Problem is they are scarce and pricey if and when you do find one. The front Dana 30 from a late-model Jeep XJ or TJ is a cheaper junkyard alternative, not as strong as a D44 but close enough in width and has the right bolt pattern. There are aftermarket Jeep D44's too but last I looked they started out around $3000. You will need to fab up brackets but you'd have to do that anyway.

 

[TheFarmRanger]

Alright thanks will put on a list to take a look at. I love to learn and do hands on projects to keep me busy. And since this would be my first time doing anything of this size im in need of any advice from any verterans out there.