So I took my 1988 ranger out wheeling today and don't get me wrong, it surpassed my expectations. But I just feel like it needs more. I was thinking of swapping to a straight axle and some more lift. I already have a 4 inch suspension and 2 inch body lift. What else could I do? Anyone else on here have a wheeling rig?


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Honestly, get a cheap jeep off craigslist. I love Rangers, but they can only be built so far until you dump thousands into a Ranger, only to get its ass handed from a stock wrangler

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1995 f-150 4x4 4.9 inline 6 5-speed
1996 Ranger 3.0 2wd Auto 4r44
2008 Ranger 4.0 4x4 Auto 5r55 extended cab

Straight axle swap is where I'd go. Straight axle & short wheelbase is the only real advantage a wrangler has over a ranger. You can shorten it and Bob it to get the shorter wheelbase if you want to go that far.

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97 xlt stepside
2.3 m5od
210,000
6/6 drop

What front axles should I go with? I have a Dana 30 with chromoly axles from a ZJ sitting in my garage but everyone said that it won't work and a Dana 44 is hard to come by if it's close to me


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The TTB can be pretty capable off-road. They're pretty stout and you can pull some pretty decent travel with them. They may be a pain to work on, but they'll get you through a lot. Hell, I wheel my truck with the d35 SLA and do alright. Lol.


Solid axle isn't the end all be all, but it is a good platform. A built Dana 30 would be good up to 35" tires. Any more than that and I'd be afraid to beat on it. The 44 is a much stronger option. But, like you said, can be harder to find. Early Broncos and jeep wagoneers are popular donors because they have a narrowed trac width (wider than a ranger, but narrower than a full size) member "02fx4Red" went this route. You could also go with full width axles. Member "sole" has full widths under his truck. I believe he's running a d60 front and a sterling rear.

With enough fabrication, anything can be made to fit under the truck. It really depends on what you want to do with the truck, what's available, and what your budget is.

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If the pumpkin is on the same side as the transfer case I'm not sure why the d30 wouldn't work. Maybe not the best option, but an option nonetheless.

The ttb isn't useless by any means. You can easily find d44 ttb's but it's more work to setup. I personally prefer straight axles mainly for much less maintenance, but if you find a good deal.......

I think sole has a d50 & 10.5 sterling rear, assuming out of an f250 SD. Can find plenty of either. F350 would have the same rear & D60 front. The old body style f250 had d44 ttb & sterling 10.25 which for the most part is the same rear. Older f350 had D60 front, and early had kingpin d60's which are worth a good chunk. Can't remember the years right of hand.

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97 xlt stepside
2.3 m5od
210,000
6/6 drop

I have full width axles I can get my hands on but I want it to be street legal to


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