Quote:
Originally Posted by Diesel YJ
Hi guys I just acquired a 99 Ranger Ext cab with a 4.0, 5spd 4x4 to convert into a dedicated trail rig. The idea is to build a cheap rig that is capable and work my way up as funds and parts become available or repairs force it. I picked up the truck for cheap it needs a fuel pump but got it running to verify it was a good motor since the truck has only 76k miles. I am not so sure this is a good base with this year having a IFS front and a electronic TC selector, thoughts? The plan is to remove the bed and cut the frame after the rear perches and build a bed for the fuel cell, spare and misc. Keeping the rear suspension setup for now but thinking of converting to leaf springs in front with a d44? Tons would be great but I will hold out to see what I find as I get the truck together and see what I really have in my hands. The reason I am building this truck is I did a frame off restro a 89 YJ from being a 4cyl and manual steering into a 6.2 turbo diesel with D44 front and rear on 35's, it has got gobs of power and is great off road but I put way too much time into it to destroy it off road so I want to keep it as a fun driver and trail rider.
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You're gonna want a solid front axel. IFS gives less travel, is weaker, and is more expensive to lift. I wheel my lifted IFS ranger pretty frequently, but it's far from a dedicated trail rig. If you really want to make a reliable and capable trail rig, SAS is the way to go.