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  #1  
Old 04-18-2011, 02:16 PM
PlannedRanger PlannedRanger is offline
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Default Solid axle conversion 1997

So i see many people have done a solid axle conversion on the ford ranger 1997, i want to do the same thing, but i noticed i cant find a few answers to some questions.

First i decided to go with the dana 30 from a xj, its cheap and i dont plan to wheel to hard.

i want to know

-where they able to use the existing coils from the ranger?
-did they need to move the coil mounts on the axle?
-what front drive shaft did they use? did they have to have a custom one made?
-do they need to move the Radial arm mounts on the axle?
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  #2  
Old 04-19-2011, 06:55 PM
PlannedRanger PlannedRanger is offline
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Default Re: Solid axle conversion 1997

Also Gears.... if i wanted to run 35s, and i want to be as cheap as possible, but have a good rig, could i get away with keeping the 3.73 gears in the rear 8.8? that way i would only have to change the front to the 3.73 gears.

if i cant do that with 35s, what about 33s?

also what should i do about lockers? i know the rear has a limited slip - i think that's what its called, is that worth it? or should i pull it out and put a locker in? please remember i am trying to do this cheep, i have school to pay for here.
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Old 04-19-2011, 07:13 PM
richarddhoward richarddhoward is offline
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Default Re: Solid axle conversion 1997

Absolutely can you NOT get away with 3.73s. Use the search function on here and you can look up the correct gear chart. You are going to need at bare minumum to run 4.11s and probably more wisely 4.88s, but this is just what I can think of off the top of my head. If you want a better axle do for a D44 from a wrangler rubicon. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. The 30 with 35s, even mild off road use will be a huge weak link. Look for lok-right lockers, they have a locker for the 8.8 ford rear end.
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  #4  
Old 04-19-2011, 09:15 PM
ben10 ben10 is offline
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Default Re: Solid axle conversion 1997

x2 on the dana 44, the 30 with 35s will break quick, especially in mud or something that throws you around. gearing you will have to gear to at least 4.56 and i would go 4.88s. the driveline will have to be changed i believe, but im not 100% on that since you have the twin i beam.
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Old 04-19-2011, 09:29 PM
richarddhoward richarddhoward is offline
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Default Re: Solid axle conversion 1997

Quote:
Originally Posted by ben10 View Post
x2 on the dana 44, the 30 with 35s will break quick, especially in mud or something that throws you around. gearing you will have to gear to at least 4.56 and i would go 4.88s. the driveline will have to be changed i believe, but im not 100% on that since you have the twin i beam.
Yes, you have to get a different driveline. Lifting these trucks for 35s isn't cheap no matter what suspension you run.
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97 Ranger - 4.0 V6 auto, 4wd, 31x10.5x15s Wild Country XTX Sport All Terrains, Warn locking hubs, Pioneer deck with iPod attachment, Snugtop Topper, K&N filter, scan gauge II, Hella 500 Lights, More parts coming, waiting for the paycheck to get bigger!

Truck built in loving memory of Norm Howard
Outcast Racing
PNW Crew!!!
Afterhours Clan!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by aaron_ariens View Post
I think Henry just shit himself
Quote:
Originally Posted by Radness View Post
Its kind of like that carnival game "Whack A Mole" but with guns! Haha
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  #6  
Old 04-20-2011, 04:34 PM
PlannedRanger PlannedRanger is offline
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Default Re: Solid axle conversion 1997

Ok, so 4.88 gears it is then. i have never done that before, when i change them out will i be able to use the limited slip still? i know i would be better off with a real locker but just so i know is it possible? also should i look to lock the front? or will i be pleased with just the rear locked?

about the D44 from a rubicon. aren't those longer then a D30? i was told they are 4in longer. Now i would be interested in a D44, any other options? what about a upgraded d30? hardened shafts?

How will my rear 8.8 hold up? is it going to be pretty strong? or should i look to change it to?
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  #7  
Old 04-20-2011, 04:56 PM
richarddhoward richarddhoward is offline
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Default Re: Solid axle conversion 1997

Quote:
Originally Posted by PlannedRanger View Post
Ok, so 4.88 gears it is then. i have never done that before, when i change them out will i be able to use the limited slip still? i know i would be better off with a real locker but just so i know is it possible? also should i look to lock the front? or will i be pleased with just the rear locked?

about the D44 from a rubicon. aren't those longer then a D30? i was told they are 4in longer. Now i would be interested in a D44, any other options? what about a upgraded d30? hardened shafts?

How will my rear 8.8 hold up? is it going to be pretty strong? or should i look to change it to?
You will do fine with an LS in the back if you are only mildly wheeling, but you will spin far more then if you lock the rear. The friction will overpower the LS and cause it to one wheel burn. You can lock the front, but not needed if you aren't going to wheel all the time. You will be just fine with a rear locker.

The D44 is not longer then the D30 as far as I know. You will need to research this more yourself, because frankly I don't know on this. The D30 is a weak axle. You are playing a gambling game even if you strengthen it from what I have seen. I look at it this way - Would you stick your mother in a 1987 Ford Tempo or a 2010 Crown Vic and let her drive cross country? The D30, while yes a decent enough axle, may or may not make it. You know the D44 will get it done. Just my 2 cents. I'd rather overbuild then under build. Even at the higher cost.

The 8.8 will hold up just fine to 35s, there are plenty of guys running 8.8s and 35s.
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97 Ranger - 4.0 V6 auto, 4wd, 31x10.5x15s Wild Country XTX Sport All Terrains, Warn locking hubs, Pioneer deck with iPod attachment, Snugtop Topper, K&N filter, scan gauge II, Hella 500 Lights, More parts coming, waiting for the paycheck to get bigger!

Truck built in loving memory of Norm Howard
Outcast Racing
PNW Crew!!!
Afterhours Clan!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by aaron_ariens View Post
I think Henry just shit himself
Quote:
Originally Posted by Radness View Post
Its kind of like that carnival game "Whack A Mole" but with guns! Haha
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  #8  
Old 04-20-2011, 05:42 PM
PlannedRanger PlannedRanger is offline
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Default Re: Solid axle conversion 1997

I'll be best off with a locker in the rear, so I'll do gears and a locker in the rear. you sold me on that. thank you.

for the front i found the rubicon axle is longer. but however they did make one for the Tj, called TJ Next-Gen Dana 44 Front Axle. but it is over $4000!

any other options for a D44? ill keep looking around but if you have any ideas i would love to hear them.
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In the Plans of Building a Ford Ranger 1997. I really need some good insight on what to do, and how to do it. Please help a fellow out!
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  #9  
Old 04-20-2011, 05:45 PM
richarddhoward richarddhoward is offline
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Default Re: Solid axle conversion 1997

Quote:
Originally Posted by PlannedRanger View Post
I'll be best off with a locker in the rear, so I'll do gears and a locker in the rear. you sold me on that. thank you.

for the front i found the rubicon axle is longer. but however they did make one for the Tj, called TJ Next-Gen Dana 44 Front Axle. but it is over $4000!

any other options for a D44? ill keep looking around but if you have any ideas i would love to hear them.
Try a D44 from a Grand Wagoneer
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97 Ranger - 4.0 V6 auto, 4wd, 31x10.5x15s Wild Country XTX Sport All Terrains, Warn locking hubs, Pioneer deck with iPod attachment, Snugtop Topper, K&N filter, scan gauge II, Hella 500 Lights, More parts coming, waiting for the paycheck to get bigger!

Truck built in loving memory of Norm Howard
Outcast Racing
PNW Crew!!!
Afterhours Clan!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by aaron_ariens View Post
I think Henry just shit himself
Quote:
Originally Posted by Radness View Post
Its kind of like that carnival game "Whack A Mole" but with guns! Haha
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  #10  
Old 04-20-2011, 06:06 PM
PlannedRanger PlannedRanger is offline
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Default Re: Solid axle conversion 1997

i may sound like a complainer, but all of these options require different lug patters. yes i could get wheel adapters, but that is more money. and a wagoneer axle is to long. i think it would be best to do a custom one for this price. although i dont know if its possible to get a custom one.

I wish a darn D30 would work, but i agree with you that it would be to weak.

I guess i just need to keep looking.
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In the Plans of Building a Ford Ranger 1997. I really need some good insight on what to do, and how to do it. Please help a fellow out!
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  #11  
Old 04-20-2011, 06:33 PM
PlannedRanger PlannedRanger is offline
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Default Re: Solid axle conversion 1997

Ok i have question, what is the width on the ttb? i would just measure mine but im 1200 miles away from it.
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In the Plans of Building a Ford Ranger 1997. I really need some good insight on what to do, and how to do it. Please help a fellow out!
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  #12  
Old 04-20-2011, 08:29 PM
richarddhoward richarddhoward is offline
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Default Re: Solid axle conversion 1997

Quote:
Originally Posted by PlannedRanger View Post
Ok i have question, what is the width on the ttb? i would just measure mine but im 1200 miles away from it.
Lol I'd measure mine, but I am at work. They are technically a D35 center
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97 Ranger - 4.0 V6 auto, 4wd, 31x10.5x15s Wild Country XTX Sport All Terrains, Warn locking hubs, Pioneer deck with iPod attachment, Snugtop Topper, K&N filter, scan gauge II, Hella 500 Lights, More parts coming, waiting for the paycheck to get bigger!

Truck built in loving memory of Norm Howard
Outcast Racing
PNW Crew!!!
Afterhours Clan!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by aaron_ariens View Post
I think Henry just shit himself
Quote:
Originally Posted by Radness View Post
Its kind of like that carnival game "Whack A Mole" but with guns! Haha
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