To "SAS" or not to "SAS", that is the question.

[Dre]

The time has come. By building my new project I'd like to do it right from the beginning. Before installing any additional lifts or lockers I'd like to explore the possibility of swapping the front axle. In the back I'd like to go with a newer 8.8 (disks) and flip the springs over. In the front I'd like to keep coil springs and not go any higher than 6" on the lift... will be running on 33's. I would also not want to go through the motions of narrowing the new axle, running a full width EB D44 is not really an option. Considering my choices I think that a D30 from a Wrangler would work best... or perhaps a D44 from a Waggy be better? See? I'm picky. Might start shopping for axle... your input would be greatly appreciated.

[sn0border88]

the question isnt if you should or not, at this point its a question of when. :p I dunno what your thinkin about a full-width Eb axle ... they match withwise . As long as its from an EB (early bronco) but a yj/tj d30 or a waggy d44 will work as well. If you go with a bronco axle its already set for coil springs with radius arms so you will get your wish. Other than that I like your ideas for keeping it at 6" of lift and 33's. Mine will be much bigger than that but oh well. As for disks on the 8.8... more power to that as well. Sounds like you have a pretty good idea for everything now, time to start ordering the parts.

[SkanlaxJMO]

SAS it...... since you would be running 33's you can really look into the D30 option.

[FROADER]

Dre, Dre, Dre, I think you know the answer to that question already...enjoy










Just a few to wet your appetite.

[BigDave!!!]

^^^hahahaha, at least we know what Colin wants you to do

my vote is for a solid axle too

[SkanlaxJMO]

i dont think it's a debate anymore...so go get an axle and start building already....

[Dre]

Now that was an easy question... what about the axle itself... which one? like I said I don't like anything over 6" with 33's for some reason. I want it to be a fairly decent DD if need be. What was that about an EB front axle? no cutting involved? how's that? I though that it has to be cut since it's a bit wider than explorer's axle but then again, who am I to know all that info? I would go with a Wrangler's axle but then again... I saw what they are asking for them and it almost caused a heart atack. I know people got some F150 axles, which for sure have to be cut unless I go full width front and get a Ford 9" for the rear... I want it to be fairly easy... no way I'll be able to make it by the anniversary run in Attica. I would still like the idea of coils... but would look into installing leaf springs as well... see how I am???
I need to do some homework. Reading all these posts about SAS confuses me... can't choose anymore... this one's good, that one's better... WTHeck?

I've got a 93 XJ sitting in my yard... front axle's still there... I might use that but then again, question is will this thing be strong enough to support the weight of the "X" and occasional beating on the trail???

well?

[FROADER]

Say you use the 30 and then after your 33s wear down you realize you want a tire 35" or bigger. Then you'll want to get a 44 so you don't start breaking stuff, and so you should have used the 44 in the first place.

Mine is right around 6.5" of lift and I have 35s and want 37s. It's fine for a daily driver to me, but that also might just be me.

The EB axle is a low pinion d44 that is already really close to the width of the explorer. DB_1 has one on his ranger and it performs really well. The high pinion d44 from the 78 and 79 bronco and 74?- 79ish F-150 are about 6" wider and need to be narrowed if you don't want full width. If you do narrow them you can then use the axle shafts from the eb on the narrowed side. The 8.8 is a strong rear end. I have never seen anything go wrong with it with even 37s on it and beating the crap out of it.

I hope this all made sense... now I feel like you. :p

[section525]

Is that DB_1's Ranger?

[Jefe]

Originally Posted by SkanlaxJMO

i dont think it's a debate anymore...so go get an axle and start building already....

I don't think any of the 'SAS or not' threads have been debates. . .only unsure owners that need a little coaxing.

Originally Posted by FROADER

Dre, Dre, Dre, I think you know the answer to that question already...enjoy

Just a few to wet your appetite.

Thats a great set of pics Colin

[FROADER]

Originally Posted by section525

Is that DB_1's Ranger?

Why yes, yes it is.

[zainyD]

If he only wants 33's I'd say stick with the TTB. That being said he'll almost definitely want to go with a bigger tire later on. I'd say try to find a EB D44 or if he can't find a Wagoneer D44 and set it up for coils instead of leafs. Good luck.

FROADER, can you e-mail me a copy of those awesome pics, thanks!

[Dre]

I have never gone any higher than 6" on the lift... and never put tires that were bigger than 33"... but that's just me. Last time I went with a 6" Skyjacker and kept the TTB... It worked OK but had quite a bit of a body roll on an uneven surface at higher speeds - IMO due to the TTB's steering design.

Anyway, I have a few options I'm considering at this time:
2" budget Skyjacker on top of the 2" BL that I've got now plus longer shackles and 2" coil spacers - 33's with a bit of trimming - done that before;
4" Skyjacker - (would be fine with existing 2" BL) with new spring packs and new shackles in the back, extended radius arms up front and stiff shocks - 33's still - always wanted to do it for some reason;
SAS with SOA which I'd like to keep at around 6" plus the 2" BL - still stay with 33's - challenge.
Money wise - 2" budget lift
Best mod for the money - SAS & SOA

If I do something now I don't think I'll want to redo it later. SAS is something I was always eager to do on my own.

I'm still considering tearing that D30 off my parts heep and crafting it under my "X"...

[sn0border88]

IMo, either SAS it or lif it with the TTB, dont do both. I did a 5,5" superlift about 4 months ago, now I am a month into my SAS and wishing I had the money from my lift.

[Dre]

see, my options are "either"

either lift or SAS

if I do decide on SAS I'll lift it some as well... it would be kind of useless to install a solid axle without lifting the rig some...

[hiridin]

Originally Posted by Dre

I have never gone any higher than 6" on the lift... and never put tires that were bigger than 33"..

I'm still considering tearing that D30 off my parts heep and crafting it under my "X"...

if u truly will never go bigger than 33's then y not use the dana 30... if u even think your going to move up one day skip the 30 imo. u can build the 30 up to handle 35's it can kinda handle it stock. mine broke with an open diff and 35's in the mud. i wasn't even beating it hard. and c'mon there wasn't even a locker in it. might have been a fluke though since i see plenty of people running 35's on them. anyways i lost faith in it right there... knew i should've gone with the 44.

[Dre]

you know what they say... "Never say never"

[FROADER]

I remember seeing this somewhere else. The TTB lifts are just that, a lift. If you want to actaully off-road it and really use it, then SAS it. You can fit 35s with 6" lift easy too. You don't need that body lift if you SAS. Now I beat the crap out of my old one with the Trail Master 4" with 35s for almost three years and didn't have any major problems, but with the SAS on my current one...this thing is seriously bad ass!

zainyD, I'll give you a few links to a lot of sweet pictures.

[redranger4.0]

if your going to use a D30 then the xj 30 you have is the one to go with. since it is HP. cut the coil pearches off and weld some wedges on and run your radius arms

[410Fortune]

Drop bracket kits SUCK
Solid or long travel, or both.......only way to go

Anything else is just you avoiding the inevitable. Anyone serious about trails in an Ex or ranger is going to eventually end up with a solid axle. So you can delay it as long as you want, ignore it, or whatever.....or just do it

yes I am a hold out, I will likely always run a TTB in the BII and LT A arms on the Explorer, but then my focus is not just trails and rocks.....