Project "Twisted Sister" SAS Front Dana 44, Rear Ford 9"

Hey guys,

So I started a SAS thread almost 2 years ago. Lots have changed since then. But I am finally ready to start my SAS! Originally i wanted to go with a custom 3 link set up but after reading Stic-O's tread and realizing that he has the same axle as me and was going through the same issue as me with the cast on wedges. so even though i really want a 3 link im going to go with the radius arms. think it will be the easiest to do and fairly cheap too.

Current Truck Spec:
2000 Mercury Mountaineer AWD V8 174k miles.

Current idea
Dana 44 front on custom wristed arms with coils
http://www.broncoii4x4.com/wristed-arm/wristed-arm.php
Stock 8.8 SOA regeared with wheel adapters
37" tires on beadlock rims

This will be my trail rig/ rock rig, plan to still drive it to and from will NOT be a trailer queen (yet)

Donor vehicle is a 1978 Ford F150 SuperCab. im getting the Dana 44/ 9" and all linkage etc.

Current Concerns i need input on...
1. keeping the ford 8.8 vs the ford 9"
2. best rim/ tire combo

Here are the goals...

Summer 2015:
-Buy Dana 44, Ford 9" Rear- Picked up 7-11-15
-Recondition/ Rebuild Axles

Fall 2015
-Purchase everything for SAS
-Start to Cut off all IFS on truck
- Box in frame/ reinforce frame rail

Spring/ Summer 2016
-Place front axle
-Place rear axle
-finalize everything
-Exo cage
-Bumpers, Sliders, and winch added
https://www.universal4x4.com//four_wheel_parts/rock_slider_kit
http://www.chassisunlimited.com/product/bumper-parts/rock-slider-gussets.html
http://www.jcroffroad.com/product/XJDIYB/DIY-MJ-R.html
http://www.jcroffroad.com/product/XJDIYB/DIY-XJ-F.html

ANY input you guys have will be great. i am still in the planning/ buying phase so right now im ready for input if i need to make a decision or change my plan.

 

[FR-425]

My 99 did not have a speed sensor in the transfer case, I have a manual 1354 case note with no sensor and the speedo works from the rear did sensor. I believe the 95-98 trucks did have a sensor in the transfer case

Either way he can still put the tone ring in the 9"

 

[FR-425]

My 99 did not have a speed sensor in the transfer case, I have a manual 1354 case note with no sensor and the speedo works from the rear did sensor. I believe the 95-98 trucks did have a sensor in the transfer case

You are correct, some do and some don't, apparently it depends on the type of instrument cluster i.e. electronic/analog and whether it has the 4 or 5 speed automatic. The 2000 mountaineer did not come with a manual t-case.

 

[dersch6221992]

Second gen = 1995 -2001

The speed sensor is in the transfer still on a 2000. The tone ring in the diff is only for the ABS.

You can mount the tone ring in the 9". You need to grind out the case a bit for clearance and drill a hole for the sensor. Not too tough if you have the right tools. You can, for a couple hundred bucks have a machine shop do it up.

Best part is you only need to carry the 3rd member and not the entire housing to the shop.

Here's a link with pics of a 9" with the tone ring mod.

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=89605

This would be the better way to go than mess about with wheel adapters. Cheaper too.

But if the tone ring is in the transfer case why do i need to put one in the axle?? wouldnt the speedo work of the transfer case then?

i should add that i am going to do the BW4406 manual tcase swap soon.

and i honestly think figuring out how to convert the 9" from drums to rotors will be way more expensive and complicated then regears/ locking the 8.8 and throwing some adapters on it.

 

[dersch6221992]

Here is a link to the thread where i discuss rims and backspacing

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3444938&posted=1#post3444938

 

[dersch6221992]

link for the Ford 8.8 rear axle questions

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=430335

 

[dersch6221992]

link for Ford 9" rear axle with tone ring and VSS issues

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=430296

not going with the Ford 9" anymore... its for sale $100 but some good info

 

[dersch6221992]

for me: couple good build treads im following for help

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3339743#post3339743
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=236289
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=148754&page=5