Kirby N.
Elite Explorer
- Joined
- February 6, 2001
- Messages
- 2,543
- Reaction score
- 360
- City, State
- Colorado Springs, CO
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1991 Ranger
My little ranger is just not quite low enough in the rocks. I did the 4 cylinder transmission gear swap and that helped, but 5.13s and 35s still just isn't enough.
On my last build, I did the D and D doubler kit that is no longer available. The gearing was awesome, but there were a few things I didn't love. Duffy, the creator of the kit, told me never to put the front case in low when the rear case was in high. He said that would break the shaft in a heartbeat. That was a bit of a bummer because I wanted to use 2 low at times- and shifting the front without shifting rear would allow 2 low even when the hubs were locked. It also just made me feel a bit uneasy about the strength and reliability of the thing.
I had to cut the front case and weld in a block off plate to cover the hole where the chain went. This wasn't a huge deal, but I suck at tig welding so I had to get a guy to do it. Mine didn't leak after the second try at sealing it- and luckily the guy I had weld it did a wonderful job. But they were a little prone to leaking.
After all the driveshaft and belly pan work in my last build, I had decided I was going to run an Atlas on the ranger instead of a doubler. However, Advance Adapters no longer supports our platform. Thats not handy.
Here is a picture of my last rig:
Then I ran across Behemoth Drivetrain a few months ago: Behemoth Drivetrain
I know they used to have a terrible reputation but they have been purchased by a new owner, Jim. I called and spent some time talking to Jim and to his lead guy, Dillon, and I was really pleased to learn about where they have taken the company. Their shorty case for the 1354 Ranger and Explorer transfer case is a really innovative idea. It incorporates the whole front housing of the case into the doubler for a super short setup. The doubler basically houses the planetaries from both cases. It comes in at just over 4" over all!! I have 7" until I would interfere with the gas tank. Plenty of space.
I am pretty sure this case will fit in a Explorer Sport without getting into the gas tank.
This design also includes a support bearing on the shaft between the cases and a unique design for the intermediary shaft that allows it to be shorter because the transmission shaft goes inside the intermediary shaft.
Behemoth said I can do whatever I want and the shaft won't break. front case in low, rear in whatever.
Ill have to lengthen the front driveshaft- but that will help with the amount of available travel before my driveshaft bottoms, and I will have to shorten the rear driveshaft- which will help with the vibes it makes at 85 MPH.
I will post pictures when it gets here. Everything I am seeing and learning about it- I think it will exceed my expectations.
behemothdrivetrain.com
I have never seen a doubler quite like this. I am really stoked to put it together and have low gears again. Once you have had low gears, nothing really compares.
They also have this beautiful billet tcable shifter- I got the twin stick setup. The doubler allows a ton of clocking options. My case hangs down maybe an inch now- should be able to fix it.
They also make a more typical 1354 doubler- little bit longer in size but similar design to the D and D and others I have seen- but without the strength concerns.
Checkout their website!
I had to buy one and a billet twin stick. I will add pictures when I receive mine and of course along the way as I install it. Pretty stoked to have some good support for our platform since Advance Adapters ditched us. And hey, this one is cheaper than an atlas!
On my last build, I did the D and D doubler kit that is no longer available. The gearing was awesome, but there were a few things I didn't love. Duffy, the creator of the kit, told me never to put the front case in low when the rear case was in high. He said that would break the shaft in a heartbeat. That was a bit of a bummer because I wanted to use 2 low at times- and shifting the front without shifting rear would allow 2 low even when the hubs were locked. It also just made me feel a bit uneasy about the strength and reliability of the thing.
I had to cut the front case and weld in a block off plate to cover the hole where the chain went. This wasn't a huge deal, but I suck at tig welding so I had to get a guy to do it. Mine didn't leak after the second try at sealing it- and luckily the guy I had weld it did a wonderful job. But they were a little prone to leaking.
After all the driveshaft and belly pan work in my last build, I had decided I was going to run an Atlas on the ranger instead of a doubler. However, Advance Adapters no longer supports our platform. Thats not handy.
Here is a picture of my last rig:
Then I ran across Behemoth Drivetrain a few months ago: Behemoth Drivetrain
I know they used to have a terrible reputation but they have been purchased by a new owner, Jim. I called and spent some time talking to Jim and to his lead guy, Dillon, and I was really pleased to learn about where they have taken the company. Their shorty case for the 1354 Ranger and Explorer transfer case is a really innovative idea. It incorporates the whole front housing of the case into the doubler for a super short setup. The doubler basically houses the planetaries from both cases. It comes in at just over 4" over all!! I have 7" until I would interfere with the gas tank. Plenty of space.
I am pretty sure this case will fit in a Explorer Sport without getting into the gas tank.
This design also includes a support bearing on the shaft between the cases and a unique design for the intermediary shaft that allows it to be shorter because the transmission shaft goes inside the intermediary shaft.
Behemoth said I can do whatever I want and the shaft won't break. front case in low, rear in whatever.
Ill have to lengthen the front driveshaft- but that will help with the amount of available travel before my driveshaft bottoms, and I will have to shorten the rear driveshaft- which will help with the vibes it makes at 85 MPH.
I will post pictures when it gets here. Everything I am seeing and learning about it- I think it will exceed my expectations.
Ranger SHORTY Strongbox DIY Case
The DIY Ranger Shorty Strongbox underdrive by Behemoth Drivetrain is engineered for extreme strength, low weight, and incredible performance. This DIY model is case only - allowing you to choose and install your own gears. Gear Compatibility: The Ranger Standard Strongbox DIY case is designed...
behemothdrivetrain.com
I have never seen a doubler quite like this. I am really stoked to put it together and have low gears again. Once you have had low gears, nothing really compares.
They also have this beautiful billet tcable shifter- I got the twin stick setup. The doubler allows a ton of clocking options. My case hangs down maybe an inch now- should be able to fix it.
They also make a more typical 1354 doubler- little bit longer in size but similar design to the D and D and others I have seen- but without the strength concerns.
Checkout their website!
I had to buy one and a billet twin stick. I will add pictures when I receive mine and of course along the way as I install it. Pretty stoked to have some good support for our platform since Advance Adapters ditched us. And hey, this one is cheaper than an atlas!
