5.0
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- February 24, 2007
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- 224
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- Year, Model & Trim Level
- '97 Ranger 5.0
Check out what I want to do and let me know if it sounds possible. And just a quick question first... anyone have 35's with 4.10 gears? How does it do accelerating and cruising at 70 mph?
I plan to SAS my '97 XLT 5.0 AWD, preferably using some axles I already have and swapping in a part time t-case. The swap will be done using leaf springs in the front. The rear must have some sort of traction device, the front can remain open.
I want to use the Sterling rear and D44 front from an F250. From the axles I have listed below, does this sound like a good choice?
The X will be used mostly on the street and see some mud a few times a month, and drive through some flood water to get home during the rainy season. I'd like it to still be somewhat quick on the street. I'd like to have disc brakes on the rear. It may occasionly tow a trailer. I want to run 35's or 36's with plenty of lift (no trimming). I need to keep the frame up off the ground, so the "big lift" concept doesn't bother me.
These are my choices for rear axles (measurements are approximate). I have also listed some things I like/dislike about each:
Sterling 10.25 from a late 80's or early 90's F250, 4.10 ratio with Trac-Loc. WMS to WMS is 65.25"
Pros - very strong, 4.10 gears may work for my application, limited slip works good, decent ground clearance, big brakes.
Cons - heavy, 2.75" narrower than the front I want to use.
9" - I have 3 of these from late 70's trucks, 3.50 ratio, open diffs. WMS to WMS is 65.25"
Pros - lightweight and good ground clearance.
Cons - need re-geared, need to purchase a locker ($$$)
Chevy 14 bolt, 3.73 ratio, open diff. WMS to WMS is 67"
Pros - very strong, Detroit Lockers are cheap, disk brake swap is cheap and easy.
Cons - heavy and horrible ground clearance.
D60 from a late 70's F250 - I don't like this axle really, therefore I'm not considering it.
Choices for front axles:
D44 hi-pinion from a late 70's F250, 4.10 ratio. WMS to WMS is 68"
Pros - dual piston calipers for great stopping power. 4.10 ratio may work. Already has leaf spring perches.
Cons - wider than what I would like.
D44 hi-pinion from a '75 F100, 3.50 ratio. WMS to WMS is 66.125"
Pros - narrower than the 8 lug front
Cons - lug pattern doesn't match the rear I want to use. Would need to weld on some spring perches.
This axle has the welded on radius arm mounts, so I can cut them off and weld on some new perches fairly easy.
Here are some pics of the axles I have to choose from:
.
I plan to SAS my '97 XLT 5.0 AWD, preferably using some axles I already have and swapping in a part time t-case. The swap will be done using leaf springs in the front. The rear must have some sort of traction device, the front can remain open.
I want to use the Sterling rear and D44 front from an F250. From the axles I have listed below, does this sound like a good choice?
The X will be used mostly on the street and see some mud a few times a month, and drive through some flood water to get home during the rainy season. I'd like it to still be somewhat quick on the street. I'd like to have disc brakes on the rear. It may occasionly tow a trailer. I want to run 35's or 36's with plenty of lift (no trimming). I need to keep the frame up off the ground, so the "big lift" concept doesn't bother me.
These are my choices for rear axles (measurements are approximate). I have also listed some things I like/dislike about each:
Sterling 10.25 from a late 80's or early 90's F250, 4.10 ratio with Trac-Loc. WMS to WMS is 65.25"
Pros - very strong, 4.10 gears may work for my application, limited slip works good, decent ground clearance, big brakes.
Cons - heavy, 2.75" narrower than the front I want to use.
9" - I have 3 of these from late 70's trucks, 3.50 ratio, open diffs. WMS to WMS is 65.25"
Pros - lightweight and good ground clearance.
Cons - need re-geared, need to purchase a locker ($$$)
Chevy 14 bolt, 3.73 ratio, open diff. WMS to WMS is 67"
Pros - very strong, Detroit Lockers are cheap, disk brake swap is cheap and easy.
Cons - heavy and horrible ground clearance.
D60 from a late 70's F250 - I don't like this axle really, therefore I'm not considering it.
Choices for front axles:
D44 hi-pinion from a late 70's F250, 4.10 ratio. WMS to WMS is 68"
Pros - dual piston calipers for great stopping power. 4.10 ratio may work. Already has leaf spring perches.
Cons - wider than what I would like.
D44 hi-pinion from a '75 F100, 3.50 ratio. WMS to WMS is 66.125"
Pros - narrower than the 8 lug front
Cons - lug pattern doesn't match the rear I want to use. Would need to weld on some spring perches.
This axle has the welded on radius arm mounts, so I can cut them off and weld on some new perches fairly easy.
Here are some pics of the axles I have to choose from:
.