Shagnasty does the SAS

[Shagnasty]

Part 1 at least... I want to start purchasing parts.
I've got a 2000 ford exploder xls, 2wd.

Question # 1, what front axle to buy? I'm not into rock crawling much, but would like to do some moderately awsome wheeling. I want to do this only once, so I want to do the strongest option, but be cost effective. I figure I have all summer to rebuild it the way I want. Gearing won't be a problem, because I've got a 3.23 in the back and will have to replace that anyways... probably lock it up too.

Question #2, got the xfer case (manual) but I need to figure out whether to replace my tranny (manual) so the splines will match, or how much it would cost for a tranny place to do this. Or even what to ask in order to get an accurate quote.

Question #3, since I plan to go soa in the rear, will my stock drivline work? Or is that different as well?

Question #4, is there any way to retain ABS? I swear by it, and love it to no end. ABS saves lives... including mine, and I am very good at pumping the pedal. In evasive manuvers it helps immensly.

Okay.. I'm done now.

 

[Robb]

#1 - Depends on tire size you want to run and a exactly what type of wheeling you want to do. Most people here would tell you to go ahead and get a D44.

#2 - No Idea

#3 - Your rear driveshaft will prolly be soo short and need to be lengthened.

#4 - I am sure it can be done, but I have never heard of anyone trying to save it. Usually, just not worth it.

Are you planning on doing it yourself? Make sure to look through the 2nd Gen SASs going on in the Projects Forum.

Robb

 

[Shagnasty]

I have looked at others, but my case is slightly different. The others are a book and a half to read through because of everyones feedback. I wish we has a sas writup or two without all the reading.
Honestly, I like the idea of using a dana 30 like you are, and am trying to find out why anyone wouldn't. I'm not going to rock crawl, I can find it in the right gear range so I'd only have to replace my rear gears..... and I'd be able to mud around with 35's w/ relatively few mods to the axle, right?

 

[Shagnasty]

Also, when I call the junk yard, I need some more info...
If I want a D44, what do i ask for?
I need specific vehicls and year ranges right?
Same for the D30.....
The fab work will be done by a friend of mine who welds for a living.... but honestly the steering box will be the only serious fabbing right?

 

[Muskrat]

D44, EB width, 66-77, low pinon, but correct width. 78-80? Fullsize, High pinion, needs to be cut down

 

[Shagnasty]

Any way to get the front to match the stock ford bolt pattern, or do I have to replace my rear axles to get the bigger bolt spacing?

 

[jshexplo96]

Someone correct me if Im wrong, but I believe there are a few routes to go.....
1. spacers in the rear
2. new axle shafts in the rear
3. ford 9" in the rear
4. dana 30 front with 4.5 on 5
5 leave them different and buy one adapter for your spare(so you can use it on either axle)

Hope this helps.....

 

[Jason_25]

If you have a 2wd tranny, it has to be removed and basically rebuilt to be converted to a 4x4 one.

 

[jeffseal]

your driveshaft wont work, you have to get a 4x4 rear drive shaft.

The transmission output shaft has to be changed, you will have to take it to a tranny place for that.

I am basically doing the same thing you are, I have been researching and gathering parts for a couple months now, I am starting next week hopefully.

read robb's SAS thread it has alot of valuable info

I plan on doing it in 2 stages.

stage one: Get the SAS done

stage two transfer case and drive shafts.

 

[Shagnasty]

How much does that work run at a tranny place? I can get a new tranny for 800.... and probably sell mine for about that.

 

[NOTAJP]

ABS

You will still be able to keep your rear ABS. It'll be fine as lone as you retain the ring on the ring gear (no pun intended). Your ABS modulator is on the frame and won't be affected by the new calipers. However, you won't have front ABS unless there is a way to adapt front ABS sensors from say a Grand Cherokee D30 to your Ford ABS modulator. Never heard of it done, but good question. If you read the latest Peterson's 4wheel and Off-road mag you will find a great article in building a D30 to be stronger than a D44 (minus the case). Any Dana 30 form a '87 or newer J**P will have the drivers side drop (diff) that will work with the transfer case output and have the same bolt pattern. Both driveshafts will need to be custom made.

The sky's the limit, but can your wallet keep up?

 

[Shagnasty]

It will, because I will buy and build parts up untill I can do it all as one job. Also, got a great tax return and a raise next month.
Anyone know of any good sources for parts near central tx? Haven't been able to find any great deals yet. The xfer case alone was $300.

Is there a Grand Cherokee d30 with abs and high pinion?

 

[NOTAJP]

My '98 Grand had 4wheel ABS but I cannot remember if the D30 was high pinion or not. I think the latest Four Wheeler had a complete guide to axles and what they came in.

 

[Kris Guilbeaux]

I did two 4x4 conversions on early Explorers, I Rebuilt a Transmission one time and Replaced one the Other time. Both ways cost me about the same. What you could do is find a cheap Core 4x4 Transmission and get a shop to rebuild it for you.