im really considering a solid axle swap now. i am curious to everything i will need for it. i know the obvious. not sure on prices though.
i know i need
4X4 tranny + transfer case
dana 44
front drive shaft
leaf springs
steering parts
thats all i know for sure but idk what to get them out of or prices. so how bout it? anyone got some info?

 

Go read through zabeards SAS build threads. It's loaded with info and pictures.

 

would everything be about the same even though i got a 2wd xlt?

 

I really looked into it dude and I believe it is alittle more difficult since the truck is 2wd.

 

if its coil sprung then its gonna be a complete b!tch depending on how your planning on doing everything.

 

Yeah I think you're going into uncharted territory with the SLA coil suspension.

 

I dont think it would be bad. Cut it off and fill it in. done... might set me back for a few hours.

But I will say I have not seen one in person long enough to know exactly what your dealing with.

 

oops..
double post.

 

your list may seem like everything you need..


but triple how long it is... and triple or quadruple the price quote you have going on..

bushings
shackles
spring hangers
u-bolts
u-bolt plates
spring perches
possibly center pins..
what kind of leaves?

...and thats just for "leaf springs"

then under D44:
gears
carrier and/or locker
install kit
seals
bearings
diff cover?
steering knuckles?
lock out hubs.

how about shocks?
shock hoops?
what we're your plans for lifting the rear?
I'm not trying to scare you, or be mean.. I'm just trying to help you avoid what i ran into

 

i know my truck will be pretty easy

 

Keep in mind that you have to do some seriose frame mods for it to hold up to major wheelin. Nothing is easy lol


1)
https://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2...ht=sas+project
2)
https://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2...ht=sas+project
3)
https://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2...ht=sas+project
4)
https://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2...ht=sas+project

There are alot of people on here that have done an SAS. Take what they have done, and add an extra couple of steps. This is not something to be done cheaply, or stupidly for that matter. It is a hell of alot of work, and a hell of alot of money. Keep in mind, you are going into uncharted territory here, being as you are 2wd. You are going to completly gut your truck of its drivetrain, trans, axles, everything.

It might be worth it, it might not. Look at the budget everyone here has spent, then add atleast 7-800 bucks for your trans and t-case.

 

how about shonuff or 034x4 or 2002fx4 or rangererv or that white one with snow camo, or the big grey one..

 

I had to chuckle that he put my thread first on the list.....

 

I'm fairly certain he can just replace the tailshaft housing for a 4wd one and get a t-case. PM edgewannabe (brenton).

His truck was a 2wd edge and he converted it to 4wd and I'm 95% sure he just replaced the tailshaft.

 

You have to replace the extension housing and the output shaft, which requires a complete teardown of the tranny. But if you can do tranny work thats no big deal either.

 

Geeze I didn't realize there were so many critics.

Revised list
https://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2...ead.php?t=8030

https://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2...ad.php?t=29849

https://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2...ad.php?t=74499

Better?

 

would it really be that much harder with coil spring suspension? hmm i might just throw some 33s or 35s under it and be done. oh and of course just buy a beater. lol
its just an option so im looking at everything for some input. i know a guy thats planning to SAS an S10 so i was gonna talk to him for his opinion on the difficulty of it.

 

Good luck is all I have to say. If I ever started a SAS.. it'd sit in my driveway for a whole year.

 

im gonna attempt to use my coil buckets on a d44 and kinda have the same suspension setup as a jeep i dont know the differnce between 3 and 4 link suspensions but i measured my buddys jeep coil buckets their the same size as a 98and up coil sprung ranger and i forgot the exact measurement from bucket to bucket on the jeep... but yea thats my idea but im for sure going to strengthen the frame just a idea you might could try using.. since i havent ever seen anyone try this yet..

 

you are atempting an SAS, a very difficult project, and you do not know what the difference between a 3 and 4 link is?

I am not being a dick, but come on!

 

im not attempting a SAS anytime soon and yes it is gonna be a fun and difficult project but thats the beauty of a SAS im not going to just go out their buy parts and try to throw it on my truck i havent researched all too much in 3 link and 4 link ect... but when time comes down to it and the money is right im gonna research and get the parts needed and wanted to make it right and strong.. ill build it as right as i can to my future knowledge and fix things accordingly to improve the SAS after i learn and improve my skills

 

I think a radius arm setup would probably be the simplest way to go.
then you only need to make 2 radius arm mounts and a track bar mount, and then coil buckets or coilover mounts. look for a ford bronco/f150 d44 and get all the suspension and steering stuff off of it.

I went with a leaf setup and it's not that difficult with some planning, but with leafs, I don't think you'll be happy with the steering setup unless you go high steer, so add high steer arms to the cost, and maybe flat top knuckles/ spindles, etc.

I would say to do like most of us and go through every SAS post you can find out there on all the RBV boards and go with the setups that seem to work. dont try to invent something new, use what other people are using.

you should be able to find at least 100 sas threads easily, look at broncoII and explorer setups too. heck I even checked out a few dozen toyota threads since they like d44 swaps too. go through all that and then you'll know what the difference between 3 and 4 link setups, what type springs to use, etc.

 

I was going to SAS my XLT before i decided it wold be easier to get a 4x4 platform to start. The frame is very weak where the buckets are. To do it right you would have to trim the buckets off and box the frame in there. For that amount of work you could pickup a front frame from a 4x4 and swap cabs. Or even get a pre98 frame and swap cabs, then you already have the steering box and don't have to mess around with adding a Toyo box or boxing the frame. Also, if you go with a pre98 frame you can get a EB Dana44 and use the radius arms that are already on the axle. If all your planning is 35's (but you will almost certainly want more once you get a solid ale under there) you can just run EB lift coils to the ranger buckets

 

would a dana 30 be good option? i am aware its not AS strong a the 44 but i dont tend to beat my truck much.

 

just go a little stronger off the bat.
the ujoints on the axle shafts are the same, but you can upgrade those.

the ring/pinion gears, bearings, ball joints etc are all stronger.
thats just my .02

but I'm also thinking about ditching the 44 and getting a 60.