I have a friend that is thinking about building up a ranger. I talked him out of a new one and into a TTB because he is crazier then me and I think if he has his way he will be rolling on 40's or 44's or something crazy because I know he will just have to go bigger then me. Of course we discussed a SAS and how much easier they are to do on a TTB truck.

So my questions :

I know TTBs ended with 97 what years did they start ?
Are there any year trucks that are better for lifting for one reason or another ?
Assuming he gets a TTB truck from some year I am 90% sure he will do a SAS but it would probably not be for a year or so after he got the truck so until then whats the stock drivetrain like ? What are the axels 8.8 28 spline rear ? Whats the front dana 30 ?

That will give us a start. I think he is going to join the site here soon.

 

The compact Ranger was TTB from the first 4x4 version in 1983 through 1997. Lots of lift info and tweaks HERE and HERE.

Lots more early Ranger info at the TRS Tech Library

 

according to This on TRS it looks like almost every year ranger could have had either the D35/28 hybrid or D35. I am confused that does not make any sense the same year truck could have had either one unless it was different models or something. So how would you know which one a truck had ?

not that it is going to matter too much in the long run after a SAS but I guess a D35 is a better starting point then a D35/28.

 

if the ranger has a 4.0 then its a dana 35. best years IMO are 1993-1997.

 

yeah i was thinking 93-97 just based on exterior looks but would have quickly changed my mind if they didn't have the D35. but this is my friend project I am just trying to help him out.

So any 4.0L has a D35 thats good to know.

 

If he is interested in turning big tires, he shouldn't consider any other engine/axle combination. And if he's going to swap a solid axle onto it, it doesn't really matter what platform you start with.

 

Which year would be easier to swap a V8 into? That sounds like something he might want to do and something to take into consideration.

 

From a space point of view, it's easier to swap most small blocks into a 97-back. There's better clearance for headers and the oil pan. Several manufacturers make conversion parts and there is a good knowledge base for the swap.

For 98+, it's still possible but the specially-adapted Explorer 5.0L is the only version that works well with the newer Ranger frame and suspension X-member. The exhaust clearance is really poor in 98+ with a 5.0L and requires the stock Ex manifolds (poor flow) or Explorer-specific headers (expensive).

 

Ok that's what I was thinking. I knew newer Rangers were a mess trying to fit it all in there. Sounds like a 93-97 would be a good project vehicle. How do the transmissions offered in those years mate up to a 5.0? Or would a new transmission be the right idea also?

 

best bet is to use an AOD. the 1995 and older will be easier since its OBD-1 if ur keeping the EFI.

friend of mine swapped a carb'd v-8 in a 1994 splash in a long weekend...not hard.

 

Whats so good about Twin Traction Beams. Better for offroading?

 

easier and cheaper to lift mainly. a 6" lift costs about $800. they are harder to keep in allignment but it isnt that bad.

plus they are really good for the desert crown, u can get gobs of wheel travel outta them realitivly easy.

plus performing a SAS is incredibly easy on a TTB truck, weather its a fullsize or little guy...

 

as optikal illushun said its really just they are inexspesive to upgrade. By upgrade I mean for any setup also prerunner, lifted, whatever. I think mainly because that setup has been around for so long that a lot of companies make stuff for it. Also think about how many rangers are out there with that setup vs how many are out there with the new set up. Its been in the ranger since 1983, its been out for 30 years the new setup has only been out since 98, thats less then 10 years. Plus with no T-bars and no rack-in-pinion steering, makes it easy to do a SAS.

 

yeah thats the plan, I wasn't sure if the D35 was only in there certain years or anything like that. I think the SAS is going to be a ways off so a good platform is just for the first little while.