Ok so ill just start this thread since I was able to find a dana 30 solid front axle from a jeep zj for $250 dollars. It was a deal that I couldnt pass up. Ive been looking for a axle that would retain my ranger lug pattern and keep the same width. I didnt want to go tha extra mile in modifying a dana 44 or 60 to get it to work with what I wanted. I wheel very lightly so I dont for see this setup being an issue for me with upgraded ujoints. Ive been doing a lot of research lately since I dont really know what to buy for this or what Im doing but with a little reading and through ya'lls help Im sure I can make this work. I did it with the 5.0 swap with no issues, im sure I can do this with no issues as well. Anyway, here is what I bought so far:







So far Im looking at some lift options so I can keep the same lift in the front about 4-5inchs so heres some springs and shocks I think im going to run:

Bilstein 5100 Series Shocks:
http://www.jeepinoutfitters.com/scri...idproduct=3141
Rebicon Express Lift Springs:
http://www.jeepinoutfitters.com/scri...idproduct=1382

Also since this axle has 3.55 gears I need to upgrade to 4.10s to match the rear. I have yet to decide which ones to buy yet but I dont think thatll be an issue.

Let me know what yall think so far, thanks for looking.

 

Looks like a nice axle to start with.

 

Looks like a good start!

 

Kinda seems dumb to get an axle with 3.55 gears when you could find one with 4.10s that would've cost less than the work of swapping in the 4.10s.


Anways, just get 4.56 gearing installed and either leave driveshaft out our 4.56 the rear axle also. 4.10s are good for 33s max...when you go 35s you're gonna want lower gearing.

 

I have 4.10s now with 35s... With the 5.0, i think this combo seems perfect.

 

Im trying to figure out how Im going to run an upper coil/shock tower once I cut the ranger one off. any ideas??

Also found a long arm kit Ill probably buy: thoughts?

http://www.ironman4x4fab.com/Products/LAK.html

 

4.10's

 

i love it when new parts show up. did you get an open carrier so you can throw a locker in it?

 

No, i opted for an open carrier in the front. Im going to put a limited slip in the rear. That was my decision

 

Also got some new Rough Country 6.5" lift coils....

Its gonna be tall

 

Looking good!

 

Can I suggest welding a plate over the original lower shock mount and welding on shock tabs? That mounting style is weak IMO and limits your choices on shocks.

 

Ya i was thinking of redoing the lower axle plates, hmm....

 

That long arm kit is insanely expensive for what it is. You can make your own for a tenth of the cost.

As for upper coil towers, use an Early bronco coil bucket ($129+shipping) from broncograveyard.com and use the F250 shock mounts.

FYI, rough country XJ coils are only 170 ppi. I think they are going to be WAY too springy for you with a ranger/5.0L But it'll flex like nothin else!!

 

Thanks for the link.... As far as the long arm kit, Im not too concerned about the price. I will pay for quality plus I dont want to go through the trouble of measuring, and building and all that. Im too lazy for that :-D

 

No problem bro. You have any more questions, you know where to find me!

 

The rough country is 190lbs/in and I dont know where else to find stiffer springs unless you know where??

I read some one who did a swap with these springs and loved them. said he got like 5inche total lift out of them.

 

RC updated their coils 2 months ago, I just talked to them about it on Wednesday. Im one of thier dealers. Speaking of D30 long arm kits, if you dont mind spending the coin, here's a badass setup RC sell WITH a transmission crossmember/skid. OR, they'll sell the arms seperately.

http://roughcountry.com/jeep_xj_689U.html

 

I'm guessing to make that all fit I'll need to fab mounting points for all those skid plates ect

 

As far as I know, the frame widths are the same as a ranger. Just drill new holes. I have a cherokee in my backyard. I'll check for you tomorrow.

 

you rock thanks

 

No problem bro. Im a secret old school Jeeper turned ford nut. Lol

 

To get the front coils to line up right you have to cur into the frame. The coil mounts are a little narrow on the jeep axle. There are pics in my build thread.

 

I saw your thread a while ago but didnt see how you cut in to the frame or real good pics of it. Your truck looks great though... Where'd you get your bump stops and coil buckets?

 

Frame widths are completely different betweent the two vehicles. Cherokee's is actually wider. SO, you would have to call RC to see what they'd sell just the arms for with the flex joints.