Hmmm im not sure what he is running, i think they are 40's. or 39.5's. and yeah its a V-6. Alot of those guys run the D44's fully built. Those are pretty tough axles.

heres another dudes ranger on there is Zachs and hes running D60's front and rear coil sprung. .

 

well would the weight difference between the D44 and D60 be worth going with a D44 even though its a weaker axle?

Im really just putting ideas out there. im not try to cut corners just make this the best for my needs.

 

Do the D60 and build it up before its in the truck. its definetly worth it!

 

yeah thats what im thinking then if i ever want to drop a new engine/trans in there ill still be good with the power.

I have a guy right down the road that SAS his yota so i might go talk to him he's got a great shop setup.

and im not sure what springs im gonna go with yet. I would like to get 4 brand new spring packs but i have to find out what will fit and look right.

Like i said i will be running 38's but still want the room to go bigger if i ever put a different powerplant in it.

waiting to see another trucks progress the 12v 5.9L Cummins will be an option if everything goes good with his.

 

I would NOT even consider the D44. Ona light bodied ranger, you might be able to get away with it, but on your truck, just go D60 and be done. I would go chromo before install, just cause I like to build it up, then put it in. Either works, but if you install it, then later want the upgrade, then ya gotta un-install and do it, and install again.

As for a shackle reversal, NO. Don't do it. Its a cheap idea, and nets horrible ride IMO. I am just NOT a fan. Go with the shackle up front, but look into a droop shackle. I can show ya how I made mine for the sami. Basically they fold up, and can "droop" down when ya need the added flex. Very cool, there when ya need it, and tucked up when ya dont. You could even put a "pin" type holder in the droop shackle to prevent it from droopin when ya don't need it. As for Goofy leafs out back, again a simple mod to do, that gains huge flex when ya need it, and again, can be tucked and use a pin to keep it stiff when ya dont. As for which kind of springs ? I would go with the 63 in. Chevy springs. Easy to find, and long enough to give you a good ride.

Also, don't go with "lift" shackles. Sounds like a good idea, but those "death stilts' or just horrible, make your junk look cheap, and don't give ya any added benefit, other then a horrible approach angle, and horrible ride. A shackle 1" larger then stock is ok, larger then that isn't. Your probably wanting to keep the body as is huh ? Think about doing some comp cuts. Depending how good ya are with metal and body work and what not, you could do some awesome comp cuts, keeping the center of gravity down low, and the tires large. Again, I would go check out Pirate4x4.com . Thats where ya gunna find this kinda info. Guys over there have some serious skills, and know how, and make some just bad *** machines. Check it out, lurk around, and read a lot.

 

ok well ill be cruising around. if anyone has anymore info PM me or put it in this thread.

 

MercedesTech nailed it as far as i'm concerned. D44 will not hold up, not that strong of an axle and to build it up would be a waste of time and money on a full size truck. I'm putting a d44 in my explorer and i'm still somewhat worried about it being too weak with only 35"s and 5.13's! As for springs build a set yourself or get a custom pack built. They will perform very nicely.

Post pics too...now that my explorer is about finished i've started to eye my 05 (don't tell my wife)

 

5.13's to run some 35's? thats a BIG gear ratio man. what size motor does it have in it?

 

4.0 OHV v6 160 ground pounding horse. I did just pick up a 302 basket case though that MAY go in it someday. But I may just build a buggy for it, or an old mustang...no clue

Yes it's still low but it'll never go over 30mph anyway. I'm building it for trail and rocks

 

That sounds like a great Explorer.

Im going with 5.13's and 38's so i can tell how low you are.

 

You mud guys crack me up ! Thats a low ratio ??? Come on over here, come play on some rocks with us ! I have buddies, running buggies and other rigs with 100:1, 200:1 and one guys running 513:1 final crawl ratios. I am currently building my second Samurai, and it will have the 500:1 ratio as well. Right now, I am only at about 100:1 final crawl. Needs more umph ! (1st gear, max speed is about 2-3 MPH and I'm tached at about 6grand ! )

 

Where abouts you at ? What trails you hit most often ?

pics ?

 

yeah i know how much i get in that crack of yours.

Being down in florida theres not much ROCKS to climb so mud is my thing. And theres no fun in crawling slowly in mud but i can still do it in 4lo...

(remeber my truck still has to be streetable)

 

you wish little fella !

Ya I know, just givin ya some chit !! You know I will be telling you to turn it into a trailer queen the whole time, right ?

 

yeds but i have nothing to pull the trailer with...

and when i get my new DODGE CHALLANGER it wont be pulling the trailer. Therefore it will be driving back and forth to the mud hole.

Too bad im not getting a Challanger even though i like them... ok now you an flame