I have a 87 Ranger 4x4 with the Twin Traction Beam front suspension. I would like to convert the truck to a straight axle front axle. I was considering using an axle front the front of a later model Jeep Wrangler because I believe the lug pattern is the same. I was thinking of using modified Radius arms in the front and a track bar and set the truck up much like a 78-79 4x4 F150. Has anyone done a conversion like this and will the Jeep Axle work and what was the results.

If going to a straight axle, I would make it a little more worth while. The jeep fronts are not famous for being strong. Especially their D30, which is what most of them have. You would actually be putting a weaker axle than what you have now. If you really are concerned about the lug pattern and you dont want to change out the rear-look for a Rubicon 44. They are pricey though.

The D30 high pinion non disco from a Jeep XJ with is as strong as a D44 low pinion (rubicon). The late ones have an improved ujoint and axles, not sure of year for change. The last D30 I got I paid $50 then bought TJ hubs and axles for 75. I am planning on using one in my AWD 41 Willys pu with blown small block.

I'm getting the parts together to solid axle swap my 88 Bronco II. Goto Bronco II 4x4 and in the "shop talk" tab on the right, there is a write up for doing this swap. I recommend using the Ford parts even though it changes your lug pattern. It will work a lot easier for and like Colorado Ron said, a D30 is not a super stout axle. With the swap explained on Bronco II, you are swapping in a D44. This is the route I'm going, but it's up to you.

The extra time you would spend modifying a D30 to accept the radius arms' c-bushings would take longer than swapping in the Ford D44.

quote:

The extra time you would spend modifying a D30 to accept the radius arms' c-bushings would take longer than swapping in the Ford D44.

Radius Arm C Bushings?!? The radius arms on my Ranger only have bushings at the rear of the arm. The front attachment is a bolt that goes vertically thru the I beam, and the top of that bolt holds the bottom spring perch.

Yes the ttb system on your ranger is a much different setup than a straight axle. On a '79 and earlier ford d44 they use c-busings to mount the radius arms to the axle. You can change the pinion angle and caster by changing the degree of bushing you put in. You can buy C-tabs to weld to any straight axle and use the ford radius arm setup here:

http://broncograveyard.com/bronco/i-33949_c-bushing_radius_arm_mounts.htm

They mount like this:





Here is a good detailed dana 44 swap into a ranger you can read through for ideas:

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=20143&hl=

I think it was 78-79 ford used a HP Dana 44 front for their f-150, the axle tubes may be too wide for a ranger but still same setup

D44:

71-77 Early Bronco (previous years had a D30)
-Low pinion
-Weaker U-joints (5-260)
-pre-76 had drum brakes, but can be converted to disks.

71-77 F100/F150
-Fullwidth
-High pinion
-73+ has stronger 5-297 u-joint
-76+ has disk brakes

78-79 Fullsize Bronco / F150
-Fullwidth
-High pinion
-78-79 is easier to narrow, but coil buckets must be spaced from frame to run fullwidth
-5-297 u-joints

76-79 F250
-Fullwidth
-Leaf sprung
-5-297 u-joints
-76-77 are low pinion, 78-79 are high pinion
-Heavy duty axletubes and knuckles


Full width d44s are 6" wider than rangers so you can either cut down the passanger side tube or run it full width and space the buckets out 3" on a side.

What does the D30 use for attachment between the radius arms and the axle.

You could look for a dana 44 from a fullsize Wagoneer/Cherokee Chief. They are drivers side input, narrower than a fullsize Ford 44, and much easier to find than the early Bronco 44.