Im planning a SAS on my 98 ranger this spring... right now im just putting it on paper, figuring out what parts im gonna need, how much time to take off work, how much money to put aside, etc...

Im excited about it because its something iv wanted to do for a couple years and finally getting to.. since im excited I always talk about it at work, I swear every single person at my work that I tell things im just an idiot for doing it, what do you guys think? I love my truck but I hate the IFS setup, everything else about my truck is exactely how I want it... do you think im going to regret it later? Like I said its something I have wanted to do for a long time, I am setting aside a lot of time, planning it out and doing everything I can to make sure its done right.

Sounds like it is good to do it. I am sure you have thought through all the draw backs and what not and still want to so I say go for it. Just make sure you use the truck for wheeling and dont use it just for driving on the streets. I plan to see you next summer on the con :D

Matt

I'm glad I did mine. What front axle are you going to use? Be sure to consider where you're springs are vs. spring over or under. If your going spring over, you're going to have to modify most axles. I used a jeep wrangler "wide" axle on my s-10 and the width is perfect. Don't use a "regular" axle, it will be too narrow and you'll need spacers.

What transfer case do you have? I had to get a custom flange for the output. I recommend putting your shackles behind the wheel. I was able to use a stock cherokee pitman arm on my steering box. Most of the big 3 use siginaw brand boxes which are usually the same.

I had a local junkyard give me a lot of help.
Also I'm on an s-10 website, and I brag a little too much on the SFA I did. Some of them get a little irrate. It's just that for the price you pay for the IFS lift, you could easily do a solid axle, and probably pay someone to do it too!! They keep talking about how hard it would be, but really it isn't THAT hard. I mean it's leafsprings, Just make sure everything is square and measure about 10 times.

Plus the s-10 front end can't really handle 35x12.5's. It tears up the ball joints, and bearings. I mean even the Dana 30 shouldn't get more than 35's!! But these guys still get their lifts and run the big tires. Anyhow good luck and feel free to call. If you're nearby, I would help.

If you have any questions feel free to call me at 408-685-6726.

I say do it, and I doubt youll regret it

the only drawback i can find, is it will kill ya on the re-sale. but as you stated above you are happy with the truck everywhere else. i assume you plan to keep it.
for an "easy" swap. measure the width of your framerails,then goto a local junkyard(pick-n-pull) find some waggoneers,jeeps,f-150's...... find the closest match you can. you need to determine what size tires you plan to run. for longevity. if it's your daily lets 35's. most axles should be fine with 35's.
leaf or coil?? you will probably need to get a steering gearbox off a chevy with the pitman facing the rear(i believe i'm correct here) you will lose the rack and pinion. as stated above measure about 10 times and cut once.
as with any project set aside at least twice what you plan to spend and then be able to spend a little more. i've went over it in my head as well and this is a small list..
junkyard axle-sprngs-steering box-gears for new axle-misc. steel for supports,brackets,etc.-tie-rod and draglink. - trac-bar for coil set-up.
moderate wheelin or rock-crawlin??
god can i babble. it will be worth i think.you have access to a major knowledgebase here.alot of the parts you will need are in the for-sale section already. take plenty of pics cause alot of people have wanted the same thing... well you know over there...
shon

Go for it. I'd recommend coils & ford radius arms. The hardest part will be figuring out what steering gear to use, and how to mount it. The rest is straight forward.

I will be using a leaf sprung r/c D44 /w 4.56 gears, havent decided on anything more specific than that but im working on that now, just doing my research.... I have plenty of time, I am waiting till summer because I plan on riding my motorcycle to work while the truck is down, so basically I have alll summer, which will also allow me to spread the cost out in case I have to buy things along the way that I didnt plan on.

I dont care about resale, im not selling it, if I do it wont be for a long long time.

Oh and free beer and pretzels for anyone that wants to come over and help :-)

Naw your not crazy, just a Retard :rolleyes: :D ahahahhahaha, hmmm i wonder whom you'll have fabricate the brackets ??? :flipoff2: :D

sounds good to me ;)
oh yeah i take my :beer: COLD

Originally posted by Retard
Im planning a SAS on my 98 ranger this spring... right now im just putting it on paper, figuring out what parts im gonna need, how much time to take off work, how much money to put aside, etc...

Im excited about it because its something iv wanted to do for a couple years and finally getting to.. since im excited I always talk about it at work, I swear every single person at my work that I tell things im just an idiot for doing it, what do you guys think? I love my truck but I hate the IFS setup, everything else about my truck is exactely how I want it... do you think im going to regret it later? Like I said its something I have wanted to do for a long time, I am setting aside a lot of time, planning it out and doing everything I can to make sure its done right.

You might want to check the spring pad width ranger vs. cherokee. Since they both use coils(correct me if I'm wrong) then it might be worth it to use that.

But you did mention a D44?? yeah stick with that. But what did you get it out of that's narrow enough? Or will your wheels be sticking out??

Good luck!!