Ok i am pretty new to 4x4's so please bear with me. I have a 2001 Ford Ranger and i want to put a Dana 30 in the front end. my reason behind this is that i will be able to lift it as much as i want within reason and have a better truck off road, and still have a daily driver. I know this can be done but the biggest problem i am facing is a way to keep my ABS i live in Seattle and with all the rain we have and this being my DD i really want to keep the ABS in the front. With the Dana 30 i would have more choices for front LS or lockers and it would have the same bolt patern as my current front end. Right now i have for tires 33x12.5.r15 BFG Mud's but would prob go up to 35's and regear it. Im looking for some information on the ABS thing and what jeeps or what ever i should look at to see about there current ABS and Dana frontend.

Thank you now for all the Info.

If you really want to go D30 and keep ABS, then i would look for a HP d30 out of an XJ. Better driveline angls, same lug pattern as your rear, and ABS-compatable. another option if you want to keep the lug pattern is a D44 from a 1/2 ton fulltime dodge. some are the 5 on 4.5 that you want. you would need to swap in a D300 or other passinger's side drop transfer case for this. I really don't know about ABS on these. If it was my rig, and i had the money, i would go with at D60/Sterling setup with 4-wheel disc and ABS from a late-model superduty. Another factor to consider is suspension. are you gonna run leafs up front, or fab a link or radius-arm setup? any of these axles can be set up for either, but the more you decide BEFORE you start buying parts, the better. Hard wheeling, 35's and a d30=:nuke: just a few things to consider.

Yea, if you really want a d30 a HP From a XJ is probably the best bet, or possibly from a YJ. You just have to grind off all the brackets etc. on the XJ. If it was me personally I'd get a D44, but that'd have to be from another ford. You could get a driver drop d44 from an old bronco and a 9 inch from the rear and use bronco coils and radius arms up front. That would be trick. (Who needs ABS anyway) :flipoff2:

You don't need a D60 for 35"s, hell you don't NEED a front 60 for 38"s. Regardless of what FCWheeler said, I have seen plenty of D30s hold up fine on 35"s. You can always get warns and CTMs, but it'd be worth it to get a 44 and 9 inch.

cough*rockwells*cough :flipoff2:

Seriously though if it were for me I would go with a 9"/D44 combo.

Wes

Originally posted by 1248bullitt
cough*rockwells*cough :flipoff2:

Seriously though if it were for me I would go with a 9"/D44 combo.

Wes

yeah, what he said. What you have now is stronger than a 30. May not be as off-road worthy, but its stronger.

just my 2 lincolns....:flipoff2:

Originally posted by pavelow


yeah, what he said. What you have now is stronger than a 30. May not be as off-road worthy, but its stronger.

just my 2 lincolns....:flipoff2:

He has an '01. These are low-pinion with CV jointshttp://www.plauder-smilies.de/puke.gif

A hi-pinion D30 with 297s is much stronger, but not as strong as a Dana44, which is what I'd use to SAS a '01.

Look up "Retard" (Rerard) or "SmartAss" on this board. I think they both have done SAS on '98up Rangers.

Originally posted by 4x4junkie

....
Look up "Retard" (Rerard) or "SmartAss" on this board. I think they both have done SAS on '98up Rangers.


We already talked on aim.. I was the one that told him he should ask here because I did not give a fawk about ABS so I really don't have a clue regarding that aspect.

What I was curious about is what components are involved in ABS? Where is the sensor located that tells the computer when the wheels are locked?

Reason I suggested d30 is the bolt pattern, but also thought since the XJs and Rangers have so much in common maybe he could look into transplanting the ABS components? Prolly a long shot but I figured its something to look into. As for it not holding up, Smart Ass is running a d30 in his ranger /w 35s and has had that for prolly a year or so with no problems yet.

Originally posted by 4x4junkie


He has an '01. These are low-pinion with CV jointshttp://www.plauder-smilies.de/puke.gif

A hi-pinion D30 with 297s is much stronger, but not as strong as a Dana44, which is what I'd use to SAS a '01.

Look up "Retard" (Rerard) or "SmartAss" on this board. I think they both have done SAS on '98up Rangers.

Do you think he will be throwing 35's on his CV's? My assumption was geared toward the maximum tire he could run on his current set-up.

Even still, I'd be willing to bet those cv's would hang with a 30. Do you have personal experience with this? Please let us all know where your rate of info stems from.

Originally posted by Rerard



Smart Ass is running a d30 in his ranger /w 35s and has had that for prolly a year or so with no problems yet.

Then he's not wheeling it.:flipoff2:

Originally posted by pavelow


Do you think he will be throwing 35's on his CV's? My assumption was geared toward the maximum tire he could run on his current set-up.

Even still, I'd be willing to bet those cv's would hang with a 30. Do you have personal experience with this? Please let us all know where your rate of info stems from.
If you read the original post, he says he has 33X12.50 tires and plans on going to 35s. :rolleyes:

I'm not sure I understand the rest of your post as it doesn't quite make any sense. If he replaces the axle with a D30, he will no longer have CV joints.

As for personal experience, no, but I have witnessed several failures on the same trails I run. That enough for me. And anyone else you ask will tell you a 297 U-joint is stronger than a stock CV, which limits you to 6-7" of wheeltravel, anyway.

Originally posted by 4x4junkie

I'm not sure I understand the rest of your post as it doesn't quite make any sense. If he replaces the axle with a D30, he will no longer have CV joints.



Pretty much the response I expected:rolleyes:

Why would you waste money on a dana 30? Like I said in my previous post, it may not be as off road worthy, but I still think his cv shit could take the same pounding that dana 30 can.

If your going to do a swap like this don't you think a dana 44 would be the best route? Especially if you run 35's.

I seem to remember a while back smart ass posting something over on the RRORC board about a cracked axle tub on his dana 30 beast. Can't remember for sure, but I know it was something to that nature.

Originally posted by Pavelow
If your going to do a swap like this don't you think a dana 44 would be the best route? Especially if you run 35's.

Dude, Slow down and read a little more careful. Heres quoted from my prior post

A hi-pinion D30 with 297s is much stronger, but not as strong as a Dana44, which is what I'd use to SAS a '01.

In this statement I'm implying to use a D44 and not a D30.

Sure, a D30 has a smaller ring gear, but a hi-pinion one will be at least as strong as the gears in the D35IFS, which is low-pinion (driving on the weaker side of the gear teeth for a frontend). Unless you like hammering the throttle in reverse....
Even if the gain in strength wasn't significant, the massive increase in flex more than makes it worth the swap. Because a D44 is the same hassle, I suggested using it instead. Have you looked at the tierods on the IFS? They're about the size of 12 year old's pinky finger. Seen 'em snap like twigs.



As for the ABS sensors, they should be located behind the rotors. There will be a finned hub (tone ring) with a sensor positioned next to it. I'd be willing to bet you could plug (wire) the Jeep sensors onto the Ranger's system and have it work. Should be two wires for each sensor. If not, then perhaps making a way to mount the Ranger sensors next to the Jeep tone rings should work.

Hope that helps some.

Originally posted by pavelow


....I seem to remember a while back smart ass posting something over on the RRORC board about a cracked axle tub on his dana 30 beast. Can't remember for sure, but I know it was something to that nature.


Your memory fails you... he had problems with the d35 which he has since replaced /w a toy 8.. no probs /w the 30.

i live in seattle and i use 4 wheel drum brakes without ABS.. learn how to drive :flipoff2:

I know a guy that completed a SAS on his 99 explorer sport, but he used D44 front and rear from a old waggy, 6 lugs instead of 5, so he also have to change wheels, loose ABS, speedometer, but it looks pretty hard to break them if you compare it with the D30 from an XJ. I have seen some XJ and jeeps with 35 and even 36, and I only hear about breaking axles on forums not in person...

It's pretty hard to find a D44, driver's side pumpking, same lug pattern, and with the same lengh than the rear axle, so a D30 from a jeep will be the easiest way to go, but no the better one...

I'm thinking on this mod too, but there is too much involved, beside the axle finding, you have to think about the steering box and the suspension setup, if I do this, I'll be going with springs, but then if you go with SOA, you better get a flat top knuckle, to throw the steering linkage over the springs for better clearence, and then the shafts will need to be extended, or you will have to get new shafts...$$$$

So, if you just want some clearence and some flex, why don't just go with SUA and revolver shackles, maybe the shaft wouldn't need to be extended, and you always can go with SOA anytime you want... I have a 99 explorer sport and I'm running 33's but I will be glad to run them with more clearence, more flex, and keep some money in my pocket, so this could be a good choice...

Anyway, RERARD, you truck looks awesome in that avatar, Do you have some more pics, or a writeup with pics or something?? Did you use a D44?? from what vehicle?? springs?? springs perches?? steering box?? steering linkage?? so many questions!?!?!:confused:

Who needs ABS anyway?? if you're running 35's the ABS will not work properly...Build a "daliy driver" "off-road beast" could be a dificult work... so make up your mind and choice one...

Mine is a waggy 44 as well, I didnt go hi-steer cause I was trying to keep it cheap but im going to need to because the bumpsteer is pretty bad. Steering box is scout II /w crown victoria pump. I am using 44044's SOA, /w f250 shock towers and bilstein 5100s. Drag link is home made.. basically just went and bought one at PNP and lengthened it but im going to have one made professionally when I go hi-steer. I also am throwing a 9" in the rear because it was cheaper for me to buy a complete 9" /w 4.88s than to regear my 8.8. No writeup just yet but should have one done in a month or so and more detiailed pics. Hoping to wheel it for the first time next weekend.

So, are you running a front D44 from a waggy with a 6 bolt lug pattern?? do you have two spare tires with diferents wheels on it?? or is there a D44 waggy with 5-4.5 pattern???

Originally posted by 4x4junkie
As for the ABS sensors, they should be located behind the rotors. There will be a finned hub (tone ring) with a sensor positioned next to it. I'd be willing to bet you could plug (wire) the Jeep sensors onto the Ranger's system and have it work. Should be two wires for each sensor. If not, then perhaps making a way to mount the Ranger sensors next to the Jeep tone rings should work.

If not that, then maybe ABS rings and sensors from a 94-96 F150 or Bronco. The tone rings should be adaptable to any D44 pretty easily.

Originally posted by oso_polar
So, are you running a front D44 from a waggy with a 6 bolt lug pattern?? do you have two spare tires with diferents wheels on it?? or is there a D44 waggy with 5-4.5 pattern???


Different lug patterns at the moment. Still not sure what im going to do about it. My roommate also has the same mismatched patterns but he has 6 lug in the rear (toy rear end) and 5.5 front (d30)... we each carry one spare and we always wheel together and agreed if one of us needs the other spare we will just call them on their cell. I know its a little hokey but its temp :)

What im thinking right now is that I will get my 9 setup for 6 lug and then throw some chevy disks on there (drum right now).. not sure if this is even possible so if anyone has any input on that please let me know.

You can always get the rear axle of the waggy, maybe the macht is a drum setup, thats what my friend have, but you can upgrade it to disc....

There is a little problem, maybe not for you, since you have a ranger, I'm no t pretty sure about yours, but my X has the speedometer cable plugged into the rear axle, I think that the first gen X's came with it attached to the transfer case, but mines not....So if you change the rear axle for a waggy one, you will loose your speedometer...and I don't know if the ford 9" came with it....

Can't you just redrill the disk for a 5 lug pattern??? If you can, then thats the way I'll be going...

Not sure what a waggy has in the rear but im assuming its a 44...ill take a 9" any day over a 44. I didn't really look into it, just kind of stumbled onto the 9", same guy that I bought the 44 from had it and it was the same width. Already geared and ready to go for 450$, I figured what the hell, same lug pattern as my 8.8 and I can sell my 8.8 for 3 bills and come out only 150 down. Whereas gears would have been 500 or so.

As for the VSS mine is on the transfercase.

Retard, if you want to have matching lug patterns, find a D44 out of a dodge 1/2 ton ( late 70's, early 80's). They are 5 on 4.5. only thing that sucks is no hub options, so no front weld or locker. jus a thought. If you wanna replace rear, waggy D44, chev 12-bolt, or toyota shit is all 6 on 5.5. or get 8-lug outers for your waggy 44, and use a 14-bolt or 60:D

I went to some junkyards today, no luck, I just find a D30, steering linkage, springs setup but 3.xx gears and I have 4.10 in the rear axle...

I also find a Bronco full width axle, wich could be a good combo, but it seems to me that the trac bars mounts cannot be removed and I really don't wanna mess with a coil setup....

In the other hand I find a front D44 waggy, springs setup, steering linkage, don't know what gears, but my friend bought two rears and he is willing to sell me one if I want... I think that the gears from his axle are 5.xx but then again, I have Disk brakes in the rear axle, and the rear of the waggy has DRUMS, and the other issue is the VSS, I don't wanna loose it!!

:confused: Is there anyway to redrill a six lug into a 5 lug explorer compatible????:confused:

iso_polar: See above, 1/2 ton dodge full time D44 outers are 5 on 4.5 (late 70's, early 80's) They will work on a waggy D44 :flipoff2:

Originally posted by FCwheeler
iso_polar: See above, 1/2 ton dodge full time D44 outers are 5 on 4.5 (late 70's, early 80's) They will work on a waggy D44 :flipoff2:

Those things eat up wheelbearings like no tomorrow, though. I s'pose as with anything, correct wheel offset can help them live.

Sorry I didn't read that part... I guess I will be going to the junkyard again today, let see what I can find, since that trucks weren't so common down here in venezuela at that time (70's 80's) Is there another macth for the waggy??? I can get the parts new, but that will be pricy....

DUDE YOU NEED RESEACH B4 U GIVE YOUR OPINION(S)

ive beem pounding my dana 30 for 3 years now ZERO problems!

THE CRACKED AXLE you mention was actually my rear axle thank you ;) not the dana 30.

I SAY RUN WHATCHA BRUNG

DO WHATCHA CAN

Need i mention one of the top guys this wekend at calrocs run d30... and yet the guys with the rockwells and big sheat were having troubles...

Yes i would recommend a 44 over a 30 BUT if your budget dosnt permit, well d30 is a DIRECT SWAP for a ranger...

Its all about the driver :rolleyes:

Originally posted by pavelow


Pretty much the response I expected:rolleyes:

Why would you waste money on a dana 30? Like I said in my previous post, it may not be as off road worthy, but I still think his cv shit could take the same pounding that dana 30 can.

If your going to do a swap like this don't you think a dana 44 would be the best route? Especially if you run 35's.

I seem to remember a while back smart ass posting something over on the RRORC board about a cracked axle tub on his dana 30 beast. Can't remember for sure, but I know it was something to that nature.

What about gears?? I have 4.10 in the rear axle, is there a D30 with 4.10?? I'll ask this at the jeep forum, but I remember that someone once told that it didn't come with 4.10... that would be like 500$ more, I'm with you Smart ass, I have no BIG MONEY to spend, but want to change the IFS sh!t down there...

If a D44 5-4.5, springs setup exist, that would be the way, if not, I will get that D30, the only problem are the gears....:D

pretty sure all 4 banger YJs came with 4.10 gears stock. Not sure if 4.10s ever came in the cherokees Maybe with tow packages?

u got it

Originally posted by RockRanger
pretty sure all 4 banger YJs came with 4.10 gears stock. Not sure if 4.10s ever came in the cherokees Maybe with tow packages?

If you want to make your waggy d44 a 5 on 4.5 you can get the complete knuckle out's off a 75-80 dodge 1/2 ton truck or ramcharger and they will bolt right onto the c's on the waggy axle. Just remember, these bearings really are iffy with 31".. with 33" your pushing the limits, with 35" your replacing them alot. From what i have reacherched, some guys with 35" goodyears, will go through wheel bearings every wheeling trip, or every like 2-3k of just street miles, but then i have also heard of guys who run alot of mud run 38x12.5's and they last 3 years for him. So i guess it really depends on wheel backspacing, and how you drive, but personally, if i could avoid them,i would. But on the up side, they have big outer shafts, dont remember the size, but they are a good size. And no you cannot re-dril a waggy d44 to 5 on 4.5 because the hub is too big (otherwise i would have already done it:flipoff2: ) anyway, good luck.

Garrett