Axle swap questions

heavy breather · Jan 10, 2018

I run a salvage yard, so I have access to lots of front axles and rear axles. My question is, what is the easiest solid front axle to swap into a 2003 with minimal work? I am assuming a jeep Cherokee axle would be the easiest, but what would be the next step up without a bunch of fabrication, or minimal fabrication? Or are jeeps the only axles close enough to the same track width that they don't require narrowing? I guess that's my big concern, I don't want to have to do custom axle shafts.

Off the top of my head I know I have a front axle from a 79 F-150, a couple cherokee's, 86,87,91, and 98.

4x4junkie · Jan 10, 2018

I highly recommend against use of Cherokee axles in Rangers (I assume you're speaking of the XJ Dana30 axle), especially if your truck is a Supercab. The thin tubes and small R&P gears are at or beyond their limits supporting that kind of weight (a V6 Ranger is a good 300-600lbs heavier on the front axle than a Cherokee, depending on cab configuration... it's not that rare that they fail under Jeeps too).

I suggest use the F-150 axle. If you narrow it properly, you can then use use an OEM (length) shaft for an early Ford Bronco on that side (not necessarily something you'll often find in salvage yards, but it will be something many (if not most) aftermarket suppliers stock normally should you need a quick replacement).

Some details here (it looks a harder than it actually is)
http://therangerstation.com/tech_library/narrowing_a_ford_dana44.shtml

heavy breather · Jan 26, 2018

I think what I am going to do is, take the front axle out of the F-150, because its complete, and take all the brackets and what not from a full sized bronco, as well as the 9" rear end in the bronco and put them in full width.

Just thinking off the top of my head, the biggest challenge is going to be adding a power steering gear box to my truck and mounting the radius arm brackets. It seems like shock towers and spring buckets are easy to find aftermarket or re using the ones from the bronco will be fairly straight forward.

scotts90ranger · Jan 27, 2018

I would suggest using a newer rear axle, at least after '86ish so it has the sensor on the top of the pumpkin... then your speedometer and everything will work. The 8.8 used in F150's and Bronco's is about the same strength as a 9"

heavy breather · Jan 27, 2018

scotts90ranger said:
I would suggest using a newer rear axle, at least after '86ish so it has the sensor on the top of the pumpkin... then your speedometer and everything will work. The 8.8 used in F150's and Bronco's is about the same strength as a 9"

That's handy information.

heavy breather · Jan 29, 2018

I found a 8.8 with disc brakes.

Axle swap questions

heavy breather

New Member

4x4junkie

Forum Staff Member

heavy breather

New Member

scotts90ranger

Well-Known Member

heavy breather

New Member

heavy breather

New Member

Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad

Staff online

Members online

Member & Vendor Upgrades

Latest posts

Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Follow TRS On Instagram

Latest Album Photos

TRS Events

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store

Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad

Amazon Deals