• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

1/2 tons or 3/4 tons?


Benjamin

New Member
Joined
Sep 24, 2016
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Vehicle Year
97
Make / Model
Ford
Transmission
Manual
So here's the problem, I live in Northern Michigan where most of the good wheeling season consists of mud and steep slick terrain. My goal is to build a rig that I can start up drive down the road and wheel when I feel like it. The truck I'm looking to build is a ranger I picked up for 400 bucks with a blown head gasket and a bad cylinder. Since then I have completely rebuilt the motor. She's ready for axles at anytime, however I just can't decide if I should run 60s or hp 44 and a 9 inch. Mind you I'm not looking to build a mudder, more or less a truck that's decent at everything however not spectacular at anything. Looking for some advise, 3/4? 1/2 ton? Suspension set up? Tire size? Anything helps, thanks! 2.3 with the 5 speed 2wd as it sets
 


85_Ranger4x4

Forum Staff Member
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Article Contributor
V8 Engine Swap
OTOTM Winner
TRS Banner 2010-2011
TRS 20th Anniversary
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Aug 7, 2007
Messages
32,197
Reaction score
17,508
Points
113
Location
SW Iowa
Vehicle Year
1985
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0
Transmission
Manual
About the same work to go either way.

One option is stronger but also bigger (less ground clearance) and heavier while the other isn't as strong, more ground clearance and lighter.

Not sure how they will compare on price, they are all pretty sought after.
 

Hagan

08/2013 OTOTM Winner
V8 Engine Swap
OTOTM Winner
Solid Axle Swap
Joined
Jan 3, 2009
Messages
1,079
Reaction score
11
Points
0
Location
Salem, OR
Vehicle Year
1986
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
2.3
Transmission
Manual
I see no reason to use a dana 60 (or even 44) on a na 2.3.
 

85_Ranger4x4

Forum Staff Member
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Article Contributor
V8 Engine Swap
OTOTM Winner
TRS Banner 2010-2011
TRS 20th Anniversary
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Aug 7, 2007
Messages
32,197
Reaction score
17,508
Points
113
Location
SW Iowa
Vehicle Year
1985
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0
Transmission
Manual

Hagan

08/2013 OTOTM Winner
V8 Engine Swap
OTOTM Winner
Solid Axle Swap
Joined
Jan 3, 2009
Messages
1,079
Reaction score
11
Points
0
Location
Salem, OR
Vehicle Year
1986
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
2.3
Transmission
Manual
He did just say he rebuilt it though. Who knows he didn't say anything!:)
 

85_Ranger4x4

Forum Staff Member
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Article Contributor
V8 Engine Swap
OTOTM Winner
TRS Banner 2010-2011
TRS 20th Anniversary
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Aug 7, 2007
Messages
32,197
Reaction score
17,508
Points
113
Location
SW Iowa
Vehicle Year
1985
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0
Transmission
Manual
He did just say he rebuilt it though. Who knows he didn't say anything!:)
If he thinks he needs fullsize running gear I was thinking he must be thinking decent sized tires too. Nobody runs 235's on 44's or 60's...

And there is the ever elusive 4cyl 4wd transmission yet to be found too.
 

Hagan

08/2013 OTOTM Winner
V8 Engine Swap
OTOTM Winner
Solid Axle Swap
Joined
Jan 3, 2009
Messages
1,079
Reaction score
11
Points
0
Location
Salem, OR
Vehicle Year
1986
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
2.3
Transmission
Manual
If he thinks he needs fullsize running gear I was thinking he must be thinking decent sized tires too. Nobody runs 235's on 44's or 60's...

And there is the ever elusive 4cyl 4wd transmission yet to be found too.
Without knowing we could guess all day
 

merc2dogs

New Member
Joined
Mar 10, 2008
Messages
52
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
grand rapids michigan
Vehicle Year
92
Make / Model
explorer sport
Engine Size
4.0
Transmission
Manual
Best option is a remote T-case, it does not care what is in front of it.
But if he has the right manual, a bell housing swap will get him a 4x4 trans to fit a 2.3.
I've had 86 ranger long bed, originally with a 2.3 diesel, which I swapped to a 2.3 from a mustang using a 2.3 bell and a 2.9 trans, can't remember years, just need to ensure they are from the same transmission.
86 B2, originally with 2.6, swapped in a 2.3 turbo from a merkur xr4ti, again using same bell swap.
If he has the integral bell style, then he'll need to pick up both a trans and bell.
Some some bells came with dual patterns on them as well so they fit v6 and I4.
 

CreepyCrawler

NCMillwright
TRS 20th Anniversary
Joined
Jul 17, 2011
Messages
186
Reaction score
1
Points
18
Location
Wilmington, NC
Vehicle Year
199119962014
Make / Model
FordFordFord
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
4.0 4.0 5.0
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
Solid Axle Swap 4x4
My credo
it is what it is
or both sets fullwidth axles? 1/2 tons are plenty strong for mild wheeling and everyday towing and driving. really depends what you have planned for the future ie: swapping the power plant as mentioned above. halftons you can run at most a 37 with mild wheeling. going to be bottom out low on gears though with a 2.3 if you go that big.

as for needing reason to go to bigger axles...you dont need a reason. if you want it then do it and your truck will be the much better off and youll be happy. ive seen jeep guys running 4cyl with skytrak and 7ton itl axles geared 22:1 (granted they werent going over 35 on the road) :)
 

6gun

Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
Joined
Aug 13, 2011
Messages
83
Reaction score
11
Points
8
Location
Calhoun,GA
Vehicle Year
1999
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
4.0
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
Solid Axle Swap 4x4
Total Lift
??????
Tire Size
39X12.50R17
My credo
I'm not afraid of dying, not living terrifies me!
As a young man, I beat the snot out of a 79 F150 on 35's with no issues. Therefore on my build I am planning on the same D44 with an 8.8 in the rear to maintain peace with the VSS. running 37's on a much lighter sc/sb Ranger with a somewhat more responsible driver I believe I will be okay?

Although I am researching Superduty rear axles compatibility because I can buy them almost as cheap and that will allow me to go up in tire size with confidence should I choose to.
 

ben_2_go

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 24, 2007
Messages
322
Reaction score
330
Points
63
Location
Third rock from sun
Vehicle Year
2001
Make / Model
Furd
Engine Type
2.5 (4 Cylinder)
Engine Size
2.5 Scrap
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Tire Size
235-75-R15
My credo
None at all.
As a young man, I beat the snot out of a 79 F150 on 35's with no issues. Therefore on my build I am planning on the same D44 with an 8.8 in the rear to maintain peace with the VSS. running 37's on a much lighter sc/sb Ranger with a somewhat more responsible driver I believe I will be okay?

Although I am researching Superduty rear axles compatibility because I can buy them almost as cheap and that will allow me to go up in tire size with confidence should I choose to.
I concur. I have had everything from 30 to 44 inch TSLs on half ton axles some running lockers. I have never had any problems breaking parts. Finesse is key to longevity when wheeling. Back in my hay day, it was forced to walk out and get help. We didn't have the resources to carry a parts supply house in the back like guys do now days.

From what he has, I would go 8.8 disc rear from a 2010-11 Ranger and a D44 from a F150/Bronco and spin some nice 35s. It'll take some deep gearing for that 2.3 to spin it all. I had a 2.8 with auto on 33's with stock axles and 4.56 gears. It was slow. So slow I couldn't get out of my own way.
 

pjtoledo

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
Joined
Oct 5, 2007
Messages
5,338
Reaction score
2,907
Points
113
Location
Toledo Ohio
Vehicle Year
20002005199
Make / Model
Fords
Engine Size
3.0 2.3
I concur. I have had everything from 30 to 44 inch TSLs on half ton axles some running lockers. I have never had any problems breaking parts. Finesse is key to longevity when wheeling. Back in my hay day, it was forced to walk out and get help. We didn't have the resources to carry a parts supply house in the back like guys do now days.

From what he has, I would go 8.8 disc rear from a 2010-11 Ranger and a D44 from a F150/Bronco and spin some nice 35s. It'll take some deep gearing for that 2.3 to spin it all. I had a 2.8 with auto on 33's with stock axles and 4.56 gears. It was slow. So slow I couldn't get out of my own way.

reminder, those are only 28 splines. yes, I know they have the big tubes and bearings. inside its 28 splines.
 

ben_2_go

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 24, 2007
Messages
322
Reaction score
330
Points
63
Location
Third rock from sun
Vehicle Year
2001
Make / Model
Furd
Engine Type
2.5 (4 Cylinder)
Engine Size
2.5 Scrap
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Tire Size
235-75-R15
My credo
None at all.
reminder, those are only 28 splines. yes, I know they have the big tubes and bearings. inside its 28 splines.
C clip eliminator, LS, and 31 cromo axles. :icon_thumby:
 

4x4junkie

Forum Staff Member
TRS Forum Moderator
TRS 20th Anniversary
Joined
Aug 19, 2001
Messages
10,749
Reaction score
580
Points
113
Location
So. Calif (SFV)
Vehicle Year
1990
Make / Model
Bronco II
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Engine Size
2.9L V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Tire Size
35x12.50R15
C clip eliminator, LS, and 31 cromo axles. :icon_thumby:
Would be easier to just use an Explorer 8.8. They're everywhere, and a c-clip eliminator isn't really needed on a disc-brake axle either unless you're racing at a sanctioned drag strip (due to rules). Axle breakage on Ex 8.8s is not very common.

Only thing is you would need to move the spring perches on it (which it sounds like the OP was already intending to do anyway).
 

ben_2_go

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 24, 2007
Messages
322
Reaction score
330
Points
63
Location
Third rock from sun
Vehicle Year
2001
Make / Model
Furd
Engine Type
2.5 (4 Cylinder)
Engine Size
2.5 Scrap
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Tire Size
235-75-R15
My credo
None at all.
Would be easier to just use an Explorer 8.8. They're everywhere, and a c-clip eliminator isn't really needed on a disc-brake axle either unless you're racing at a sanctioned drag strip (due to rules). Axle breakage on Ex 8.8s is not very common.

Only thing is you would need to move the spring perches on it (which it sounds like the OP was already intending to do anyway).
That'll werk too.
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Staff online

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Truck of The Month


Kirby N.
March Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Events

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top