BudgetB3000
Member
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2018
- Messages
- 42
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 6
- Location
- Pullman, WA
- Vehicle Year
- 1998
- Make / Model
- Mazda
- Transmission
- Manual
Hello all,
I recently picked up a 98 B3000 4x4 with 180,000 miles. I’ve had other 4x4 vehicles in the past but not have had the IFS that this Ford has. I really want to take this truck off-roading and beat on it a bit because I’ve always babied my other cars. The plan as of right now is to swap in an 8.8 in the rear and keep the 31 A/T tires that I have. The front suspension on this truck is something completely new to me. I don’t want to do a solid axle swap as I’m a semi broke student and I’m not sure I’d have the time for it. Anyways my main question is what could I do the the front end to make it stronger/safer/more reliable? I would like to keep it at least semi stock if possible. Would new bushings be worth the money? Also is the 7.5 inch rear end capable with the 31 inch tires if I toss a locker in it or would it be better to just go for the 8.8 swap?
I recently picked up a 98 B3000 4x4 with 180,000 miles. I’ve had other 4x4 vehicles in the past but not have had the IFS that this Ford has. I really want to take this truck off-roading and beat on it a bit because I’ve always babied my other cars. The plan as of right now is to swap in an 8.8 in the rear and keep the 31 A/T tires that I have. The front suspension on this truck is something completely new to me. I don’t want to do a solid axle swap as I’m a semi broke student and I’m not sure I’d have the time for it. Anyways my main question is what could I do the the front end to make it stronger/safer/more reliable? I would like to keep it at least semi stock if possible. Would new bushings be worth the money? Also is the 7.5 inch rear end capable with the 31 inch tires if I toss a locker in it or would it be better to just go for the 8.8 swap?