Hey guys I have an 88 ranger 2.9l 5 speed 4x4. I'm want to turn it into a dd/weekend trail rig. I want to start off basic and later take it alittle further. What would you guys recommend I do to start with?

Here is what I'm working with.





Thanks for your advice.

 

A "lunch box locker" in the rear isn't a bad place to start (Lock-Right is the first brand that comes to mind, but there are others).

A lift to clear a little bit bigger tires is a common early improvement. How big depends on what you hope to accomplish. 31" tires (or 33" at the biggest) might be a good place to start.

If you go too big you'll need lower gears next. And at that point it all snowballs. So I'll leave it at that for starters.

 

I will probably go 31's so how big a lift would I need? Would a 4 inch suspension lift do it? And if you mind what does *lunchbox locker* mean?

 

I'm not that familiar with Rangers, so I don't know how much lift it would take to clear 31s, but I'd guess 4" would be more than enough.

Lunch box lockers function as automatic lockers, the same as a Detroit. Automatic lockers are sort of the gold standard for off-road traction (although with some on-road trade-offs). But lunch box lockers go into your existing open differential carrier. that means they are cheaper to buy and way cheaper to install. They also aren't as strong, and if you plan to really beat on it you might want to go a higher buck route. But they hold up to reasonable use just fine.

 

Ok, I don't plan on beating the hell out of, just some beginner level stuff. I'll upgrade as nessacery. Thanks for your help it is much appreicetated.

 

I wouldn't put too much effort in the axles you have. The dana28/7.5 combo isn't the strongest. Upgrade the rear to an 8.8, take one from a ranger if you want bolt in or if you are able to weld on new mounts take one from an Explorer for the 31 spline axles. One after 95 will net you disc brakes. A dana 35 in the front is a nearly bolt in affair. The front driveshaft will need to be shortened an inch though, or take the driveshaft from the donor. A note with a lunch box locker, you need to have an open diff, the don't fit a limited slip. 31s will clear with a body lift or just trim the fenders. The 35/8.8 combo will hold 35s, anything bigger than that you'll need more axle.