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Aug 8, 2016 | 09:48 PM

smokenchoken

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From: peru kansas

The StRanger...

Working on the design phase of a Ranger roadster using a 96 ranger cab with open front and incorporated rollbar and I'm making my own frame and bed to keep it light but also toying with an idea of making it 4x4 for drag racing traction... the idea I am toying with is using a dana 44 front 3.73 and a 9" rear 4.11 using 265-75-16s and 315-75-16s respectively which is a variation of less than 1 mph at any given moment (until over 6000 rpm in drive).... attempting to keep it under 2800 lbs with D0VE headed 460(400-450 hp flywheel goal) c6 dana 21 transfer case..... those are my ideas but I need to know if the dana 21 and 44 will hold up to this after I get chroMos up front? Or should I save the additional weight and keep it 2wd but set it up for a gasser style front for traction reasons

Aug 8, 2016 | 10:47 PM

85e150

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Keep it 2wd. The tires out there these days will allow pickups and El Caminos to pull the front wheels and Camaros and Mustangs to flip over backwards in many cases. Just google it, you'll see all kinds of spectacular wheels up and wheels up and over shots.

IMO the 4wd deal will simply be the foundation for a hail of shrapnel akin to a Claymore mine..

I would spend my time with a 4 bar rear suspension, and a NHRA approved cage. Even at the modest power levels you are talking, given the potential in a 460, at 2900 lbs and 450 hp you should expect to be in the 11s.

NHRA E.T. Quick Reference Chart

Aug 9, 2016 | 07:21 AM

smokenchoken

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From: peru kansas

So if I go 2wd on the front end I have 2 options... I already have the twin I beam front end from my 66 f100 da twister R.I.P. that I could use for a smoother ride, or I could try to find a straight axle from a pre 64 truck which would be easier to lift the front end imitation gasser style .... but unlike most other roadsters I don't want any less than 5 inches of ground clearance and I would like more if I can since I plan a frame that has the design ____i----- (rough idea) as I already have the options of an ever popular 9" and also have da twisters original dana 60.2 4.10 gears with a factory limited slip that works good enough that I thought it was welded or locked as long as I used it......either one I use I have a 5 foot set of ladder bars to keep control over my rearend with traditional leaf springs

Aug 11, 2016 | 11:28 PM

85e150

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Won't the '64 straight axle be too wide for a Ranger?

I would go with a straight axle for the "gasser" look. But more important for stability and safety. Face it, twin I-beam front ends flop all over, have caster changes, and possibly bump steer. Just the thing if you want a high speed rollover.

Ditto the Dana 60.

Econoline axle used here, along with a billion other serving suggestions.

1957 Ford Sedan Golden Gasser - Hot Rod Magazine

Another one with BBF:

1957 Ford Gasser Features a 501ci Big-Block V-8

Hours of reading and pictures:

Hot Rods - Pix of '55-'57 Ford Gassers - the "other" Tri-Fives | The H.A.M.B.

I see lots of fenderwell header ideas there, something that will be important....

Gassers on Facebook.....no one could have predicted it:

https://www.facebook.com/Gassers-and...6159467295137/

Aug 12, 2016 | 08:28 AM

smokenchoken

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From: peru kansas

i plan on making my own frame and by using a 9" or my 60.2 (was in my 66 f-100 camper special 5x5.5 pattern) so the width isn't an issue.... on the exhaust i plan to get a make your own style set and go out over the frame and finish as a set of side pipes (referred to as lakers in my area)

Aug 12, 2016 | 08:36 AM

smokenchoken

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From: peru kansas

Aug 12, 2016 | 08:43 AM

smokenchoken

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Fleet Mechanic

Joined: May 2012

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From: peru kansas

these are the ideas i am working with so far... i like the design of the bed on the top but i despise chopped roofs and besides my donor ranger is a 96 so im looking at a little different body outline... but i also plan on it being open motor like the bottom picture but i know i would no be able to get any traction whether i go 460 or 390/445 so thats why i was curious about the d44 and d21 tcase but from talking to my mudracing buddies i think im going to give up this idea due to all the breakage that is obviously going to happen... i will be starting this thread sometime soon in the ranger section