I just bought an 88 ford ranger 4x4 . I've been wanting to get into off roading for a while . but i want to make sure on a few things before i start. the first thing is i know i have to replace or rebuild the front axle . right now it came with 33" tire's on it . now if i just rebuild the axle and and leave the 33" on it , am i going to end up rebuilding it again because 33" are to big for it . if so what can i upgrade to . I don't know anything about axle's but anytime I bring it up I always hear about dana 40's and dana 44's. is this something i could put in my truck with no problem . and what am i looking at spending . thank you any help or idea .

 

I believe your truck has a Dana30 TTB in the front of it which should hold up to 33's pretty well as long as you don't purposly try to tear the crap out of it. There isn't really an "easy" axle swap for your truck. I've always entertained the notion of putting a 9" Dana44 combo under a ranger myself. I have seen this done before and it is very cool but not easy.

"Like a Rock"; on the sides of roads everywhere.

 

thank you for your help 72f100

 

Your axles are a Dana 28 TTB (twin traction beam) and a rear 7.5. Both axles are not very strong. There is no such thing as a Dana 30 TTB for rangers. I would definately not waste any money rebuilding these unless you're only going to be on the street. If used even moderatley off-road you more than likely will be breaking front axleshafts and u-joints. A direct bolt-in is the Dana 35 and 8.8 axles found in all rangers with a 4.0 engine. These axles can withstand 33's but 35's might be pushing it a little. The rear has 28 spline axleshafts and is an easy swap. For even more strengh you can get an 8.8 out of an explorer. These have 31 spline shafts but you have to cut off the spring perches and reweld them on top of the axle. For you though, just getting started, I would stick with the Dana 35 and 8.8 out of the same truck or at least make sure the gear ratios match up. If you're going to be running 33's look for axles with a 4.10 ratio. They might be hard to find so you might have to settle with a 3.73. If you can get these axles for a decent price, you'll be saving money in the long run. Its no fun snapping u-joints in the middle of nowhere by yourself.