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Idahome
Joined: Wed May 2nd, 2018
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Dana 44 is a good match up front for the 31 spline 8.8 rear, both overkill for a V8 Ranger
I would KEEP your truck and YOUR frame.
There is ALOT of work to be done to make a EB frame work with a 2003 truck.....like fuel injection conversion $$$$$, the gt40 explorer 5.0 actually fits your 03 frame better then it fits the EB frame......the EB frame has issues with the explorer serpentine setup, uses a very expensive custom rear fuel tank for EFI conversions, and its 60+ years old.... its going to need some serious fabrication. I think it would be easier and cheaper to work with what you have, even if you decide solid axle.
SAS on a IFS Ranger is done ALL THE TIME, it has been figured out in 100 ways, 5 link in the front with coils or coilovers, adding a steering gear box is not terribly difficult, but usually the engine cradle needs to go away to make room for the new links and steering
Honestly for your use I would stick with the IFS and bring it up to par with a locker, lift kit, torsion bar delete....this is a much easier route and will still perform excellent on trails when you decide to take them. The money you save not trying to put a 03 body on a 60's frame can be put towards long travel if you like.......sell that dana 44 and put the $$$ into your existing platform!
There are so many ways to build a Ranger it can be really easy to over think stuff. I hear you wanting the modern body on the old school frame because of the ease of the steering gear box and coil front solid axle....the middle of the road here would be to start with a 93-97 Ranger........your 03 goes right onto one of those, they already have coil towers and a steering gear box, just missing a trac bar bracket which is sold everywhere
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I build custom RBV, specializing in drivetrain conversions, wiring, suspension and complete custom trucks