Ford-Rangers.com Ranger Forum HomeFord-Rangers.com Ranger Forum Home
Home Recent Topics New posts Search search Menu menu Not logged in - Login | Register
Ford-Rangers.com Ranger Forum > Tech Section > Suspension Tech > 2WD Frame, easier for SAS or 4WD Frame ?

Ford-rangers.com is a discussion forum, a Ranger forum for people who have questions about fixing or modifying
their Ford Rangers or people who just admire their Ranger. Please join and enjoy sharing experiences!

2WD Frame, easier for SAS or 4WD Frame ?       #: 1552
 Moderated by: NoPower, Mike69, MaDMaXX,
New Topic Reply
 Rate Topic 
 Posted: Sat Mar 16th, 2019 10:51 pm
PM Quote Reply
1st Post
Scrambler82
Old Bastard !


Joined: Fri Dec 22nd, 2017
Location: California USA
Posts: 2108
Name: Grev B ...
Occupation: Quality Assurance Engineer ...
Interests: Rangers, Photography, Metal Bending ...
Status: 
Offline
Reputation: 
Reputation Points: 2108
Member's Gallery
 Is it easier to do a SAS on a 2WD Frame or a 4WD Frame ?

I have heard the 4WD Frame has a lower front crossmember, which can interfere with the Solid Axle when flexing.

Also, is the 4WD Frame, just a 2WD Frame with a different front section  ?

Just asking !

Also, if anyone knows, is the 4WD EDGE Frame the same as the EDGE 2WD Frame ?

I know a lot of questions, but I have read a lot on the Web and have not come up with answers.

Thanks to any and all that post !



____________________
Ltr,
2003 EDGE, Std Cab, Steppie, E4 Red, 5sp, 4x
5" SuperLift, 33" x 12.50 x 15"
Hurst Shifter
Mod'd Backrack to fit Steppie
Front and Rear Bumpers by Custom 4x4 Fabrication, OK; now Mike's Welding and Fabrication.
Working on more Mods, just need more time, longer days would work !
Back To Top PM Quote Reply

 Posted: Sun Mar 17th, 2019 10:46 am
PM Quote Reply
2nd Post
410customs

Idahome


Joined: Wed May 2nd, 2018
Location: Panhandle, Idaho USA
Posts: 2165
Name: Jamie ...
Occupation: Elevator Design Worlds Tallest Buildings ...
Interests: Ranger Based Vehicles and OFFROAD ...
Status: 
Offline
Reputation: 
Reputation Points: 2165
Member's Gallery
 I only know of two differences with the 98+ trucks:
1. the 4wd frames are similar to 2wd frames enough that we can convert 2wd rangers to 4x4 by bolting in the front diff
2. The RWD 4 banger some of those trucks are still coil springs.

I know the coil spring trucks seem like they would be a perfect start for SAS.


However if you ask me the easiest Ranger to SAS is a ttb 1983-1997 truck because:
They have a steering gear box
They are already setup for coils and radius arms

The 98+ Rangers are rack and pinion and torsion bars



____________________
I build custom RBV, specializing in drivetrain conversions, wiring, suspension and complete custom trucks
Back To Top PM Quote Reply

 Posted: Sun Mar 17th, 2019 08:44 pm
PM Quote Reply
3rd Post
Scrambler82
Old Bastard !


Joined: Fri Dec 22nd, 2017
Location: California USA
Posts: 2108
Name: Grev B ...
Occupation: Quality Assurance Engineer ...
Interests: Rangers, Photography, Metal Bending ...
Status: 
Offline
Reputation: 
Reputation Points: 2108
Member's Gallery
 Thanks.

I was more concerned about the engine cross member, I thought, hoping, that the engine cross member on a 2WD is sallower than the 4WD.

That way allowing for an SAS but also allowing the truck to be at a more reasonable DD height !

What you are saying is the 2WD and the 4WD frame are the same in the later years and I agree the TTB Ranger were easier to do the SAS.

Thanks



____________________
Ltr,
2003 EDGE, Std Cab, Steppie, E4 Red, 5sp, 4x
5" SuperLift, 33" x 12.50 x 15"
Hurst Shifter
Mod'd Backrack to fit Steppie
Front and Rear Bumpers by Custom 4x4 Fabrication, OK; now Mike's Welding and Fabrication.
Working on more Mods, just need more time, longer days would work !
Back To Top PM Quote Reply

 Posted: Mon Mar 18th, 2019 09:16 am
PM Quote Reply
4th Post
410customs

Idahome


Joined: Wed May 2nd, 2018
Location: Panhandle, Idaho USA
Posts: 2165
Name: Jamie ...
Occupation: Elevator Design Worlds Tallest Buildings ...
Interests: Ranger Based Vehicles and OFFROAD ...
Status: 
Offline
Reputation: 
Reputation Points: 2165
Member's Gallery
 if you have to hack into the engine cradle a little bit no harm no foul, just put back what gets taken away.
Heck I know a few SAS Rangers that do not even have the engine cradle cross member anymore, hacked out the whole thing below the engine mounts. Just put it back using a new crossmember or two



____________________
I build custom RBV, specializing in drivetrain conversions, wiring, suspension and complete custom trucks
Back To Top PM Quote Reply

 Posted: Mon Mar 18th, 2019 10:10 am
PM Quote Reply
5th Post
Scrambler82
Old Bastard !


Joined: Fri Dec 22nd, 2017
Location: California USA
Posts: 2108
Name: Grev B ...
Occupation: Quality Assurance Engineer ...
Interests: Rangers, Photography, Metal Bending ...
Status: 
Offline
Reputation: 
Reputation Points: 2108
Member's Gallery
 Since I didn't know, I had to ask, but I did think along those lines a while ago, use a replacement 2x4x1/4" wall rect. tubing, making it close to the engine, and removable. Since I never did the SAS I never had a chance to check out my ideas.

It would be good to have an SAS, BUT I don't want 8 or 10" of lift to get fit Axle under the truck... !
Everyone I have looked at is JACKED up with 3 feet of ground clearance.

I want heavy duty but not sky high.

One last question sense you seem to know the Ranger Frames... "How good is the Ranger Frames, particularly the 3002 Ranger Frame; any weak spots, are the frames thick enough to handle some boxing/welding. I heard they are not HD !

Thanks for the idea, great minds think alike.

Ltr



____________________
Ltr,
2003 EDGE, Std Cab, Steppie, E4 Red, 5sp, 4x
5" SuperLift, 33" x 12.50 x 15"
Hurst Shifter
Mod'd Backrack to fit Steppie
Front and Rear Bumpers by Custom 4x4 Fabrication, OK; now Mike's Welding and Fabrication.
Working on more Mods, just need more time, longer days would work !
Back To Top PM Quote Reply

 Posted: Tue Mar 19th, 2019 12:37 pm
PM Quote Reply
6th Post
410customs

Idahome


Joined: Wed May 2nd, 2018
Location: Panhandle, Idaho USA
Posts: 2165
Name: Jamie ...
Occupation: Elevator Design Worlds Tallest Buildings ...
Interests: Ranger Based Vehicles and OFFROAD ...
Status: 
Offline
Reputation: 
Reputation Points: 2165
Member's Gallery
 Ranger frames twist when truck is flexed
they can twist ALOT
There are a few spots on some models that can develop some cracks
There is a thread here on RF.com talking about best options for boxing/stiffening Ranger frame
The basic result is with some sections getting boxed and some sections getting additional crossmembers it will really stiffed up
These trucks are VERY friendly to modifications, that is why you see then on the drag strip and on the desert /rocks

The later model trucks have some boxing already going on. with explorers the 2002-04 sport and sport trac have fully boxed frames
Ihaev a 2005 Ranger frame outside right now, it is under some snow but if you need pics let me know (its melting)

Easy to make crossmembers with our C channel frames
My BII has been wheeled HARD and daily driven for many many years (23+ now) I have solid engine and trans mounts, urethane body pucks, my floor pans have developed cracks from flexing but the frame looks like it did in 1988...RBV kick ass
You do not have to lift to the sky with the SAS, you can hack a little material from the engine cradle to clear the diff of a dana 30 or 44
3 link, 5 link, leafs, coils, coilovers, those are the real questions :) and if you have a 98+ ranger its which steering gear box and how to install

Last edited on Tue Mar 19th, 2019 12:39 pm by 410customs



____________________
I build custom RBV, specializing in drivetrain conversions, wiring, suspension and complete custom trucks
Back To Top PM Quote Reply

 Posted: Tue Mar 19th, 2019 12:48 pm
PM Quote Reply
7th Post
Scrambler82
Old Bastard !


Joined: Fri Dec 22nd, 2017
Location: California USA
Posts: 2108
Name: Grev B ...
Occupation: Quality Assurance Engineer ...
Interests: Rangers, Photography, Metal Bending ...
Status: 
Offline
Reputation: 
Reputation Points: 2108
Member's Gallery
 Thanks 410c,  good info from someone that has pushed their truck.

I was thinking 4 Link, Coil Overs, don't have any idea which parts to use but since I am over... OVER... the hill, I was going to shop it out !
My original plan was a Stretched Early Bronco Frame from throttle down Customs, price wasn't too bad but I, as usual, sat back and had to think on it and nothing got done.

I am back thinking on it and thought about keeping the Ranger Frame.

I will give my frame a look at and see how much the New England winter's took their toll.

As always thanks for the info.

Ltr



____________________
Ltr,
2003 EDGE, Std Cab, Steppie, E4 Red, 5sp, 4x
5" SuperLift, 33" x 12.50 x 15"
Hurst Shifter
Mod'd Backrack to fit Steppie
Front and Rear Bumpers by Custom 4x4 Fabrication, OK; now Mike's Welding and Fabrication.
Working on more Mods, just need more time, longer days would work !
Back To Top PM Quote Reply

Current time is 04:02 pm Top  

Ford-Rangers.com Ranger Forum > Tech Section > Suspension Tech > 2WD Frame, easier for SAS or 4WD Frame ?

Users viewing this topic



PHP Version: 8.2.28
Server version: 10.6.22-MariaDB
UltraBB 2.01.01 Copyright © 2008-2025 Jim & Chris
Page processed in 0.0519 seconds (37% database + 63% PHP). 53 queries executed.