06FX4

Hey folks. Don't own an xj but I own a ranger that I'm swapping a d30 into. Figured id sign up here to better research the axle and parts I plan on using etc.

I own a 2006 ranger fx4 level II. Has the 31 spline 8.8 rear that I plan on tossing a locker into instead of the torsen LS. Sitting on Chevy 64" sprigs.

Up front I'll be doing a 98 d30, probably truss it, inner c gussets, etc.

Current pic of truck.







I won't ***** it out to much since this is a jeep forum, but I will be asking questions about the d30!

That's it, carry on with your day.

XJwonders

Welcome. Good choice for the year of axle lol. What else do u need to know about it? What size tires u plan to run

06FX4

I plan on doing 35's. No locker up front. Maybe a Detroit trutrac at most.

Thinking chromoly shafts, trussed, inner c gussets, should be good to go with that. I'm not into heavy rock crawling, mostly winter, deep snow, summer mud, the odd time I'll hit some rockier trails but there's nothing hardcore here.

XJwonders

U plan to gear it as well? If I recall correctly 4.88's is the biggest u can fit in the housing.

XJwonders

If u have money. Look into the WJ knuckle swap for the Dana 30... Bigger brakes and better calipers, etc

06FX4

Yep geared for sure. Haven't decided between 4.56 or 4.88. Most likely 4.88. That way in the future if I want to go d44 and 37's I won't have to re-gear the back again.

XJwonders

If I remember correctly. The 4.88 have one tooth engagement where only one pinion gear tooth touches the ring gear and more susceptible to breakage. That's why people go to a Dana 44 when going 35's. I personally haven't vouched for this but that's what I read.

XJwonders

What kind of suspension u plan on doing?

06FX4

Plenty of locals wheeling 35's on d30's. So I should be fine. Its mostly on the street anyhow.

Suspension, long arms, and most likely 5" or 6.5" xj coils. Will have to see when I get to that point.

May even do coilovers instead. I can do coilovers with long arms right?

06FX4

Was thinking coilovers would be best. D30 coil perch and ranger frames don't line up perfectly. So coils would be bowed a bit. Coilovers would solve that issue.

XJwonders

I think u could do that

06FX4

Thinking that's the way I'll go.

What long arms would you use? I'll need frame brackets to.

So much to buy Haha.

List is getting longer. Right now I figure I can get all the parts I need for around 2 grand. Not including an axle. So probably more like 2500.

Already have a low pinion d30, but I'm picking up a high pinion in 2 weeks.

Will build up the axle over winter and then start collecting parts for the swap. Hopefully this time next year I'm either done, or in the process.

1ATony

Pretty cool truck! Welcome to the site.

Tony

caronaxtr

Cool Ranger, you should start a build thread in here (I think there is a "other than Jeep" section). Would be interested to watch the progress. Lots of guys here have built up the D30 so ask away....

06FX4

Already got one in there Caron. Just made it the other day!