9" swap into late model ranger

[sbro]

I would like to swap a Currie 9" into the rear of my 98 2wd Ranger, but I have heard conflicting opinions that the speedo/odo wouldn't work due to the removal of the ABS/VSS. Without the VSS speed drive, there would be problems running/shifting/etc. Then again, I have heard that even during ABS failure/removal, the VSS should work fine. I know Buff from H&M has a 9" rear swapped into his 98 Ranger. Here is a pic of the <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.desertrides.com/pictures/misc/hnmrear.jpg>H&M rear</A>. So I turn to the experts, is the straight swap possible?

<font color=orange><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.desertrides.com>http://www.desertrides.com</A></font color=orange>

[tkr]

Its not a speedometer problem, its a vehicle speed sensor problem. It will disable the abs. And if you have an automatic transmission, it will affect the shifting as well. I know people have added a speed sensor ring to 9" before. You may ask Currie about it.

Matt Nelson
Team Kwik Racing

[jeff]

This exact topic has been covered before. If you do a search for ford 9" abs you'll probably find the thread. Currie was absolutely WORTHLESS when I called and e-mailed them with this question a few months ago. If memory serves correctly there is even a picture of the modified 9" 3rd member that shows how the ring was installed and where the bung for the sensor was welded in. Without the sensor the computer will not know what's going on.

For those of you unfamiliar with the the deZert people search utility here's a primer...

click on SEARCH

type the words you want to search for

Under search options select " AND "

Under date range select ALL POSTS

Doing a search for - abs sensor - or - ford 9" - will locate the threads you need to review.



<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by jeff on 05/09/02 03:12 PM (server time).</FONT></P>

[Jack]

I can't find anything here on it.

[jeff]

Here's a link if you can't find it via the search... too bad the picture links don't work... maybe Klaus can dig them up.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.race-dezert.com/cgi-bin/wwwthreads/showflat.pl?Cat=&Board=shop&Number=2227&page=&view=&sb=&o=&vc=1>http://www.race-dezert.com/cgi-bin/wwwthreads/showflat.pl?Cat=&Board=shop&Number=2227&page=&view=&sb=&o=&vc=1</A>

Aloha

[sbro]

Jeff, thanks for the search FAQ. I've read the thread before, but there were no concrete solutions given other than call this person, or that shop. The pics Toddt posted are no longer cached, so that leaves a big blank. I am gone all day at school/work, thus hindering my phone call window of opportunity. However, I am online all day, so I figured someone on this board would post any further developments and info they got, or maybe what the final solution was to your dilemma (outcome was not mentioned!) . Did anyone save the pics of that axle? I will PM Toddt about that. Jeff, what did you end up doing? How is it working for you? Thanks again. John or Klaus, is it DeZertPeople policy to bring up year old threads with new posts? Or is it ok to start a new one with further questions on the same topic?

<font color=orange><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.desertrides.com>http://www.desertrides.com</A></font color=orange>

[rdc]

What if good technical data from this <font color=yellow>Shop Thread</font color=yellow> was saved in a searchable database? What do you think Klaus? I know there was a solution to this problem found. We need one for metal data as that topic hits the board every couple months.

I think you just need to tig the gear for the pickup to the ring gear and then put a treaded bung into the housing to line up up with the trigger gear. Not really that hard. Anyone with a TIG should be able to do it for you. This is not rocket sceince!

And since this has something to do with antilock brakes I have a question.. Okay maybe it is more of a complaint but I will put it in the form of a question. Why do they put the sensor for the antilocks on the rear of a truck with only a 2 wheel system? I don't know about everyone else but I don't drive around with my truck loaded down most of the time and even if I did I still wonder WHY would you do this???

Tony
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.y-not-productions.com>www.y-not-productions.com</A>

[tkr]

Actually I think you hit the nail on the head. Most pick up beds are empty so the rear wheels lock up much easier than the fronts do. I think the idea is if they engage the abs when the rear wheels slip, they can avoid the fronts locking up at all and prevent loss of steering control.

Matt Nelson
Team Kwik Racing

[Kritter]

I did not put that ring back in my new rear and it runs fine. No ABS light and no running problems. I have a 5 spd. But the same set up was in our automatic and it was fine too. They are both 91 4 liters. Not sure if the difference. Just run the 8.8 perfectly fine, ask any gear guy. They will take major abuse and I am sure you are not going to be hammering down on your truck too much and you get better gas mileage out of an 8.8.


Kris

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.dmsrace.com>www.dmsrace.com</A>

[twillis]

Does anybody know the maximum size wheel stud that can be pressed into Ford 9" axles? My axles are from a '73 utility bed truck, they are 31 spline, had an open diff and 3.73 gears. The stock studs are 7/16" (?) and I want to put in longer 1/2" studs, unless there is a 9/16" stud that will press into the stock axle flange. . Thanks

[1992f150]

I thought it was because the rear is so light, if it locks up it wants to skid sideways and the abs keeps the truck straight under hard braking.

"Freeze! Drop the gun! Drop that mig gun!" -The welding police.

[rdc]

<font color=yellow>I thought it was because the rear is so light, if it locks up it wants to skid sideways and the abs keeps the truck straight under hard braking.</font color=yellow>

Well if that is the case then just ditch the rear brakes except for an e-brake. The problem, at least with the Ford set up, is that yes the rear does lock up easy. And when the ABS takes effect it screws with the pedal.. And a lock- unlock-lock braking system will never out brake someone with half a brain. Oh wait I forgot most people on the road don't have that.. HEE HEE .. And don't get me wrong, there are some great antilock systems out there. It is just not on a ranger.

I personally like to have the ability to lock up the rears. I find it is a fun way to scare people.

Hey Kris how did you get the ABS light to stay off? What about the airbag light? Know how to turn that damn thing off? All the fuses have something else on the circuit... I wonder why???


Tony
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.y-not-productions.com>www.y-not-productions.com</A>

[Kritter]

My ABS light came on long ago, but never came back. I ahve had my rearend doen for a week and nothing so I think it is good to go. I think if I have the key on accesory, but not started it is lit but once I start it, it goes away but that is normal so you can tell if any of the idiot lights have been tampered with.

Kris

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.dmsrace.com>www.dmsrace.com</A>

[partybarge_pilot]

Just take the bulbs out of the dash. No more anoying light! Also works for engine lights on trucks with modified motors and stock computers...... Now if the smog guy was just that easy......

[sincitysump]

Or you can do it the Homer Simpson way and put a piece of black tap over it.

[rdc]

I am pretty used to them so they don't bug me. Not even the check engine light! Hummm does that mean something is wrong??? And man did we ever get off topic here. What were we talking about? Cogs or something???

Tony
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.y-not-productions.com>www.y-not-productions.com</A>

[SDranger]

Tony, i have found that on my ranger that you can lock the brakes up if you ease onto the pedal instead of slamming it. Totally with you on the crappy ABS though, its not worth its weight in dead rats.

97 Ranger 4x4
02 CR125