I can get a 8.8 pumkin with 4.11's for less than 100 bucks locally. What else do I need to have a functional read end with ABS, torque arm, lca's etc.? I have heard that you need to weld the stock axle tubes on to the new pumpkin... that would cover the suspension. However, what else is involved? How do you get the ABS working? How about the brakes/ebrake? Please feel free to go into detail, I want to know everything there is to know about the transplant.

Are there companies that specialize in it or is it something I can do with a good welder and machine shop?

The goal here is to save money... Thanks.

 

If you have TCS it'll be a lot easier, because keeping the TCS and ABS will be easy. Just weld the 10 bolt axle tubes to the 8.8 and then you will only need to make the torque arm bracket(which isn't as easy as you might think). Also, make sure the 8.8 is 28 spline if you plan on using your stock axles, I know some of the rangers came with 31. This is the cheapest way to do it, but you can upgrade parts if you want. Do a search in the Drivetrain area for more info.