Rear End

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Apr 29, 2003 | 11:01 AM

jhdaniels

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Freshman User

Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 49

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From: Pikeville, NC

Rear End

Hey All,

I have a 95 Ranger Super..Flareside 4X2 and I have noticed that when I go over a large bump or railroad track that my rear end lifts up and it seems like my front end to heavy for my rear end. Also when it rains it is hard for me to get traction at the rear end when starting. My wheels seem to spin for a while. Even if I don't hit the gas that hard. My shocks seem to be fine and my tires still have good tread on them......any suggestions... is this normal...

Thanks
jhdaniels

Apr 29, 2003 | 12:47 PM

Rancha9

Elder User

Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 665

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From: Kingsland, GA

Rear End

Your flareside, in case you didn't know, is fiberglass, and as such weighs about zero. It only takes 2 people to pick up the rear end of mine. So, obviously, weight over the axle is an issue. The only thing I did was to put some beefy, oversized tires on it, and that actually helped a lot. The brand and type of tire matters too... The cheap ones that I had on there had zero traction in the rain, my new yokohama geolandars stick like glue

Apr 30, 2003 | 09:05 PM

mwittman

Senior User

Joined: Jan 2000

Posts: 132

Likes: 0

From: Central OH

Rear End

If only one wheel is spinnning, you could look into installing a limited slip for extra traction. I have the same problem with my truck, even with oversize tires. I have the open rear end, and the 4.0 just puts out so much torque that I would constantly spin a tire when accelerating from a stoplight. I just installed a Powertrax No-Slip locker this winter, and man did it ever help. I could move around in 2WD most of the time, even with all the snow we got this year.

The locker literally "locks" both axle shafts together, whereas a limited slip uses a clutch type system that applies pressure when one wheel is spinning to force the other wheel to spin. If you are not into off-roading, then this may be for you. Either way, you'll be much happier if you currently have the open rear end.

Matt

May 4, 2003 | 08:23 AM

Rancha9

Elder User

Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 665

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From: Kingsland, GA

Rear End

Where did you get that LS rear end from? I want to swap mine from the 3.73 to the 4.10, and maybe pick up the LS in the process... If an aftermarket LS is too expensive, then I guess I'll have to go junkyard shopping... Anybody know what rear-end will fit on what years? I'm gonna assume it's pretty wide spread.

May 4, 2003 | 09:53 AM

superrangerman2002

Logistics Pro

Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 4,821

Likes: 19

From: South Dakota

Rear End

Check out ebay.

I got my Ford Track Lock off ebay for my 8.8 rear and rebuilt it for around 200 bucks, just like new!

If you have a 4.0L motor, you have a 8.8 rear.

If you're changing gear ratios on a 4x4 remeber that you need to do the front as well. which translates into mucho bucks.

May 4, 2003 | 12:06 PM

mwittman

Senior User

Joined: Jan 2000

Posts: 132

Likes: 0

From: Central OH

Rear End

I bought mine off of ebay also. If you're changing gears in the process, you'd be better off buying a whole rear-end with the gears and LS in already. Look around, a lot of guys are selling their 8.8's since they have upgraded to a 9". Even check out the Mustang boards for parts, cause that rear-end is the same as the ranger's. I'm not sure if they are swapable though.

Matt