rear diff swap q?
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Montreal
rear diff swap q?
Hi all,
I currently have a 94 4x4 Ranger (4.0L) and my rear diff is open...and I have to say it sucks bad.
I'm not really sure I want to go with a locker (pretty pricey), so I was wondering if I couldn't go to a car recycler, find a busted Ranger...with a limited slip...and take it with me.
But I don't know if any Ranger came out the factory with a limited slip, if so what years, how I can recognize them, and which ones fit.
thx
I currently have a 94 4x4 Ranger (4.0L) and my rear diff is open...and I have to say it sucks bad.
I'm not really sure I want to go with a locker (pretty pricey), so I was wondering if I couldn't go to a car recycler, find a busted Ranger...with a limited slip...and take it with me.
But I don't know if any Ranger came out the factory with a limited slip, if so what years, how I can recognize them, and which ones fit.
thx
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,746
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From: PNW
rear diff swap q?
You can identify a limited slip rear end from the axle tag. It will have an "L" in the axle ratio where the decimal should be. For example, on my '91 Ranger, the tag says 3L73, which means the ratio is 3.73 and it has the limited slip. There is also a way to tell from the sticker on the drivers door. It will have an axle code which can tell you if it's a limited or standard differential, but I don't remember the axle codes. As far as what years fit, most junkyards (oops, auto recycler as they're know these days) have something called a Hollanders Interchange which can tell you what years will fit.
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Joined: May 2002
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rear diff swap q?
You need to figure out if you have an 8.8 or a 7.5 diff. I have seen both even in 4.0 4x4's. Look at the tag on the bottom row of #'s there will be the ratio, something like 3L73 means 3.73 limited slip and 3.73 means it's an open diff w/ 3.73 gears. The next 2 #'s are the axle size. It will either say 7.5 or 8.8 Any 7.5 or 8.8 diff can be swapped in place of an open diff. They are all the same for each axle ( 7.5 or 8.8) with the exception of some mustangs and trucks with an 8.8 will have 31 spline axles. Count them to be sure. The ones in the Ranger should be 28 splines. Don't forget to look at t-birds, Cougars, and Aerostars.
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Montreal
rear diff swap q?
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 04-Jun-02 AT 06:50 PM (EST)]I hate to sound like a dork...but I can't find anything
Here are the numbers I found...
on the driver door...
VIN 1FTCR15X2RPA14985
And these in small just right/down of the VIN F0069 and T0164
Then, at the bottom of the sticker
WB 125
Type GVW R15E
Body G6
Trans T
Axle 91
Tape C Springs WX
And in small, at the very bottom
FOTA-15204A10-AA
That's it for the driver door
Then. on the diff housing, this is the only code I found RF F07W-AA
And on the rear driveshaft (while I was at it) F37A 4K145 AAA
This is all I found...and I see no sign of F6 or R7, even less 3.73 or any relevant figure...
HEEEEELP....and thx in advance
Here are the numbers I found...
on the driver door...
VIN 1FTCR15X2RPA14985
And these in small just right/down of the VIN F0069 and T0164
Then, at the bottom of the sticker
WB 125
Type GVW R15E
Body G6
Trans T
Axle 91
Tape C Springs WX
And in small, at the very bottom
FOTA-15204A10-AA
That's it for the driver door
Then. on the diff housing, this is the only code I found RF F07W-AA
And on the rear driveshaft (while I was at it) F37A 4K145 AAA
This is all I found...and I see no sign of F6 or R7, even less 3.73 or any relevant figure...
HEEEEELP....and thx in advance
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,562
Likes: 4
From: South Jersey
rear diff swap q?
The 91 is a 3.27 open rear, I wouldn't want a 3.27 unless the motor has plenty of power or your running small diameter tires.
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Senior User
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From: Montreal
rear diff swap q?
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 05-Jun-02 AT 12:03 PM (EST)]3.27???:-staun 
Now I understand why it's slow and doesn't tow worth a crap!!
I just can't believe it. 3.27...that's a sedan ratio, not a truck ratio. I bought the truck used...that's why I didn't know it. And I do have large tires (235/70/15 - not sure on the 70) and am even planning to put the bigger ones 265 (like 31"). Ths diff is going straight to the garbage!
ok. So I just have to get out to a junkyard and find some 3L73 door sticker to make it better.
About the year thing, do the older (the square one) Rangers have the same diff? I ask this because to this large junkyard I went some time ago there were only older Rangers, I didn't see one single truck like my 94.
I'll check the Cougars, Aerostars and everything I can...I guess I just have to open the door and see "3L73"...right?
This forum is great, and you people are awesome...all the info I ever need is here...
thanks a bunch!
Now I understand why it's slow and doesn't tow worth a crap!!
I just can't believe it. 3.27...that's a sedan ratio, not a truck ratio. I bought the truck used...that's why I didn't know it. And I do have large tires (235/70/15 - not sure on the 70) and am even planning to put the bigger ones 265 (like 31"). Ths diff is going straight to the garbage!
ok. So I just have to get out to a junkyard and find some 3L73 door sticker to make it better.
About the year thing, do the older (the square one) Rangers have the same diff? I ask this because to this large junkyard I went some time ago there were only older Rangers, I didn't see one single truck like my 94.
I'll check the Cougars, Aerostars and everything I can...I guess I just have to open the door and see "3L73"...right?
This forum is great, and you people are awesome...all the info I ever need is here...
thanks a bunch!FTE Stories
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,155
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From: sunny fla sometimes windy
Yes you will have to change the front or else Dumduhdundun you will eat up you transfer case quick. Save up the money, Get gears for the front and rear put a selectable locker in the front and leave the rear open. All the weight is on the front therefore all the traction you can get to the front is what is going to make the difference at the end of the day!!!! An open rear will be better if you drive mostly on the road or let your woman drive it at all!!
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 153
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From: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
tech info sticky
Originally Posted by onil
Hi, i'm a newbie and would like to know the diff ratio of my 1994 Ranger 4x4 R15e 3.0L a/t. The door code reads: AXLE 86. Thanks.
86 = open diff 7.5 w/ 3.73 gears
New User
Joined: Sep 2007
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Thanks crerar! I bought my '94 ranger used with 245/75/16 tires on it. Stock tires as per door code is 215/75/15. With its current tire size (245/75/16) my truck lacks acceleration when i step on the gas inspite of high rpm as the a/t downshifts. What would be the largest tire diameter/size allowable for the 3.73 gear granting i have lifted it to accomodate such tire size? Aside from regearing from 3.73 to say 4.1 or going back to stock tires, are there other options to remedy this seemingly lacking or delay in acceleration? The engine has just been tuned up and is in good condition.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
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The factory lsd isn't worth the time, expense to but in. Spend the extra money and get a good lsd like the detroit tru-tack or torsion, they are gear driven, no clutches to wear out like with a stock lsd and they don't need modifiers. They also grab like a bear, unlike the slipping factory unit. The factory lsd is better than nothing, but not by much. If your gonna do it, do it right, you will be glad you did.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 984
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You don't need to drop big cash on a locker. You can get a "lunchbox locker" where you just pop out the spyders and put the locker in their place. This kind of locker has its limitations, like the stregnth of your stock carrier. If you aren't out hardcore wheeling and rock crawling you'll be fine. If you are out searching the yards, the ranger axles will all bolt in but some are different widths, the earlier years are a little narrower. Be sure you don't swap out your stronger 8.8 for a 7.5 or upgrade to an 8.8. Some of the BII rear axles won't be bolt in. The Explorer 8.8's are 31 spline, but the mounts need to be rewelded on the top of the axle. You will most likely find 3.55's and 3.73s; 4.10's are kind of rare. You will need to find a matching front diff and rear axle. A 31in tire is about as big as you want to go for 3.73's.
Matt
Matt