ranger rear end widths
Thread Starter
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VT Chapter Ldr
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 96,118
Likes: 294
From: Orange, Vermont
ranger rear end widths
I have a 92 ranger with the 4.0 5 speed 8.8 4x4 with, I think, 3.23 rear end with 215/75/15 tires that it specs. My problem is that it is pretty much gutless and i would like to increase the ratio to 3.55 or 3.73. I am thinking that if I could find a good front and rear end from a ranger at a good price I would just switch them, if not I guess a gear swap.
I am pretty sure the explorers are around 3 inches wider then the first generation rangers but didn't the rangers also get wider? What year did that happen and by how much?
Does any one know any of the formulas for gear ratios or where to find them?
Thank you.
I am pretty sure the explorers are around 3 inches wider then the first generation rangers but didn't the rangers also get wider? What year did that happen and by how much?
Does any one know any of the formulas for gear ratios or where to find them?
Thank you.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 769
Likes: 12
From: Moneta, VA
I've heard that pre-'93 rear axles are 1.5 inches shorter from flange to flange than '93+. But then again, I've heard they are the same. I've never measured, though. I've also heard that Explorer Rear Axles are 1.5 inches wider than the '93+ axle. If the spring and shock mounts are in the same place (measure to see), I don't see why you couldn't use a newer Ranger rear axle.
Make sureof your current ratios, you don't wanna put the same thing back in there.
Not really sure about the front axle width, but I think it's a Dana 35.
The axle swap may be cheaper than a gear change on the current axle, depending on what price you pay for junkyard axles.
What type of off-road calculators are you looking for?
Make sureof your current ratios, you don't wanna put the same thing back in there.
Not really sure about the front axle width, but I think it's a Dana 35.
The axle swap may be cheaper than a gear change on the current axle, depending on what price you pay for junkyard axles.
What type of off-road calculators are you looking for?
Thread Starter
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VT Chapter Ldr
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 96,118
Likes: 294
From: Orange, Vermont
I was hoping that the axel width would be the same from 92 to 96 (before they changed to the torsion bar front end). Maybe I will put some 1.5" spacers on the truck to see how it would look and see if I would need fender flares.
That chart, are those codes found in the vin # or if not where are they found? Thank you.
That chart, are those codes found in the vin # or if not where are they found? Thank you.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 769
Likes: 12
From: Moneta, VA
Look on the door sticker for the axle code. Should be a sticker in the drivers side door jamb with all kinds of info on it, including the VIN. The axle code is not in the VIN, but it will be on the door jamb sticker under AX (for axle).
You can also crawl up under the truck to check on the back of the rear axle for a plate like the one in my last post. Sometimes, the tag is removed. But if it still has a tag, read it to make sure someone hasn't changed the axles already and put in a different axle than that listed on the door sticker.
You can also crawl up under the truck to check on the back of the rear axle for a plate like the one in my last post. Sometimes, the tag is removed. But if it still has a tag, read it to make sure someone hasn't changed the axles already and put in a different axle than that listed on the door sticker.
Thread Starter
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VT Chapter Ldr
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 96,118
Likes: 294
From: Orange, Vermont
I just checked my code on the door and it says 91 which according to the chart is a 3.27 ratio. I will need to check my explorer at home to see what that is and decide what would be a good ratio for my truck.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,055
Likes: 3
From: Magnolia, TX
Originally Posted by fordboy_52
i just added this to the tech folder... nice find tiggie
+1
Thank you!
CMOS
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New User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Lake Tahoe, CA
8.8 Users:
Models Years Notes
Ranger 4.0 1990-1992 Width is same as other pre-93 axles, 28 spline
3.08 (4x2), 3.55, 3.73 and 4.10 (4x4) factory ratios
Either limited slip or open differential
10" drum brakes
Ranger 4.0
B4000 1993+
1994+ Width is same as other 93+ axles (1.5" wider than pre 93), 28 spline
Ratios and differential options as noted above
Ranger FX4 2002+ Width is same as other 93+ axles, 31 spline
4.10's and Torsen limited slip from factory
Explorer
Navajo 1990-1994 Width is 1.5" wider than 93+ Ranger, 3" wider than pre-93, 31 spline
Spring perches must be fabricated and welded on top
Stock spring perches can be used to lower the truck (like a flip kit)
Shock mounts must be fabricated and welded on
Very common to find ltd. Slip, usually 3.73 or 4.10 (4x4) gears
Explorer
Mountaineer 1995-2001 Same as above, also has rear discs
Models Years Notes
Ranger 4.0 1990-1992 Width is same as other pre-93 axles, 28 spline
3.08 (4x2), 3.55, 3.73 and 4.10 (4x4) factory ratios
Either limited slip or open differential
10" drum brakes
Ranger 4.0
B4000 1993+
1994+ Width is same as other 93+ axles (1.5" wider than pre 93), 28 spline
Ratios and differential options as noted above
Ranger FX4 2002+ Width is same as other 93+ axles, 31 spline
4.10's and Torsen limited slip from factory
Explorer
Navajo 1990-1994 Width is 1.5" wider than 93+ Ranger, 3" wider than pre-93, 31 spline
Spring perches must be fabricated and welded on top
Stock spring perches can be used to lower the truck (like a flip kit)
Shock mounts must be fabricated and welded on
Very common to find ltd. Slip, usually 3.73 or 4.10 (4x4) gears
Explorer
Mountaineer 1995-2001 Same as above, also has rear discs
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 601
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From: Denver
themanrosen has it almost perfect - very good summary.
The only correction is on the FX4 - only the FX4 level 2 has the torsen diff, the FX4 offroad has a l/s 8.8 28 spline. iirc, in 02 they had only one version of the FX4, and it had the torsen, but after that when they went to 2 versions of the FX4, only the level 2 had the torsen.
BTW, all front diffs are open.
The only correction is on the FX4 - only the FX4 level 2 has the torsen diff, the FX4 offroad has a l/s 8.8 28 spline. iirc, in 02 they had only one version of the FX4, and it had the torsen, but after that when they went to 2 versions of the FX4, only the level 2 had the torsen.
BTW, all front diffs are open.
Thread Starter
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VT Chapter Ldr
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 96,118
Likes: 294
From: Orange, Vermont
Themanrosen did a good job but ratio 3.27 is also very common in at least the the pre 93 ranger and pre 95 explorer 8.8. I have a 92 stx 4x4 8.8 and it has the 3.27 and looking in junk yards here in Vermont any ways, 3.27 is very common. I was able to find a couple 3.73 limited slips explorer 8.8's that I bought. I plan on swapping one of them into my 92 ranger (I also took the corresponding 3.73 ratio pumpkin to swap into the front axel also) and taking the limited slip from the other to put into a 91 explorer 8.8 that I use to plow my driveway with, which has 3.55 ratio.
I did some quick rough measurements once on the front and rear axel widths of my 92 ranger and 91 explorer and I confirmed that there is definitely a difference in rear widths but the front appears to be the same width between both. Looking at the ranger from the back, that outside edge of the front tires look flush to the edge of the front fender where the back tire outside edge is resessed in from the outside of the rear fender. I don't know if anyone else can confirm this but if it is true then the 90-92 rangers got the same front end as the 91-94 explorer.
I did some quick rough measurements once on the front and rear axel widths of my 92 ranger and 91 explorer and I confirmed that there is definitely a difference in rear widths but the front appears to be the same width between both. Looking at the ranger from the back, that outside edge of the front tires look flush to the edge of the front fender where the back tire outside edge is resessed in from the outside of the rear fender. I don't know if anyone else can confirm this but if it is true then the 90-92 rangers got the same front end as the 91-94 explorer.
New User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
hello u rangers dudes.
I wrecked my 98 flareside ranger have a few ?'s maybe someone can with. since i need all body parts cab fenders box wat years would be combatabl for the easiest swap. my intentions are to buy a cheap 2wd and put all the parts on my 4wd frame,why bother u ask i thought it might be a fun project for me and my son.so any advice and tips would just great thanks Brian
I wrecked my 98 flareside ranger have a few ?'s maybe someone can with. since i need all body parts cab fenders box wat years would be combatabl for the easiest swap. my intentions are to buy a cheap 2wd and put all the parts on my 4wd frame,why bother u ask i thought it might be a fun project for me and my son.so any advice and tips would just great thanks Brian
- -
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 769
Likes: 12
From: Moneta, VA
Manufactured December 2, 1986 (seems late for an actual 1986 model)
