8.8in Rearend
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 600
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From: Cisco, TX pop: 2500
8.8in Rearend
Hey, does anyone know if the 2004 4x4 Rangers had 28 or 31 spline rearends? I'm looking at a locker, and I don't know what the spline count is. It has 4.10 gears, if that makes a difference.
Also, Richmond Gear says that their Powertrax can be installed in about an hour with no special tools. I'm sort of a gearhead, but I've never done any rearend work. Anyone had any experience with the Powertrax? How long was the installation? Was it easy or difficult? I just want to know what I'm getting into.
thanks!
Also, Richmond Gear says that their Powertrax can be installed in about an hour with no special tools. I'm sort of a gearhead, but I've never done any rearend work. Anyone had any experience with the Powertrax? How long was the installation? Was it easy or difficult? I just want to know what I'm getting into.
thanks!
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,908
Likes: 2
From: West Mansfield, Ohio
I'm not exactly sure, but if my common sense works right, the higher the gear ratio, the more splines there will be on the ring gear. I'm guessing the 3.73 would have 28 and the 4.10 will have 31. Someone correct me please if I'm wrong!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 769
Likes: 12
From: Moneta, VA
Handyman, I'll have to correct you on this one. I think you are thinking about the ring and pinion.
The only Rangers to ever get 31-Spline axles were FX4 Level II's, possibly Level I's. The regular 4X4's got 28-spline axles regardless of gear ratio. All 2WD Rangers got 28-Splines.
All Explorers do have 31-Splines, but I think the axles are an extra .75in in length on each side.
Last time I looked, 28-Spline offerings as far as traction-locks go were limited.
What do you have now as far as limited slip goes? If you have an open rear axle (must be fun with 4.10's and 4.0 lol), a simple upgrade would be to get another 8.8 from the junkyard with limited slip. If you can find one, upgrade to a Level II FX4 with the Torsen L/S and 31-Splines.
The only Rangers to ever get 31-Spline axles were FX4 Level II's, possibly Level I's. The regular 4X4's got 28-spline axles regardless of gear ratio. All 2WD Rangers got 28-Splines.
All Explorers do have 31-Splines, but I think the axles are an extra .75in in length on each side.
Last time I looked, 28-Spline offerings as far as traction-locks go were limited.
What do you have now as far as limited slip goes? If you have an open rear axle (must be fun with 4.10's and 4.0 lol), a simple upgrade would be to get another 8.8 from the junkyard with limited slip. If you can find one, upgrade to a Level II FX4 with the Torsen L/S and 31-Splines.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
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Bigdavesohc, I have the same truck as you, and we have 28 spline axles, as stated, the fx4 level 2's were the only one's with 31 splines. I'm going with the power trax as well, but I think I will have mine installed. I don't trust myself that far to do rear work, plus a shop has the proper tools, and can do it fast. Did richmond gear happen to say if anyone was going to develope a lsd for a ranger dana 35? I would like a tru-trac, but was told it wouldn't fit the ranger front diff, it's different than a jeep, the jeep has a soild axle, and were ifs. A ranger with a rear locker, and a front lsd would be an awesome trail machine, cause of our size, and power.
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 600
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From: Cisco, TX pop: 2500
I don't really have the option to get it installed for me, I don't have the money. Whereas most of you guys have money to buy a Ranger and fix it up, I barely have the money to buy it. But this is something I've always wanted, so it's cool. I haven't found anything about a front lsd, but there's a plethora of differentials for the 8.8rear. Ox is about to come out with a selectable locker for the 8.8. Check it out. I just need something that works in the mud and on the street. Powertrax seems the be the logical choice.
Thanks for your help guys
Thanks for your help guys
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 34
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From: Indianapolis, IN
I'm looking to get an Aussie Locker for my '03 4x4 XLT 4.0L Auto with 4.10 rear-end. Their web site says:
"Ford Ranger 4x4, 1997 - 2004, Front Axle, DANA, 27 splines: $229.99"
Obviously, this says front axle; do they not have one for the rear? DANA isn't stock, is it? So... maybe I'm just out of luck going with an Aussie, huh?
I'm trying to keep this project under $300. I'm not that confident of a "mechanic"... I do my brakes, oil, rotate tires... little things like that. Any suggestions? What are my options?
"Ford Ranger 4x4, 1997 - 2004, Front Axle, DANA, 27 splines: $229.99"
Obviously, this says front axle; do they not have one for the rear? DANA isn't stock, is it? So... maybe I'm just out of luck going with an Aussie, huh?
I'm trying to keep this project under $300. I'm not that confident of a "mechanic"... I do my brakes, oil, rotate tires... little things like that. Any suggestions? What are my options?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,394
Likes: 104
From: Southern KS
Don't be afraid to change the gears yourself. I have changed a few in mustangs which use the 8.8. What I found is if you use Ford or Ford Motorsport gears it just basically bolts in with the same shims you removed. As long as the backlash is within spec (.008 to .015) you will be ok. A magnetic base for a dial indicater makes this check easy. Also, get some marking grease and check tooth to tooth contact. But again, if you stick with Ford gears you should have just a bolt on affair. This should be the same and is probably easier if you are bolting in a whole new center section.
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Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,508
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From: Utopia
Do all rangers have the 8.8 rear?
On the fordvehicles 2007 ranger build site the 4 axle options say 3.73 (8.8), 4.10 (8.8), 3.73 LS (8.8), and 4.10 LS. The 4.10 LS doesn't say 8.8, so I was wondering if it was a different axle.
On the fordvehicles 2007 ranger build site the 4 axle options say 3.73 (8.8), 4.10 (8.8), 3.73 LS (8.8), and 4.10 LS. The 4.10 LS doesn't say 8.8, so I was wondering if it was a different axle.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 905
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It works w/o clutches to wear out...Factory has clutchs to wear out. I e-mailed them a while back and they said they make a 28 spline too in addition to the 31 spline offering...still researching though...their website is a bit vague information wise. I have heard nothing but good with the torsen units.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 905
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I should clarify. Plenty of information, I meant their e-mail responses are vague... sorry. I have found conflicitng information on spline count on Level 1's. Some say all FX-4's come with a 31 spline...others just 28.
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