2wd rear ends sizes?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
To the best of my knowledge, the axle has not changed widths in the Ranger since it's inception.
There are two available, the 7.5" and 8.8". The 7.5" is the less durable of the two, coming in 2.3L and 2.5L Rangers. The 8.8" (or 10 bolt) came in V6 Rangers, Explorers Mustangs, F-150s, etc. It is a quite strong rear-end, capable of supporting the power of even slightly modified small block eights without too much trouble. The Explorer rear-end is the same physical size as the Ranger, but the mounts for suspension and shocks are different. The Explorer and FX4 level 2 Ranger use 31 spline axles, whereas the "normal" 8.8" uses 28 spline axles. Both are rated for the same amount of torque.
The ratios I know of being available are 2.73, 3.08, 3.45, 3.55, 3.73, 4.10, 4.56, and 5.12.
There are two available, the 7.5" and 8.8". The 7.5" is the less durable of the two, coming in 2.3L and 2.5L Rangers. The 8.8" (or 10 bolt) came in V6 Rangers, Explorers Mustangs, F-150s, etc. It is a quite strong rear-end, capable of supporting the power of even slightly modified small block eights without too much trouble. The Explorer rear-end is the same physical size as the Ranger, but the mounts for suspension and shocks are different. The Explorer and FX4 level 2 Ranger use 31 spline axles, whereas the "normal" 8.8" uses 28 spline axles. Both are rated for the same amount of torque.
The ratios I know of being available are 2.73, 3.08, 3.45, 3.55, 3.73, 4.10, 4.56, and 5.12.
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2006
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I'm looking for something that can run good with a 302, mainly stock build, thats in an older Mazda B2200, so same size as the Ranger. The mounts don't matter since everything will be cut off anyways. I was looking for a good gear ratio and a measurement from mounting face to mounting face that will fit inside the bedsides.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
If you're going with a C6 or similar non-overdrive tranny, stick to a 3.73 or higher (numerically lower). Are you going to do some highway running? If so a 3.55 might be a great idea. If you want around town acceleration and power, go with 4.10 or so.
All depends on what the truck will be used for.
Any Ranger axle will swap right into that B2200 without too much effort. Later ones seem to be 1.5" wider...it's a rumor though, dunno if it's true or not. That would be post-'91.
All depends on what the truck will be used for.
Any Ranger axle will swap right into that B2200 without too much effort. Later ones seem to be 1.5" wider...it's a rumor though, dunno if it's true or not. That would be post-'91.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
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Not all v-6 rangers have the 8.8 rear end. The 3.0 v-6 trucks come with the 7.5 also. Mine did at any rate.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
Yes the 4.0L is the only 8.8" equipped vehicle from the factory (some 2.3L/3.0L 4x4s may have them as well).
I believe it was 54" until '91, when it switched to 56".
If you wanna go non-computer controlled auto and don't plan on putting a ton of highway miles on, the C6 is large, but it's basically bulletproof and finding a small block patterned one will not be hard.
I believe it was 54" until '91, when it switched to 56".
If you wanna go non-computer controlled auto and don't plan on putting a ton of highway miles on, the C6 is large, but it's basically bulletproof and finding a small block patterned one will not be hard.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Red Wing, MN
The '92-earlier Ranger rear axles were 1.5" narrower than the '93-up. The 8.8" rears started showing up in 1990. The 8.8 first came out in the Ranger in '86, but those were Chassis Cab (incomplete) vehicles only.
