Rear Differential Gears
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Rear Differential Gears
I was wondering if anyone had heard of switching out the rear differential gears. I have a 2004 ranger manual 2x4. I think that ford designed it to be able to tow jet-skis and things, but with the current ratios, i feel like 1st gear is a waste. any ideas? can i buy a new lower gear ratio set for the rear axle?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
First things first, you need to figure out your current axle ratio.
You can either look at the tag on the rear differential, or use this:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...r_Decoder.html
The way you describe it, sounds like you have 4.10s.
Lower (numerically higher) gear ratios are great around town, great acceleration, and can typically tow more.
Higher (numerically lower) gear ratios are better on the highway, where they produce lower RPMs and better mileage.
You can buy a gear set (ring and pinion) for less than a hundred bucks if you shop around, and a lot of people like to trade up to lower gear ratios, so you could find someone with 3.55s or whatever you want and trade, assuming you have 4.10s.
Common ratios for the 8.8" axle are 3.08, 3.23, 3.55, 3.73, 4.10, 4.56.
You can either look at the tag on the rear differential, or use this:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...r_Decoder.html
The way you describe it, sounds like you have 4.10s.
Lower (numerically higher) gear ratios are great around town, great acceleration, and can typically tow more.
Higher (numerically lower) gear ratios are better on the highway, where they produce lower RPMs and better mileage.
You can buy a gear set (ring and pinion) for less than a hundred bucks if you shop around, and a lot of people like to trade up to lower gear ratios, so you could find someone with 3.55s or whatever you want and trade, assuming you have 4.10s.
Common ratios for the 8.8" axle are 3.08, 3.23, 3.55, 3.73, 4.10, 4.56.
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yeah, i just checked and you are right. i have the 4.10 LS. and do you know where i should go about looking for a new gear set? also, i only consider myself a mediocre mechanic, so is relatively easy to do? thanks!
Post Fiend
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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
The "easiest" thing to do would be to find someone with the same axle and just swap axles across.
What kind of ratio are you looking for? Do you do a lot of highway running? Or do you want to just drop the RPMs around town and stuff?
What kind of ratio are you looking for? Do you do a lot of highway running? Or do you want to just drop the RPMs around town and stuff?
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well, i don't know exactly what ratio i want, though i was thinking like 3.5-3.75
mainly, i want to be able to go 70 mph on the interstate, where i do a lot of driving, and not have the engine reving 2750 rpms... that being said, if this is the kind of thing that requires more trouble than it is worth, then i can live. i am not getting bad gas millage, around 21 mpg overall.
mainly, i want to be able to go 70 mph on the interstate, where i do a lot of driving, and not have the engine reving 2750 rpms... that being said, if this is the kind of thing that requires more trouble than it is worth, then i can live. i am not getting bad gas millage, around 21 mpg overall.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
21 MPG may be super low or real good, depending on what engine you have.
If you have the four banger, 21 MPG is low, and that's about perfect RPMs on the highway.
The 4.0L SOHC I'd say it was pretty good, won't hurt it to rev.
The 3.0L, I'd definitly suggest higher gears.
If you're doing a lot of highway driving as you say, I'd say 3.55s would be good if you're running stock tires.
If you have the four banger, 21 MPG is low, and that's about perfect RPMs on the highway.
The 4.0L SOHC I'd say it was pretty good, won't hurt it to rev.
The 3.0L, I'd definitly suggest higher gears.
If you're doing a lot of highway driving as you say, I'd say 3.55s would be good if you're running stock tires.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
You guys need to make sure you spec what engine you have when talking about gear v. power available.
My Ranger with the 4.0L would pull hills with the A/C easy in OD with 3.08s...the engine makes a huge difference with different gears. 4-bangers with 4.10s can have problems pulling hills even.
My Ranger with the 4.0L would pull hills with the A/C easy in OD with 3.08s...the engine makes a huge difference with different gears. 4-bangers with 4.10s can have problems pulling hills even.
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I have the 3.0 liter. Power hasn't been a problem at all. I have enough low-end power right now to take of from a stop, without using the accelerator (on level ground).
I was afraid of the mpg issue. I thought that my numbers were a little low compared to how much highway driving I do. I will look in the 3.55 rear end; I may be able to make a switch at an auto-yard. Thanks a lot for all of the info RangerPilot!
I was afraid of the mpg issue. I thought that my numbers were a little low compared to how much highway driving I do. I will look in the 3.55 rear end; I may be able to make a switch at an auto-yard. Thanks a lot for all of the info RangerPilot!
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