So I want to regear, but which way to go?


Speedwagon

15+ Year Member

Joined
Apr 8, 2008
Messages
251
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3,101
Vehicle Year
2002
Engine
4.0 V6
Transmission
Automatic
I think I've decided I am going to keep this 2.3L, and just do some basic upgrades to it for a bit more power. But I do want to regear the truck, because I'm only rolling on 3.73s.

Options as I see them:

1) Regear the D28/7.5 to 4.56
2) Find a 4.10 or so in a junkyard, and grab the whole D28/7.5 axles(I'd have spare parts then too)
3) Swap the D28 for a D35, and regear it with the 7.5
4) Swap a D30 Jeep axle to the front(SAS), and regear that and the 7.5
5) Swap a D30 to the front, and 8.8 exploder in the rear, and regear both

1 & 2 seem like the cheapest overall route right now. I'm currently running 33s on the truck, and I won't go bigger until I've done a D30/8.8 swap. I don't see needing a D44 on this truck for quite some time, and I think I can probably get a D30 cheap, because Jeep guys get rid of them for stronger axles. I know some say the 7.5 is weak, but I'm only pushing it with the 4 banger, so I don't see me overloading it with power anytime soon. And yes, eventually I will do a SAS and 8.8 swap, but I am trying to do this truck on the cheap.

Thoughts?
 
Last edited:
Go as low as you can go if your going to regear. 2.3/4.10s/33s wont be much better than with 3.73s.

I recommend 4.88s atleast.

Dont waste money on a D28 either. Get a D35 under there and be done with it.
 
metalmacguyver said:
Go as low as you can go if your going to regear. 2.3/4.10s/33s wont be much better than with 3.73s.

I recommend 4.88s atleast.

Dont waste money on a D28 either. Get a D35 under there and be done with it.
Click to expand...

x2, id reccomend a d35 swap before the jeep d30 swap aswell anyday
 
If you are going to "do it right once", get the 44 under there. The 30 isn't any stronger than your 28 and you are doing all the same work to install the 30 anyway. The only problem is finding a 44 in the proper width.

If you really don't want to do that right now, get an explorer 8.8/D-35 under there. If you are lucky, you can find one with 4.10's already installed. I've seen entire Sploders with good axles go for $100. Honestly though, I wouldn't spend any money on the 7.5 or the 28.

Keep an eye out for a Mustang SVO/Thunderbird Turbo Coupe/Merkur turbo setup. That will bump you up to about 205HP in the little 2.3.
 
Just got back from the local junkyard, and didn't find many Rangers there at all. Found quite a few exploders, with axle codes of 45, 46, and D4. But I don't know what a code 46 is, as it's not listed in the tech library axle ID page. So best so far, is a 3.73 L/S axle.
 
call the ford yard that i gave you the # for on co4x4.org
 
Swap in a Dana 35 before a Dana 30.

If you have to have a SA, just go for a Dana 44 the first time.

The 7.5 is just fine with 33's, bigger than that go with the 8.8.

3.73's must really suck! 4.10's would be better, but like metal said, you'd not really feel a difference.

Even though I'd say, it'd be a far cheaper route to find a 90's ranger with 4.10's, just swap in a D35 in place of your Dana 28, and swap out the rear axle.

Regearing is expensive! If you're going to spend the money to regear just SAS now.
 
Ranger44 said:
Swap in a Dana 35 before a Dana 30.

If you have to have a SA, just go for a Dana 44 the first time.

The 7.5 is just fine with 33's, bigger than that go with the 8.8.

3.73's must really suck! 4.10's would be better, but like metal said, you'd not really feel a difference.

Even though I'd say, it'd be a far cheaper route to find a 90's ranger with 4.10's, just swap in a D35 in place of your Dana 28, and swap out the rear axle.

Regearing is expensive! If you're going to spend the money to regear just SAS now.
Click to expand...

Would an Explorer front axle work? There are about 5 at the local junkyard, and they charge about $125 I believe for it. I assume they are all D35s, since they came with the 4.0? And does one need just the pumpkin side of a D35(with the axle shaft to pass side), or the whole thing, both beams? The best gear ratio though is a 3.73, haven't found any with a 4.10 code.
 
Where are you located. Ive got explorer d35 with 4.10 i would be willing to pull for the right price. If your in the area.

It will give me a reason to put my 3.55s in. Gas milage stinks with 4.10s in a daily driver.
 
I'm in Denver, CO. So it might be a bit far from Ontario.
 
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