Locking Rear for 88 Ranger.

[W6e6s6W]

I need to find a locking rear for my 1988 Ranger XLT.
It is 2wd.
I want one cause I got an open rear now.
ANd I'd like to be able to spin both tires.
Do you konw if any newer locking rears (Mid 90's and later)
would fit my truck?

[AllanD]

ANY year ranger rear will bolt right in.

However Rangers '93-up have a rear axle that's 2" wider overall.

AD

[W6e6s6W]

Thanks Allan,
so are you saying that '93 aren't gonna fit?
and I don't need a whole new axle do I?

[projectnitemare]

Unless you have the ability and tools to change out a gearset. Change the whole axle assembly especially if you don't know how to set a ring and pinion. That's if you are content with a factory limited slip. If you want a true locker the way to go in your case would be what is called a lunch box locker. You replace your spider gears with the locker unit. There are two options for you, the first being the cheapest and easiest.

Matt

[Hahnsb2]

Are you looking for a locker or a limited slip?

[W6e6s6W]

I geuss a locker.
But its a 2wd, and I thought
they only put lockers on 4wd.
I just want the power to both
wheels for some fun burning rubber.

[projectnitemare]

I limited slip will put power to both wheels but it isn't a direct 50/50 split. A limited slip is more forgiving and will usually give around a 70/30 split.

Matt

[Hahnsb2]

Lockers were never offered in RBVs... Only limited slips...

[W6e6s6W]

I was reading about them in the tech library.
I'd say Limited Slip then.
Posi = Limited Slip.
My stepdads silverado has posi and boy does
it smoke them both........
So a Ford Limited Slip would work the same way
except the right rear would start spinning first
correct?

[Hahnsb2]

I think you're thinking of chevy's gov-lock, its more of a locker, once there is like a 100rpm difference between tires it locks. A limited slip just uses clutches and and spring. A full locker locks whenever a good amount of throttle is applied. Limited slips are the most street friendly. Once you do lock/limited slip the rear, good luck breaking both tire loose in anything but the rain on corners with your stock engine.

[W6e6s6W]

Well I'm planning on doing this so I'll be ready
for my engine swap (302) that I"m planning
for summer of '08.
Then the Ranger will be my weekend warrior.
So It'll be for crusing and fun.

[Hahnsb2]

Oh, ok. If you want the most street friendly look for a 8.8 with an LS with the gears you want and throw it in there. The explorer 8.8s are spring under so you have to flip the perches but use 31 spline axles, ranger 8.8s use 28 splines. I really don't think the extra spline count is worth it, but maybe with your v8 it is...

[W6e6s6W]

What difference would the amount of splines make?
and
I don't know what gears I'd want in it....I don't think
it would really matter that much, would it?

[martin]

The 31 spline axle has larger shafts and bearings and is therefore stronger. You should jprobably be looking for either 3:73 or 4:10 gears. Anything deeper would not be a stock ratio.

[W6e6s6W]

I'm actually gonna try to find a 1993 MUSTANG GT.
and take the engine and tranny from it and also take
the rear axle with disc brakes.