98 Ranger 4x4

[arkantor]

I am new member and have a simple question. Having just started with wheelin' I have a 98 4x4 3.0L with a 7.5 3.73 open rear axle. I would love to regear my truck but I do not have the money or the know how. My question is can I get a 8.8 3.73 L/S and bolt it into my truck? And If I can is it worth it. I am in the woods a lot and when not in the woods I am in a lot of snow. I am thinking about upgrading my tires to 31,32 or 33 BFG too and am worried the 3.0 can't handle the tires with 3.73 gears.

Thanks

[4x4junkie]

Yes, anything bigger than a 30-31" tire will be a bit much for the 3.0L to push with 3.73 gears (4.56 would be the ideal for 31s, 4.88 for 33s).

The 8.8" axle might be worth swapping in as there are more gear ratio options available that will match up with your front axle. The 8.8 from another Ranger however has the same size axleshafts as your 7.5", and would not be a significant step up in strength (the 7.5" isn't exactly weak though, it'll hold up fine with 33" tires).
The 8.8 from an Explorer has larger shafts, but will need a bit of welding to install it in your Ranger.


I'd keep the 7.5" unless you decide you want to regear. Maybe throw a Lockright locker in it for some extra traction in the woods.

Hope that helps

Welcome to the forum :beer:

[rebel3.0]

hey man i got a 98 4x4 and ive been pushing bfg at's 33 for almost three years now. ive got a 3L and have 3.73 gears. ive done quite abit 4x4in and even tho my power has dropped some, I still get around fine.:icon_bounceblue:

[arkantor]

Cool Thanks