Gear Help

[Wyant]

2002 Ford Ranger 4x4 manual transmission, 4.0L V6. I put a 3" body lift on it last year and just put new 33x12.50's on. It is fine to drive but ive lost a bit of power with the larger tires and am getting about 15mpg's at best. I do a bit of offroading in the deep snow mostly. They have the stock gears and i don't know what ratio that is or anything. It would be nice to re-gear it but i don't know what size to install and how expensive it would be or if it is something that i could do myself. Also if it would be beneficial to just put an exhaust system/air intake etc to boost horse power instead. Body lifts are pretty popular and so are 33x12.50's so i assume there are some people that have experience with this that can give me some advice/info on this.

 

[strvger]

all the gear and tires charts are in the Tech Library. click the link in the dark blue link right under the TRS banner at the top of the page.
otherwise, the re-gear would get you the most performance but probably the most expensive. for your size tires and driving needs, i'd go with 4.56 gears. and along with those, i'd have a locker installed in the rear axle. estimates for buying those things and having them installed will vary with where you live, but i'd figure about $2000, give or take. not cheap, but it will make lots easier on the rest of your drive train as well as easier for you to drive.
just my $.02.

btw, WELCOME to TRS!!

 

[CountryBoy704]

yeah i'd say 4.10 at the very very least,
this will tell you what gears you have now - http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Axles.html
upgrading the exaust and intake isnt really going to give all that much more power and will kill even more mpg's = more expensive in the long run, you are definitely going to want to pay a professional to set up your gears unless you like the sound of this - http://www.pirate4x4.com/articles/tech/billavista/Gear_Setup

 

[gaz]

Econo regear

"Wyant",

It is intirely possible that you can not only find the parts you need used in a wrecking yard or on Ebay for less than $200 total. There will be a degree of luck involved, since the bearings could be shot in the donor axles but it is possible.

You can read up on the subject, have someone around to offer assistance and will only require a good foot pound torque wrench and inch pound torque wrench to accomplish the job with PROFESSIONAL results.

I did my first regear with the advice of my freind, the 2 torque wrenches and a solid clean-up and inspection of the used bearings/gears. When I did this I acquired both the front and the rear axles, from brake to brake from a local wrecking yard. I tore them all down, cleaned all the parts and inspected them. I decided to use new bearings and seals to save time and money in the long run (PRUDENT). The used pinion and gears are still working today. I did this swap in 1996 (plus or minus 1 year).

If using all new components is up your alley, well, I see the good stuff with installation kits for around $300 per axle; $600... ISH, you are in business!

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

unless you like the sound of this - http://www.pirate4x4.com/articles/tech/billavista/Gear_Setup

I thought I was going to hear the sounds of gears exploding into shrapnel
Instead I find an excellent article on gearing set up
Either one would have worked for me.
I have that article saved now.
Thanks,

Richard

 

[strvger]

wow, i don't think i've ever seen a pair of axles with 4.56's and a detroit in the rear for $200. guess i didn't look hard enough.

 

[Wyant]

.

Thanks guys, yea i'm pretty mechanically savvy but i don't want to risk screwing up my daily driver. Its really frustrating not having a locker. The new tires dig really well but its no use when only one wheel is turning. Suggestions on whether to put the locker in the front rear or both?

 

[gaz]

"strvger",

Your point is well taken; to elaborate on my "finding a used set of gears in a wrecking yard or Ebay" comment. I am referring to a used set of Ford LS 4:10's. I have seen some used 4.56 stuff go in that price range too but not coupled with a Detriot locker set up. If what I wrote made you think that I am suggesting that sets of Yukon/Auburn new with Detriot peripherials are falling from the heavens then, I need to work on my communication skills.

 

[scotts90ranger]

when you say you are getting 15mpg, is that compensating for the increased distance you are traveling with larger tires? if not, you're probably getting about the same gas mileage that you were before...

that being said, I would still suggest 4.56 or 4.88 gears

 

[strvger]

no problem Gaz. guess it really depends on where you live. here, parts yards are nearly empty of cars and trucks older than 1998 and when you drive a 1st gen truck you usually end up going new parts or out of state on ebay or craigs list. you are correct about buying used as i got my Detroit here on TRS in the classifieds for only $200 shipped, iirc. a really great deal and i felt very, very lucky when i got it. so, it does happen, but only rarely for me.

Wyant, for 33 inch tires, i just don't think 4.10's would do the job. might even see an increase in mileage with the 4.56's. i did and with only 31 inch tires. not sure i'd do a locker in the front axle. you'll loose some turning radius probably, and they seem to be a little harder on the components up there from my experience. so, for the rear, i'd get an original style Detroit Locker, not the new style that is similar to the LockRight. you'll pay more for it, but be lots happier with it, imho.