Soledad
New Member
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2016
- Messages
- 90
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 0
- Vehicle Year
- 2003
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Engine Size
- 2.3L Duratec
- Transmission
- Manual
I just picked up a 2003 XL 2.3L 2wd 5-spd manual regular cab and am currently learning the truck and fixing everything that needs fixing. It's got 130,430 miles on it and it's needing some definite TLC.
Any way, I've learned that it's got the 7.5 axle with 3.73's and open diff.
I've been contemplating on putting in a V8 & auto trans and was wondering if the 7.5 could handle the power increase? I'm not looking to take the truck drag racing or anything nor would it be used exclusively for rock crawling and etc. It would be used about 95% on street as a parts/home/trash runner, 5% light offroading and 1% generally just messing around.
The Explorer V8 I throw in it would be upgraded to make somewhere near 300HP (no clue on tq). I'm not looking for big numbers.
Oh and I'll be putting 31x10.5x15's tires on it too.
Could a 7.5 handle that or is it a must to move up to the Ranger 8.8 or Explorer 8.8? If I had any skills I'd just go with an Explorer 8.8 but my little 120v Harbor Freight flux core welder probably can't put out enough heat to weld the spring perches and shock mounts and I know of no one or any welding shops around here to do the job.
Anyone run a V8 or high HP engine and 7.5 axle and live to tell the tale?
Right now I'm just looking into my options but the V8 will happen.
Thanks!
Any way, I've learned that it's got the 7.5 axle with 3.73's and open diff.
I've been contemplating on putting in a V8 & auto trans and was wondering if the 7.5 could handle the power increase? I'm not looking to take the truck drag racing or anything nor would it be used exclusively for rock crawling and etc. It would be used about 95% on street as a parts/home/trash runner, 5% light offroading and 1% generally just messing around.
The Explorer V8 I throw in it would be upgraded to make somewhere near 300HP (no clue on tq). I'm not looking for big numbers.
Oh and I'll be putting 31x10.5x15's tires on it too.
Could a 7.5 handle that or is it a must to move up to the Ranger 8.8 or Explorer 8.8? If I had any skills I'd just go with an Explorer 8.8 but my little 120v Harbor Freight flux core welder probably can't put out enough heat to weld the spring perches and shock mounts and I know of no one or any welding shops around here to do the job.
Anyone run a V8 or high HP engine and 7.5 axle and live to tell the tale?
Right now I'm just looking into my options but the V8 will happen.
Thanks!