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new to gearing


johndill

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alright so im looking at re gearing, i have a 98 ranger 4.0 5 speed and i run 315/75 r16 my rear is a 31 spline 8.8, what are the lowest gears i can run and not have cleareance issues? i would like to run 4.56 but i am not sure if i would have to switch carriers or not, and if so i wouldn't be interested, i don't know a whole lot on axles so any advice is helpful, thanks
 


4x4junkie

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There are no carrier breaks on your axle(s), you can run as deep as 4.88 gears (assuming your truck is 4WD, you didn't mention what you have).

4.88 would actually be ideal for the size tires you mentioned.
 

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There are no carrier breaks on your axle(s), you can run as deep as 4.88 gears (assuming your truck is 4WD, you didn't mention what you have).

4.88 would actually be ideal for the size tires you mentioned.
agreed. :icon_thumby:
Junkie's word is alwasy good.
 

johndill

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good news, and ya it's a 4x4, now is this something a guy who can put a clutch in can do? or should i have it done, i have limited tools and a clutch job is as adverse as i have done
 

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gearing, although not real hard, is tedious... you need the proper tools to check backlash and so forth. Honestly if you've never set up gears before, I'd find someone who has and is willing to show you the procedure. By all means, learn the process. I'm just not sure it's something I'd advise without a guiding hand.
 

AgPete139

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+1. I've been wrenching for about 14 years, and I still don't touch gears (not because I don't have the tools, but because I'm scared). You need (yes, some can do without) a press that can remove some of the bearings, and you dial dial calipers that can measure 0.001" with accuracy. Plan on it taking a full day if it's your first time, and you will be putting the parts in, measuring, taking them out, measuring, adding shims, and repeating that process over and over until it's perfect. Yes, perfect. "Close enough" will leave you stranded after 200 miles. If the wear pattern isnt spot on, and if you dont give your gears the proper heating/cooling cycling immediately afterwards, you will end up with a grenaded rear end.

I pay a local mechanic $80-100 to do it. Totally worth it.

I have 35" tires on my 31 spline 8.8 and I run 4.88 gears. It's a great combo, and these gears are great for this size.

If you are cruising the highway mainly, then maybe 4.56 is a good idea. I cruise 70 mph at 3000 RPM. Gas mileage would be better if it was more around 2600 RPM. I do mainly city driving and dirt playing, and 4.88 is great with my 4.0L and 5 speed.
 

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+1. I've been wrenching for about 14 years, and I still don't touch gears (not because I don't have the tools, but because I'm scared). You need (yes, some can do without) a press that can remove some of the bearings, and you dial dial calipers that can measure 0.001" with accuracy. Plan on it taking a full day if it's your first time, and you will be putting the parts in, measuring, taking them out, measuring, adding shims, and repeating that process over and over until it's perfect. Yes, perfect. "Close enough" will leave you stranded after 200 miles. If the wear pattern isnt spot on, and if you dont give your gears the proper heating/cooling cycling immediately afterwards, you will end up with a grenaded rear end.

I pay a local mechanic $80-100 to do it. Totally worth it.

I have 35" tires on my 31 spline 8.8 and I run 4.88 gears. It's a great combo, and these gears are great for this size.

If you are cruising the highway mainly, then maybe 4.56 is a good idea. I cruise 70 mph at 3000 RPM. Gas mileage would be better if it was more around 2600 RPM. I do mainly city driving and dirt playing, and 4.88 is great with my 4.0L and 5 speed.
I agree with all this EXCEPT.. the $80-$100 for someone to do it.. It's worth that for sure, IF you find someone to do it that CHEAP, jump on it. I wouldn't touch gears for $100... most places around here charge closer to $300 an axle (and that's the norm here).
 

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I'm a cheap ass and managed to setup three 8.8s so far, but I was setting up stock ratios, I know when you get into aftermarket ratios it can take a lot more tweaking. I have always lucked out using the crush washer that came in the housing I am putting the gears into and had perfect depth evry time

-PlumCrazy
 

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