Differential Axle Code discrepancy

[SullivanM]

Unfortunately I cooked the rear differential in my newly purchased 1990 Ford Ranger 4.0l V6. I neglected to check the gear oil before taking it for its maiden voyage and it turned out to not have any gear oil at all.

Im looking into purchasing a junkyard rear end.

The Standard Safety Certification label in the door jam of my Ranger says that I have an axle code F5, which is supposed to be a 7.5" limited slip 3.55 according to the axle code chart posted on the ranger station

My truck is a 4.0l V6. Again according the ranger stations page, all of the 4.0L V6s are supposed to come with an 8.8" rear end.

After inspecting the rear end myself I've confirmed that its a 8.8" open 3.08.

What im confused about is why the axle code on the label doesn't seem the match whats actually in the truck.

Just wondering if anyone has any explanation for this and if this may be an issue when trying to source a replacement from a junk yard.

Any information is appreciated.

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

1990 was first year for the 4.0l in Rangers so while unusual it wouldn't unheard of for a 7.5" L/S to be installed, definite improvement over a 8.8 OPEN, so L/S may have been an Option request and that's what was available

Previous owner swapped out the axle, maybe they were a commuter and want the better MPG on the highway the 3.08 affords

There is really no big difference between the 7.5" and 8.8" as far as strength, and we are talking just 160HP here

 

[SullivanM]

Thank you for the prompt response .

The rear end being previously swapped would make sense as to why nothing seems to match.

Ill keep this in mind when im at the junkyard this weekend.

 

[dvdswan]

Welcome to the site.