Explorer axle on Ranger

[CaseyVR6]

I've got an 87 Ranger (axle code 84) and have the chance to buy a 96 explorer rear axle (axle code 45) which is a considerable upgrade, in strength. My question is that the Ranger axle is a 3.45 ratio and the Explorer is a 3.55 ratio. Am I asking for trouble when in 4wd? Is the 0.10 difference enough to cause failure in the front axle? (still currently a D28, looking for the mid-90's D35 to swap in)

Secondary question, anyone near NY have a D35 to part with?

Thanks

 

[93 4x4]

yeah not good needs to be the same thats like putting different size tires front and rear

 

['99 EB Explorer]

yeh not good needs to be the same thats like putting different size tires front and rear

Yeah. Used to work with a guy that had smaller tires on the front of his Cherokee. It had the auto-4x4 t-case.

He was all mad and calling it a pile of junk because he could never get the t-case to disengage and it would produce a wicked bad smell while driving. I always LMAO'd at him for it.

As for the gearing in the X axle...just swap in a new gear set man. It'll save you a whole pile of trouble.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Secondary question, anyone near NY have a D35 to part with?

There is your solution, find a front axle to match. If you want a different OEM ratio, now is the time to upgrade.

You can get a different axle cheaper than you can have one regeared, so unless you are looking for something really low (like 4.56's or something that Ford did not make) just get what you want already set up.

 

[CaseyVR6]

Looks like I may luck out and get the D35 off the front of the same Explorer I'm getting the rear from. Both with the 3.55 ratio... looks like it may be upgrade time after all. That is, assuming the D35 front from a 96 Explorer will bolt up to an 87 Ranger like this: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/D28_D35_swap.html

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

No, nothing from the front axle on a 95+ Explorer is the same as your truck.

 

[superds]

A '96 Explorer has a different front suspension, so the axle will not swap into your '87 Ranger. The Ranger has TTB, while the Explorer has IFS.

 

[CaseyVR6]

The early Explorer D35 TTB can definitely be swapped into a Ranger (link below). I know the 94 Explorer had the TTB that can swap into a Ranger (follow the link) but I'm not sure about the 96 Explorer.

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech..._D35_swap.html

 

[superds]

You are correct, the '94 Explorer had a front axle that is a direct swap in to any '83-97 Ranger. In '95 the Explorer got a new front suspension system, an A arm IFS setup, this can not be easily swapped in to your Ranger.

 

[CaseyVR6]

Ahh. That makes more sense. What a shame... I can only hope that the guy got the year wrong and it's a '94, otherwise I"m still on the hunt for a D35

 

[superds]

Even if it is a '96, the rear axle is still good. The only change from '94 to '95 was the addition of disc brakes on the rear axle, which are generally considered better than the drums (I know I prefer discs to drums). Then just hit up a junkyard to find an Explorer or Ranger with a TTB D35 with matching gears.