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[abzoverland]

Hey, I'm new to the site I'm starting a 1988 ford ranger extended cab overland project. The 2.9 is no good its got 5-speed transmission 4x4. My question is should I get a rebuild 2.9 or should I put something else in in. I will be building it for an overland rig planning on 35" tires. I'm still unsure of axles too. If you have any suggestions please let me know

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Hey, I'm new to the site I'm starting a 1988 ford ranger extended cab overland project. The 2.9 is no good its got 5-speed transmission 4x4. My question is should I get a rebuild 2.9 or should I put something else in in. I will be building it for an overland rig planning on 35" tires. I'm still unsure of axles too. If you have any suggestions please let me know

35's are gonna be a bit much for a 2.9 unless you really put some steep gears in. Like 4.56/5.13

I say that as a 2.9 ride or die'er.

The 4.0 is what most guys swap in (it bolts up) but with 35's even thats going to be huffing without some good gearing.

A built 302 would fit the bill, but then youre changing motor mounts and trannys as well.

For axles....most guys use a D35/8.8 from an explorer but im not sure how those handle 35's

Welcome

 

[scotts90ranger]

I run 35's on my Ranger on just Dana 35 and an explorer 8.8 in back, it works fine but I regeared to 5.13's which I don't know are even available anymore... I went the mostly bolt in option, even switched to the '90 up 1354 transfer case from the 1350 to get a better front driveline and the right length since the D35 is longer than the D28.

2.9/4.0 is whatever makes the most sense money wise and what you can find, either will get you to highway speeds but I would gegear either way.

 

[SenorNoob]

This^ I love my 4.0, but unless you are ready for some wiring I wouldn't recommend it. Also the last OHV came out in 2000. That's 24 years old... It's gonna need some work by now too.
Unless you use all the lift 35's on a 1st gen is gonna need some body work to clear. The wheel arches are just slightly too narrow.