Basilius
Member
- Joined
- Aug 1, 2019
- Messages
- 84
- Reaction score
- 23
- Points
- 8
- Location
- USA
- Vehicle Year
- 1998
- Make / Model
- Ford Ranger XLT
- Engine Type
- 2.5 (4 Cylinder)
- Engine Size
- 2.5L
- Transmission
- Manual
- 2WD / 4WD
- 2WD
I recently bought larger wheels and tires (225/70R16 --> 245/70R16) for my 1998 2.5L 4x2 Ranger. The speedometer is now way off, I need to stay in lower gears for much longer, and I also noticed that my current rear axle (86 - 7.5", 3.73, OD, 9" brakes) is very rusted and in bad condition. I thought that now would be a good time to install a different rear axle to get more torque, a LSD, and get the speedometer closer to accurate, and I've found some 2002-2004 R7 axles (8.8", 4.10, LSD, 10" brakes) in nearby salvage yards for good prices. However I've never done this kind of work before and I don't know what to look for when buying a used rear axle.
Would an R7 axle be a direct swap for my current 86 axle, and could I use my existing driveshaft? Is high mileage a big problem for these used axles? Many of the used axles that I've seen have 150,000+ miles on them. Also, what other things should I look for in used axles to make sure that I don't buy a lemon? I plan on buying new brakes and rotors so that shouldn't be a factor. thanks
Would an R7 axle be a direct swap for my current 86 axle, and could I use my existing driveshaft? Is high mileage a big problem for these used axles? Many of the used axles that I've seen have 150,000+ miles on them. Also, what other things should I look for in used axles to make sure that I don't buy a lemon? I plan on buying new brakes and rotors so that shouldn't be a factor. thanks