axle upgrade

I am a novice at this and I know nothing about trucks, so bear with me, please. My first '92 Ranger had the "Tow package", which I am assuming included the Payload Package #2 and the correct axle ratio. It was rated to tow 4500 lbs and I towed a 3500 lb Lance 5th wheel. I now have the same...

So I just got a 1999 Ranger XTL 4x4. It was in an accident and the rear axle is bent, I want to replace it by going to a junkyard for a used one. What i'm wondering is if I should stick with the same Ratio, width, etc? Or would I have benefits by getting a different ratio or width? I just...

I just got a 1999 Ranger XLT 4x4. I will ask a quick question now in case anyone knows the answer. So the rear axle is bent, it was in an accident. I was originally just going to replace the axle with the same type (Ratio width etc), but I want to beef it up a bit for off road use. I'm pretty...