1987 ranger d28 and 7.5 to d28 and 8.8 axles

[Terry]

Last weekend I went to my local pick and pull. I am looking for a rear axle to rebuild and replace my old 7.5 rear axle before it shits the bed. My truck has 3.45 gearing. I looked at every truck that had a 7.5 rear axle but they were all 3.73 or 4.10. Their were a bunch of 8.8 rear axles but the closest ratio was 3.55? Can these two axles work together? I can't get any gears for the d28. If I end up having to pull it I will switch to d35. I really just want to rebuild my rear axle before the snow flies.

 

[mr_manny]

They have to match.
Sounds like you will be upgrading to a d35...lucky

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Yup, gear ratio has to match…

Or, if it will only be driven in 4x4 in off-road situations, it is possible sometimes to find a different tire size for one or both axles to make up the difference in gear ratio.

Personally, with all the up and down around here, I like 3.73 gears for the power for an RBV, but out in the flat a taller gear would be more fuel efficient. 4.10 is really nice around here, but 3.73 seems a good compromise if it’s more than just transportation and I use my rigs regularly.

3.55 gears would not be a significant change over 3.45, the ratio is relatively close. I’d go to a D-35 and 8.8, it’s not that difficult of a swap and gives you stronger axles.