1997 Ranger XLT rear axle 4X4

[docwood44]

I have this particular Ranger with 387,000 miles on it. The rear end finally ceased functioning a couple weeks ago. This is a 3.73 ratio, 8.8" ring gear differential. The tag code says " 3 L 73 ", the L is understood to mean limited slip. Are all the axles with these specs limited slip? I have found a salvage axle from Woodfins and I specified that this is a 4X4 vehicle, but they do not acknowledge any difference as far as the limited slip is concerned. Any comments or help greatly appreciated. BTW, this is the second axle that I have ordered from them. The first one was (wrong) 3.27 ratio. Thanks. Other possible pertinent info: 4.0 V6, manual 5 speed.

Mark

 

[RangerSVT]

If the tag reads 3 73, then it'll be an open diff. All other combos of this year are the same. Various ratios, open and LS were the options...

SVT

 

[docwood44]

Are all 1997 Ranger 4WD rear axles limited slip? Was limited slip ever available on a two wheel drive?

 

[adsm08]

Are all 1997 Ranger 4WD rear axles limited slip? Was limited slip ever available on a two wheel drive?

No and yes. Limited slip was a fairly rare option to find on a Ranger, but was available on both 4x4 and 2wd.

Now what exactly do you mean by "stopped functioning"? Did the bearings spin and let the carrier flop all around and tear everything up, or did the LS clutches give out? If it's just the clutches you can fix that yourself for less than $200.

 

[docwood44]

I don't know what failed exactly. I am a carpenter, not a mechanic. My cousin is the manager of an auto repair garage. He had various scenarios and prices to repair this. Mostly involving rebuilding the differential or replacing the axle. I am having a lot of trouble with the so-called customer service at Woodfins auto parts. They sent the wrong axle first and they maintain that they have no definitive designation to determine if an axle is for a four wheel drive vehicle.

 

[4x4junkie]

The axles are the same 2WD/4x4, so is probably why they don't specify that.

 

[cp2295]

Yeah 2x4 and 4x4 rear axle is the same just depends on which engine you have and the weight of the vehicle. Just as long as the axle tag says 3L73 it's limited slip. You could go with explorer axles which have 31 splines and are stronger and usually they always have L/S and they have disc brakes. You just gotta have someone weld the spring perches above because explorers were leaf under axle.

Explorer axles have a 3500lb tow rating, whereas rangers have 3000 I believe