7.5 3.73 and 33s?

[azedd]

I have a 1998 ford ranger 4x4 with 3.0, a 5 speed, 7.5 with 3.73 gears, I would like to run a 3 in body lift and 33s. My ? is how well will the drivetrain hold up to the 33s tell I can get 4.10s or better, or should I regear first and then go for the 33s later. any one? Oh and if I regear in the rear do i have to do the same in the front or no.

 

[kunar]

I have a 1998 ford ranger 4x4 with 3.0, a 5 speed, 7.5 with 3.73 gears, I would like to run a 3 in body lift and 33s. My ? is how well will the drivetrain hold up to the 33s tell I can get 4.10s or better, or should I regear first and then go for the 33s later. any one? Oh and if I regear in the rear do i have to do the same in the front or no.

33's might be a bit much for 3.73's but if its only for a while you might get away with it. if you regear the rear, you must also regear the front unless you dont plan using 4 wheel drive. otherwise, your front end will be trying to move faster than your rear end and things would break. if youre only going to 4.10's, look for junkyard axles. you can usually get them for about $100 or $150 each, this way you dont need to pay for gears and professional installs.

 

[azedd]

If I find A junkyard 8.8 with 4.10s front an rear will thay bolt right up, and if so what year truck am I looking for?

 

[Hahnsb2]

I would want 4.56s with a 3.0 and 33s, a 4.0 would be fine with 4.10s IMO.

 

[azedd]

Can I find a junkyard axles with 4.56 gears that will bolt right up, or should I regear the 7.5 rear end in 4.56 if i can. whats the cheaper better way to go.

 

[Shran]

No. As far as I know, no Ranger ever came with stock 4.56's. Don't waste money on the 7.5 either, it would be much cheaper in the long run to find an 8.8 and regear it. Lots stronger too.

 

[Loanranger]

You should be able to get away with it till you can regear, my ranger is on 31s with 3.73s and I can still spin the tires with the 2.9. My dads ranger is on 33s with 3.55s and it's a little harder to get started out, but it still gets around just fine. With 3.73s and 33s, it will be no racecar, and you might have to drop a gear on steeper hills, but it will get you around fine for a month or so till you can regear.

 

[azedd]

If i get an 8.8 rear end out of another truck do I need the front axle out of that truck to or can I regear my front axle to match the rear gears in the 8.8 rear end.

 

[Dishtowel]

1: hang around here for a while and pick up tips on what is your best plan of action. Enthusiasm is good, but 2 ears/eyes will do you better than 1 mouth.

2:the 3.0 wont (successfully) do 33's with 3.73's. Like hahns said, you want 4.56 if you feel you need 33" rubber. upgrade your 7.5 to a junkyard 8.8 and do gears then. costs will include the price of the junkyard rear, gears for both axles, gearset up cost at a shop, and the cost of tires and mounting.

Good luck.

 

[azedd]

Well thank you guys for all the info, I think what I'll do is go for a junkyard 8.8 throw in 4.56 gears in it, and the front first, then go with the lift, and the 33s later.

 

[mkpecor]

im running 33x12.50 swomps with a 2.9 and 3.73s as a daily driver and its not that bad. i can run in 5th gear on the free way at 65 but i have to down 4th going up hills. you will be fine with 3.73s untill you get gears. dont wast time or money in that 7.5 rear end, get a 8.8 with 3.73s and regear when you have the money, good luck.

 

[mhughes165]

you have to keep in mind, the power band on the 2.9 is much more forgiving then the higher power band of the 3.0, so while i agree that 33's and a 2.9 5sp is doable with 3.73's(becuase more low end grunt) the 3.0 with its higher car like powerband will not have the grunt to get going as easy in the low end.

4.56's is definatly the way togo with 33's and a 3.0

 

[mkpecor]

really, i never new that about the 3.0, you learn some thing new every day.

 

[4x4junkie]

Actually 4.88 would be better for the 3.0L with 33s. The 3.0 is a spinner for sure.