7.5 axle possible swap to stronger?

[dirk_dirk]

i have a 99 ranger 4x4 with 3.0 with 200k on it pushing 33's with 4.56 gears and yesterday my rear diff started making some noise so i pulled the diff cover off to find one of my side gears had lost a tooth and the pinion shaft had broken in half and was hitting the pinion gear(the noise)... im considering putting a locker in it but cant find many options for 7.5'' axles. curious if a 8.8 would be any stronger or overall better and if so would it just bolt up? and have same lug pattern? im limited on money so its going to take me a couple months to get her fixed but just tryin to figure out whats going to be the best course of action....

also any recommendations on where i can get good parts for a decent price... im looking for quality more than price....

here are some pics of the damage...

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Yes, you can use an 8.8. I don't have all the details in my head but a little research on this site should give you all the options and pros and cons of various rear ends.
Good luck,

Richard

 

[Mac]

Cheapest and easiest would be any rear end out of a 4.0L Ranger after '93'. Bolt right in. Seems like the one weak spot in the 7.5's is the spider gears, 8.8's are bigger. Same axles in both. The best would be the 31 spline Explorer axles but not a drop in or bolt in. You know your bugit, skill level and how much time you have.
Dave

 

[Sunk]

To use an Explorer axle, you'll need to move the leaf spring mounts to the top of the axle and make some shock mounts. If you can do fab stuff, this shouldn't be a problem.

 

[dirk_dirk]

sweet... thanks for in input ya'll... probly just see what axle i can get for cheaper... i got know the right people to do some fab if needed.... probly be down for a while though, figured while its down im goin to fix all her probs.... new trans water pump and e-fan.

 

[88_Eddie]

i'd just throw in a ranger 8.8. you can find one like mac said that will just bolt right in.

unless you wheel it hard, the larger axle shafts probably arent needed.

 

[legoms013]

Not sure why you would go with an e-fan over the stocker mechanical one....

An 93-91 Ranger with 4.0L will have a drum 8.8 you can just swap right in. If you want some extra beef go with an explorer disc brake 8.8, weld new perches and shock tabs and then you are in business.

All this info is here in the tech library.

Search your local wrecking yards (usually just a few phone calls) and u-pull it type junkyards.

 

[dla]

Why does that shaft look like somebody hammered it in place?

 

[ecablarn]

I seen that too , looks like the other side of the pin busted and the pin may have hit the ring gear too. Not sure.

 

[Hahnsb2]

Why does that shaft look like somebody hammered it in place?

Because it was hitting the pinion.

This right here is a prime example of why notched cross-pins are bad news.

 

[dirk_dirk]

e fan because i cant find a damn fan clutch the isnt locked up from the parts stores... try'd 6 from 4 differant parts supllier and a new water pump and they still lock up on me...

 

[dangerranger83]

Dam those spiders are gone. I also see a pinion bearing that took damage too in the first diff internal picture too.

 

[legoms013]

e fan because i cant find a damn fan clutch the isnt locked up from the parts stores... try'd 6 from 4 differant parts supllier and a new water pump and they still lock up on me...

What do you mean by locked up? When you buy a new fan clutch it will be very stiff and maybe not even movable by hand. They are heat activated remember but they do kinda break in.

 

[4.0B2]

explorer 8.8.. do the mods to make it work.

i've done that to a 7.5 w/ 3.73's and 30's lol

 

[Beef52751]

i would go with a ranger 8.8, faster, easier, cheaper, and lockers are cheaper IIRC. plus there are alot more used lockers for the ranger axles than Ex's