8.8 axle swap question

[rez624]

Who makes drop I beams and springs for me to use up front? And still how would the different rear end gears effect driving?

 

[88_Eddie]

that's what these are, i got them from a guy in the classifieds

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

For 3-5" you are probably going to need a regular lowering kit for the front.
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Drop.html

If you scroll down in the link there are companies listed.

What rear gearing and tire size do you have now? RPM vs speed? Check in the tech section or google for calculators that will give you a good idea what changes will do.

Good luck, Richard

 

[--weezl--]

plain and simple, the lower gearing (numerically) on the rear, the more the gears are designed for the highway, to keep rpm low and save fuel once you're up to speed... you will loose a little bit of economy going to a lower (numerical) gear ratio, while you're driving around town and stopping at lights constantly. higher gear ratio numbers will give you better low end torque, better fuel economy around town, but raise you're rpm on the highway, and decrease fuel economy.

for best selection of gear ratios, you need to weigh how much you drive in town/off road/need torque, vs highway speed driving

also, on 2wd vehicles, (maybe 4wd also, don't know) you can get an aftermarket, external over drive, which will lower your highway rpm with the touch of a button, though from what i know, they are very expensive and i believe require driveshaft shortening

 

[Hagan]

Why do you want to swap to an 8.8 anyway? I don't see any benefit to swap to an 8.8 on a 2.3 and 2wd. You could just buy a Ranger 8.8 like I did. I bought mine for $100 with a lockright in it.

 

[--weezl--]

you stole an 8.8 with lockrite for 100... a used lockrite carier by it's self is about 100 up here...

 

[Hagan]

you stole an 8.8 with lockrite for 100... a used lockrite carier by it's self is about 100 up here...

Yeah I got a good deal. Unfortunately I replaced everything on it and installed 5.13's now I'm upgrading the axle. Its only been in my truck for a couple months!