8.8 Axle tag decode help on 88 ranger XLT

[Sighman]

Here's the deal, I have searched every where and am finding conflicting info.

88 Ranger XLT axle tag reads as follows
A S3980 - -
3 4575 8B01

I "think" its a 8.8 but cannot for the life of me decode the rest of the tag!!!

 

[Hahnsb2]

8.8 Didn't exist in rangers until the 4.0 came about. It's an open 7.5 with 3.45 gears.

 

[Sighman]

Thanks! Time to look for another rear end then

 

[Original_Ranger84]

Its a 7.5" axle with 3.45 gearing.
3 4575 8B01

that 3_45 means its got a 3.45 gear ratio and since there is a space its an open diff where as if it said 3L45 it would be a 3.45 ratio with limited slip. And the 75 right after that means 7.5" axle.

For example I have a 7.5" with 3.73 gearing non limited slip. the code would read 3 7375
and I just picked up an 8.8 with 3.73 gearing and limited slip... 3L7388

 

[Sighman]

Its making sense now, thank you guys, this should help when I go hit pick n pull this weekend!

 

[Sighman]

Sweet, new axle is in and made a world of difference, locked and sitting on 4.10's

 

[gaz]

"Sighman",

Everything you ever wanted to know or didn't about the Axle tag codes is in every BII/Ranger (including the VIN breakdown, which also states which gears are in the axles) Chilton's manual.