95 ranger rear end swap

[wowko]

Hey guys just need a lil help here

My differntial is toast so I'm puttin in a new one. I've got a 95 ranger xlt 4.0l 4x4.

So its got an 8.8 rear. I figure while I'm doin it I might as well put a beefy one in. I also really wanna put in a limited slip too. I've got 31" tires so id like to put in 4.10 gears. I'm pretty decent at this stuff but there's a lot of stuff I gotta change and I was hoping for some advice from the best! If you can pt me in the right direction of what to pick up id appreciate it thanks

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

If you have some fab skills, I'd be getting a 31 spline 8.8 out of a 95 -01 explorer. They have disc brakes, beefier axle shafts, limited slip, and had 4.10 gears as an option.

If you re gear the rear you need to do the front as well unless you never plan on using your 4x4,

 

[4x4junkie]

31" tires is well within what the stock 28 spline 8.8 is capable of handling, perhaps there was another issue why it went out?

Unless you plan on much bigger tires in the future (35s or bigger), I'd just find a replacement Ranger 8.8 to throw in there. 4.10 Ranger 8.8s can be found starting with 1998 models.

 

[Downey]

If you have some fab skills, I'd be getting a 31 spline 8.8 out of a 95 -01 explorer. They have disc brakes, beefier axle shafts, limited slip, and had 4.10 gears as an option.

If you re gear the rear you need to do the front as well unless you never plan on using your 4x4,

agree i love mine

 

[wowko]

Thanks a lot for the input guys. Since I really don't feel like ripping the front diff apart as well I'm gonna stick with the stock ranger gears. I've found a few good donor trucks in the area. Is there a good tut around for changing the rear end? Just want like a parts list of what I need to order as far as gaskets and fluids and such. I'm thinkin the dif is shot prob from being sunk in mud for like 20 hrs last winter felt like its been on the way out since. I do want to go limited slip if its not too much trouble while I'm down there. And suggestions for one of those?

 

[4x4junkie]

If you get the axle from a Ranger, it all bolts right in. Any gaskets (RTV sealer, actually) would be optional for if you decide to change the oil on it or anything. Use 75W-90 gear oil if you have cold winters where you are... If you have real hot summers, then 75W-140. Factory used synthetic on many of these trucks, so may as well stick with that.

Look in '93-current Rangers for an axle that directly replaces yours. Limited slip 8.8s are common throughout all these years, so it shouldn't be difficult to find one.

 

[Bryan22]

just swapped a rear on my ranger today, not much you need to know. it's all pretty straigh forward. took me and my grandpa a little over an hour. just pay attention and remember how you took it all apart. peice of cake. One more thing, try getting one with 10 inch brakes.

 

[wowko]

Thanks a lot guys your all a big help!