96 Ranger Diff Cover Help

[youngevans81]

Hello I have a 96 Ranger 2.3 and I am wanting to replace my rear diff cover and change the oil. When I put my truck info in the stores are showing me 8.8 covers for my truck, but the tag on my current cover says 7.5. Is this ok? Can I use a 8.8 cover on my 7.5 gear? Thanks so much

 

[Curious Hound]

No. The 8.8 is a different shape.

Do you really want to get a new cover? Or are you just looking for a gasket to seal it when you're finished? Many of us don't use a paper gasket for that any more. We use Permatex Ultra Black sealant. Just make sure you get all the sealing surfaces clean and follow the directions on the package.

 

[youngevans81]

Thanks for the response. Well the current cover is just old and dirty and I just figured while I was changing the oil I’d just put a new cover on it. I put every detail about my truck into the Store and it’s showing me 8.8 covers.
Thanks for your help. I’ll make sure I get the 7.5 cover and the Permatex Ultra black. I was planning on a new gasket also, but if it’s not needed I’ll just use the Ultra Black

 

[MikeG]

Clean and rattle-can it while it's off......

 

[Ranger850]

+1^^^

 

[19Walt93]

If it's rusty you can scuff it and coat it with POR15 or a similar product and that will preserve it. I have the best luck with the gray Motorcraft silicone sealer but whatever you use make sure the surfaces are clean of oil and wipe them down with brake clean before sealing. Don't use carb clean- it will prevent the silicone from sticking.

 

[racsan]

wish the 7.5’s had a composite cover option like the 8.8’s had, sure you dont want to hit it with anything but they never rust through. Ive had (2) 7.5’s with pinholes in them.

 

[JohnnyO]

If it's a 2.3 then it has a 7.5" rear. 2.3 and 3.0 Rangers got a 7.5", if you got a 4.0 then it came with an 8.8" which is one reason why the 4.0 cost a crap-ton extra.

 

[thcscubajohn]

Best option is a lubelocker gasket with an aftermarket steel or aluminum cover. Whenever I take off one of the polymer covers I throw it in the trash.

 

[19Walt93]

Best option is a lubelocker gasket with an aftermarket steel or aluminum cover. Whenever I take off one of the polymer covers I throw it in the trash.

That's what Ford intended, they're supposed to be replaced if they're removed.