96 ranger diff rebuild.

[the pirate]

I have a 2WD 96 ranger daily driver with a 7.5 ring gear diff in need of rebuild. I am looking for a quality rebuild kit that will last and maybe give some added strength. I pretty much need everything spider gears, carrier, ring and pinion,axels and bearings. Not looking for a huge boost in performance just long term relaiblility and maybe some added strength for towing.

My fist issue:

The problem I find is that all the posi diffs and stock rebuild kits I find are 8.8. I dont know if they will fit in my diff housing.

Second:

Are there any stock type open carrier kits that "hardened" or beefed up in some way? Or would I be better off with a limited slip set like one from eaton?

Be gentel this is my first diff rebuild. I know little and am learning on the fly.

 

[bigblockford79]

I think you would be money ahead to upgrade to whole axle to an 8.8. There isn't really a lot you can do to make the 7.5 much stronger. Just my opinion though.

 

[bigblockford79]

Read here for more info - http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Explorer8_8.html

 

[the pirate]

ok so will the axels and the 8.8 diff fit in my current diff housing? Or do I need to get a diffrent housing as well?

 

[the pirate]

ahh that looks like alot of work. That is more for going from a 28 spline set up to a 31. I will look into it though. as the axels are larger excet. I belive they make a 8.8 28 splined set up as well. Well i know thay do I just dont know if they will fit in my current housing.

 

[bigblockford79]

ok so will the axels and the 8.8 diff fit in my current diff housing? Or do I need to get a diffrent housing as well?

Yes, you would need to change the whole axle.

ahh that looks like alot of work. That is more for going from a 28 spline set up to a 31. I will look into it though. as the axels are larger excet. I belive they make a 8.8 28 splined set up as well. Well i know thay do I just dont know if they will fit in my current housing.

you can get the 8.8 out of a 93+ 4.0L Ranger(not explorer) that will bolt right in. Most are 28 spline unless you end up finding a good deal on one from a FX4 package truck which would be 31 spline, but everything will be stronger than the 7.5. The only think you will need is a set of new u-bolts.

 

[Snoranger]

you can get the 8.8 out of a 93+ 4.0L Ranger(not explorer) that will bolt right in. Most are 28 spline unless you end up finding a good deal on one from a FX4 package truck which would be 31 spline, but everything will be stronger than the 7.5. The only think you will need is a set of new u-bolts.

Thats your best option.

 

[the pirate]

cool there are a ton of ranger diffs in my area finding an 8.8 in ok shape might not be much of an issue.

I have a 96 does any one know what is the higest year model I can swap up to is? The higher the better as the chances that the diff will be lower milage are greater.

Worst case is I get stuck with a high milage unit and have to rebuild it. If I do I am sure I want to go with a limeted slip kit. One that can be rebuil in the future if need be. Does any one have any suggestions for such kits?

Thanks for all the help guys.

 

[Snoranger]

93 and up are all the same width. 4x4 and 4x2 are the same. Just make sure its an 8.8 (v6 mostly), and has the gear ratio you want.

 

[the pirate]

Ok my diff tag looks like this

_____________________

5362f

3 45 75 6b08

____________________

the 75 stands for the 7.5 I guess the numbers in front of it indecate the gear ratio. What that is I dont know yet.

If I swap to an 8.8 what ratio on the 8.8 would be close to mine?

It may not matter much as i am intrested in this diff

http://www.jegs.com/i/Eaton/362/19605-010/10002/-1

it says it fits all gear ratios... Now does that mean I put my own spider gears in it or what? Man this is getting confusing.

 

[Snoranger]

3.45 : 1

I dont know if the 8.8 came with 3:45s. You may need to get a 3:55 rear.

 

[Mac]

3.45 is a 7.5 gear only, like said, the 3.55 is the closest. If you're happy with the acceration with what you have, that's the way to go but I'm happy with the 3.73's with the 3.0L. I've used car-part.com to find a couple of good parts. Eazy to sort by quality, miles, distance and price. Most of the later ones have the 10" brakes which is a plus, think all the way up to 2009 (2010?) is a bolt-in swap
Dave

 

[Earl43P]

For towing, you want to lower the ratio and get limited slip.
3L73 and 4L10 are common in the JY's, gives you a performance boost and you could run a taller tire if you want to.

 

[4x4junkie]

i have a 96 does any one know what is the higest year model i can swap up to is? The higher the better as the chances that the diff will be lower milage are greater.

2009.

2011 if you want the disc brakes... Not sure if a master swap would be needed with the discs.

 

[Snoranger]

Thanks, I couldnt remember if it was '10 or '11 when they went to discs.