98 and ranger front diff question

[strange1]

I have a 99 4wd with a 7.5" rear geared 3.73. I am wanting to do a fx4 swap and get the stronger rear and 4.10 gears. I know its a pretty easy swap in the rear, but i am wondering if there are any differences in the front diffs? I looked in the tech section and couldnt find any good info on the front housings. Any input/tips/tricks would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[brinker88]

...You have a 7.5 in a...99 4x4?

 

[Gotta_gofast]

The only difference between your front IFS axle and an FX4 is the ring and pinion gears (all FX4s have 4.10 gears) and there will be no selectable hubs. The front end on the 2000+ front ends are live all the time which increases reliability.

 

[Gotta_gofast]

I believe ya. Once and a while you'll see some extended cab 3.0L 4x4s with an 8.8 but even that's not a guarranty.

 

[brinker88]

Wow, that's nuts.

Learn somethin new every day

Good luck with the swap!

 

[strange1]

...You have a 7.5 in a...99 4x4?

yes. It is a regular cab with the 3.0 and a 5-speed.

The only difference between your front IFS axle and an FX4 is the ring and pinion gears (all FX4s have 4.10 gears) and there will be no selectable hubs. The front end on the 2000+ front ends are live all the time which increases reliability.

awesome, so the only difference in the front is the shafts? can I keep my 99 shafts and hubs, or do i need to convert to the newer shafts?

 

[strange1]

btw, if anyone has a 7.5 and 33" MTR's... it is possible to bust the cross-shaft in the carrier.

 

[adsm08]

The only difference between your front IFS axle and an FX4 is the ring and pinion gears (all FX4s have 4.10 gears) and there will be no selectable hubs. The front end on the 2000+ front ends are live all the time which increases reliability.

The live axle setup is completely out at the wheels. The axle itself is the same.