98 rear end ratio question

[conyers73]

How much better will my Ranger pull a load with 3:73 gears instead of 3:45 gears with 2.5 and 5spd.?

Many Thanks

Johnny

 

[RonD]

If you have 27" diameter tires now then you could try a set of 25"
That would be the same as changing from 3.45 to 3.73

I doubt you would notice much difference, some, just not as much as you might think.
3.45 to 4.10 would be a noticeable difference.

 

[Captain Ledd]

It'll be a bit easier to start from a stop, though it's a rather subjective answer. But yeah, 3.45-3.73 isn't much of a step. If your going through the trouble of swapping (unless you've got a lead on one for free), keep searching around for a 4.10 unit.

 

[conyers73]

Rear End Ratio Question

Thanks for all your help. Just looking to pull something sometime like a small camper or trailer and the owners manual does not recommend pulling with my 3:45 and 4 cylinder. Any thoughts on that ???

 

[RonD]

It is the weight not the size that matters when pulling a trailer.

If you have an automatic add a 2nd trans cooler, you do this with any vehicle when pulling a trailer, and even when not pulling a trailer, lol, heat is what kills automatics.

If you have a manual don't feather the clutch, let it out as soon as possible.

Service engine cooling system, extra load on engine equals heat, stock system is fine, if it is all working right.

You will be fine, "not recommended" is for novice drivers, it covers Ford's a$$ when complaints or problems come up...."we said not recommended"

 

[willy]

A small camper will be ok your biggest issue will be hills and stoping but rangers are naturally heavy so it helps

 

[adsm08]

It is the weight not the size that matters when pulling a trailer.

Size matters some. You have to consider the frontal area of the trailer, vs the vehicle due to the extra drag created. If you are towing a little pop-up that has a smaller profile than the truck when collapsed, well it doesn't matter. If you are doing like I see some guys around here do with their trailers and pulling something more than twice as tall as your truck, you have to consider the extra drag created. Ford did issue a chart that shows how that affects recommended towing weights

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

There was a recent thread about this. The conclusion was that the drag created by a expanded metal loading ramp was significant.

 

[Mac]

I had that same combination and would go with the 4.10 if going on interstate or any higher speed.
Dave

 

[conyers73]

98 Rear End Ratio Question

THanks guys for all your input....it really helped