changing axles for better gear ratio

[racsan]

got a new-to-me '97 ranger with a 3.0, 4r44e automatic and 3.45 gears in a 7.5 axle. rather than regear to 4.10's, I'm thinking of getting a 8.8 that's already got 4.10s and if I'm lucky disk brakes. any sensor changes on the rear axles I need to be concerned about?

 

[scotts90ranger]

Nope, same sensor on the ring gear on everything since '87 I think.

If you want a disc brake 8.8 you'll want to look for a 2wd '96+ explorer I think, and I'm going to guess you've looked into the rest that is involved in the swap? If two wheel drive you might be able to get away with using the stock Explorer brake hoses. The rest of the work in the swap is getting new U bolts (you can use the plates and U bolts from a '86-96 F150 or Bronco), then either getting flip brackets for the spring perches or weld on spring perches, then weld on some shock mounts. You will probably have to adapt the parking brake cables too, but the rest should bolt right together (the drive shaft and sensor)