D28 Gears

[KJ]

I know the best thing to do with my 88 ranger is the Ford Explorer axel swap with the D35 and such. I'm not sure that i want to go through all that work though. I was wondering what the lowest gears are that i can put into the little D28. Also, how much it might cost to have someone do it.

 

[scotts90ranger]

4.10 is the lowest you want to go for reliability's sake, anything lower than that and it puts more strain on the weak U joints

I still haven't gotten to my axle swaps, but planning on it in the next month, aren't you the one my explorer coils went to? my current axles with 4.10's will be available after my swap.

 

[strvger]

i'm running the 4.56's. excellent for my needs. i don't off road much with mine, but pull a fair amount of weight and carry several hundred pounds in my bed regularly. with my 31in tires, i'm cruising between 60-65 @ 2850 rpms, and getting about 21 mpg.
so, depending on your needs, you can go with 4.10's, 4.56's and i still think they make 5.13's. your driving style will determine how well things hold together with anything lower than 4.10's. good luck.

 

[cammeddrz]

as the actual gear itself gets very thin with anything shorter than 4.10. so in the event of a bound front tire in an off-road situation.......boom, but with a 28 if it's not the gear that's failing it will be something else

 

[BeaterMan]

Do yourself a favor and dont put any money into that weak d28. a d35 swap is direct bolt in- no welding, cutting ect. and it will take some abuse and has a better gear/locker market.

 

[KJ]

4.10 is the lowest you want to go for reliability's sake, anything lower than that and it puts more strain on the weak U joints

I still haven't gotten to my axle swaps, but planning on it in the next month, aren't you the one my explorer coils went to? my current axles with 4.10's will be available after my swap.

No, i didn't get your coils, but thanks for the advice.

 

[KJ]

So, lets say that i do the d35 swap and regear it. How much is that going to cost me?

 

[scotts90ranger]

gears are about $200, axle about $100 off craigslist or Pick a Part, then the install, if you have a shop do it they will charge a couple hundred minimum, I've got a buddy that's done a bunch that I go to for mine...

 

[4x4junkie]

Regearing a D28 or a D35 is about the same cost, so whatever the D35 axle itself costs, plus shortening of the driveshaft 1" is all you'd be paying extra (the driveshaft shortening might not be needed if your truck is lifted, check it's spline travel with the suspension jacked all the way up).

For the D35, deepest gear available is 5.13 (good for 35" tires). 4.10, 4.56 & 4.88 are also available.

 

[KJ]

Regearing a D28 or a D35 is about the same cost, so whatever the D35 axle itself costs, plus shortening of the driveshaft 1" is all you'd be paying extra (the driveshaft shortening might not be needed if your truck is lifted, check it's spline travel with the suspension jacked all the way up).

For the D35, deepest gear available is 5.13 (good for 35" tires). 4.10, 4.56 & 4.88 are also available.

Thanks that's really helpful. It has a 4 inch suspension lift on it with 33s so i'd like to do the 4.56 gears. From all i've read that seems to be the best combo.

 

[4x4junkie]

I'd suggest 4.88 gears, unless you think you'll be busting rural speed limits a lot. 4.56 would be better with a 4.0L.

 

[KJ]

i have the 2.9 and am going to have to do a lot of freeway driving in the next few years. Will have enough power to go freeway speeds and still get decent mileage.

 

[strvger]

do you really want 33's on there when you're doing that much freeway driving? not the best for economy or efficiency with your drive train, imho. 4.56's get my vote, especially if you have a 5 speed manual.
my choice for freeway travel would be 31's and 4.10's with the auto or 4 speed manual, 4.56's for the 5 speed manual. just my $.02.

 

[4x4junkie]

i have the 2.9 and am going to have to do a lot of freeway driving in the next few years. Will have enough power to go freeway speeds and still get decent mileage.

4.56 will be adequate enough, yes, though I don't think your mileage would be any different really.
At 60 MPH I average around 22 MPG in my BII running 5.13s and 35" tires (would be about the same as 33s and 4.88).

 

[KJ]

im sticking with the 33s because i still plan on going offroad quite a bit once i get everything done. And for looks as well. thanks for all the help