d35 need suggestions with gearing..

[atvkid4eva]

ok guys i tried searching but got to much other stuff for results so i figured i just make it simple and post...well i am in the process of swapping in a d35 in my 88 ranger...and the donor third member has 3.73's or course..im building the truck to be reliable on and off the road and drive well when on the highway...but at the same time do very well offroad..so while i have the pumpkin off should i regear when i get the money or will it be horrible with the 373s for the time being until i can afford new gears for the front and rear when i get an 8.8? and what gearing would be best for a 2.9l s 5speed with 35's? thanks.

 

[Downey]

35s with a 2.9 i would go 4.88s or 4.56

 

[atvkid4eva]

is it going to be undriveable with the 373's? unless i can find a used set of gears i cant afford new ones right now...but i also dont wanna insall the third member with these 373's and have to pull it right back out lol

 

[Downey]

3.73s and 35s will be horrible are you and auto or manual?

 

[1988broncoll]

I had a 88 b2 with 3.73s. 2.9 5 spd with 33x15.50 sx's and it wasnt to bad to drive It was my DD the only thing with haven 35s you might have to ride the clutch a TAD to take off in first. its not going to be any thing special driven but u will get killer gas mileage cruisen down the highway lol

 

[4x4junkie]

35s with a 2.9 i would go 4.88s or 4.56

Even that's not enough, 35s on a 2.9L needs 5.13 gears.

Too tall gears kills your MPG too.

 

[michowski]

4.88 at the least. Best bet is probly 5.13 like junkie said.

 

[atvkid4eva]

it is manual...and right not with the 7.5 (which is being replaced with an 8.8) i really really have to feather the clutch on take off..so i guess my best bet would be just let it sit till i get some money for gears of find a used set...is there any special modifications that need to be done when running 5.13's? any clearance issued in the d35 or 8.8?

 

[Downey]

5.13s are the biggest you can fit in a d35. but everything will fit fine. i saw your wtb thread if you can find an explorer 31 spline 8.8 i would highly suggest it. you will get disc brakes with it too. need all the stopping power you can get with 35s

 

[atvkid4eva]

yeah that is the plan..i just have to pull one from the local JY they have plenty..that little 7.5 wont last but i was reading how the pinion flange on the pre 90s ranger arent direct bolt on for the 8.8 and i dont really want another driveshaft since mine is already lengthened for the big lift and all...any suggestions?

 

[Downey]

you dont need a new drive shaft you need to get a flang off of the explorer drive shaft and put it on your drive shaft. i think you need a u joint that is 2 different sizes

 

[atvkid4eva]

ok so if i take the u joint off an get the flange from the explorer that i get the 8.8 from all i have to do is buy the explorer size u joint and the flange will work on the ds on my 88'? thats what me and my buddy were thinking but i read differently on here..hope its that easy

 

[atvkid4eva]

they make u joint with two different size caps?

 

[Downey]

^^^^ yea

 

[RangerSVT]

I dont have a 2.9L, but I had a 4.0L with 35s and 327s...got about 10 mpg without OD, OD wouldn't hold, too much a load on the motor, I now have 456s and if I had to do it again, I would have gone with 513's, I would do 538's if they were available....I'm currently building a LP D44 front with 589's planned...
SVT