Desirable transmission ratios

[PurpledDeRanger]

I’m getting ready to rebuild my 5-speed in my 3.0 truck. Are the ratios from either a 4.0 or a 2.3 more desirable that the ratios from the 3.0? I’m planning on an Explorer rear end swap with either 3.73 or 4.11 ratio and 31” tires. Is there another thread on this? I haven’t seen anything specifically on this subject.

 

[PurpledDeRanger]

I’m getting ready to rebuild my 5-speed in my 3.0 truck. Are the ratios from either a 4.0 or a 2.3 more desirable that the ratios from the 3.0? I’m planning on an Explorer rear end swap with either 3.73 or 4.11 ratio and 31” tires. Is there another thread on this? I haven’t seen anything specifically on this subject.

This is for a 93 2wd by the way.

 

[Shran]

2.3/2.9/3.0 have lower 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears. 4.0 transmissions are slightly higher. For your application, what you have will work best.

 

[RonD]

3.0l and 4cyl used same ratios in the M5OD-R1 manual trans
Seen here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tech/ford-ranger-manual-transmissions/

You want the the higher ratios for the 3.0l, i.e. 3.72 in 1st

3.0l Vulcan was designed as a high RPM engine in 1986
Most engines make best power/torque at 2,500rpm
3.0l Vulcan does that at 3,500rpm
So you want higher RPMs for best power and MPG

3.0l was nick named 3.slow because most people drive them like any other engine so never get into the power/torque band

It would be like driving any other engine around and staying below 2,000rpm..............
Then complaining it is gutless, lol

4.10 rear axle ratio is best for 3.0l

3.0l specs seen here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tech/ford-ranger-3-0l-v-6/
look at HP and torque RPM specs

"regular" engine specs seen here
2.9l seen here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tech/ford-ranger-2-9l-v-6-engines/

4.0l ohv was 160HP at 4,200rpm and 220ft/lb at 2,400rpm

 

[PurpledDeRanger]

Would it be beneficial for the 4.0 to run the ratio from the 2.3 or 3.0 with a 4.11 rear gear?

 

[Shran]

Would it be beneficial for the 4.0 to run the ratio from the 2.3 or 3.0 with a 4.11 rear gear?

yes. I had that exact combo in my 92 Explorer and liked it, specifically for low speed off-road use. It’s basically the difference in one axle gear ratio though, pretty hard to notice unless you know what it was like before. I could equate it to going from 3.55 to 3.73, or 3.73 to 4.10.