Differential Swap vs Rear-End Swap

[Broosedamoose]

The Ranger I'm driving has an open differential with 3:73's and my parts truck (an FX4 Off-Road) has a Limited-Slip with 4:10's. Is it easier to just swap out the entire rear-ends or swap out just the differentials. I understand I will need to do the front as well due to the gears being different.

 

[Bird76Mojo]

A complete rear axle swap is always easier than swapping out internal axle parts.



GB

 

[adsm08]

A complete rear axle swap is always easier than swapping out internal axle parts.

^That^

GB

 

[Broosedamoose]

That's what I figured. Seems like a lot more stuff going on inside vs. outside!

 

[Bird76Mojo]

The front (complete housing) differential isn't that hard to swap out for a different one. Just a very involved process, with lots of stuff to unbolt and get out of the way.

 

[adsm08]

The front (complete housing) differential isn't that hard to swap out for a different one. Just a very involved process, with lots of stuff to unbolt and get out of the way.

On an IFS truck, not even.

One crossmember, 4 bolts.

Drive shaft, 4 bolts.

Axle shafts, 6 bolts each side for a total of 12.

Axle itself is only 3.

Starter is 2 more, it isn't needed, but can make touching some things easier.

50 bolts tops, if you are taking them both out.

 

[sgtsandman]

The Ranger I'm driving has an open differential with 3:73's and my parts truck (an FX4 Off-Road) has a Limited-Slip with 4:10's. Is it easier to just swap out the entire rear-ends or swap out just the differentials. I understand I will need to do the front as well due to the gears being different.

Does the parts truck still have the front axle? Sounds like a win-win if it does.

 

[Bird76Mojo]

On an IFS truck, not even.

One crossmember, 4 bolts.

Drive shaft, 4 bolts.

Axle shafts, 6 bolts each side for a total of 12.

Axle itself is only 3.

Starter is 2 more, it isn't needed, but can make touching some things easier.

50 bolts tops, if you are taking them both out.

That makes it sound quick and easy, but it's still a pain in the arse. Especially working around the jackstands, on your back.

 

[racsan]

i happened to have the bed off mine when i swapped the rear axle out, made it super easy, chain hoist from above to lift the rear of truck, roll out old axle, roll "new" one under. i thought $200 for a used axle was a bit much, but i would have spent more if i had bought new gears and the setup tools to do it with. as it was i just bought new wheel cylinders, brake line and axle/pinon seals, new gasket & oil.

 

[adsm08]

That makes it sound quick and easy, but it's still a pain in the arse. Especially working around the jackstands, on your back.

Only because the axle unit itself it heavy.

I can't remember exactly why, but a few years ago I was putting an engine in a Sport Trac (along with a bunch of other stuff) and I had to drop the front axle, working on my back in the garage, and it wasn't that bad. I didn't have to take it the whole way out though, just loosen it up and lower it.

 

[Broosedamoose]

OK, regarding my V8 swap now (2003 Ranger/1999 Explorer). My mechanic wants to pull the axles and guts out of the Explorer rear end and swap it all into the Ranger! I've read through the "Axle Swap" on the tech page and I'm thinking he won't be able to do that! The axles are a bigger diameter as is the housing. He said it doesn't matter. I think it would be easier to swap out the rear ends even with the welding involved for the shock mounts and spring perches! What do y'all think?

 

[adsm08]

OK, regarding my V8 swap now (2003 Ranger/1999 Explorer). My mechanic wants to pull the axles and guts out of the Explorer rear end and swap it all into the Ranger! I've read through the "Axle Swap" on the tech page and I'm thinking he won't be able to do that! The axles are a bigger diameter as is the housing. He said it doesn't matter. I think it would be easier to swap out the rear ends even with the welding involved for the shock mounts and spring perches! What do y'all think?

I think you need to find a smarter mechanic.

 

[Ranger850]

Sound like you got a Chevy Mechanic working on fords

 

[Broosedamoose]

A simple answer would have been fine! No need for bashing! My mechanic is awesome! I've seen some of his work and he is very good at what he does. If it can't be done I'm sure he will figure it out! But if there is a way to do it, he will figure it out!

 

[Ranger850]

Pulling your chain, not bashing. If it can be done with a Ranger, somebody on here has done it.