gear change question

[fightin irish]

I posted once before about this problem
88 ranger 4x4 2.9 a4ld
took it to trans shop because of no o/d
o/d band burned up
problem is at 55mph motor is revving
at 2800 rpms
235/75/15 tires
3.73 gear now would like to go
lower to bring rpms down
what do you guys think?
got prices to re-build trans-$1700
I only paid $500 for it from the original
owner it is an xlt with a bed liner, husky tool box,
and class 4 hitch so I would like to keep it
around a while with the gear change
thanks in advance for the help.

 

[exbass94]

Going to a "lower" gear will make RPMs go up, not down. A higher gear (lower numerical number) will make the RPMs go down. 3.08 gears are the highest ratio ever offered in a Ranger. That would give you an RPM of about 1958 at 55 mph.

Bigger tires will also lower your engine RPMs.

 

[Beef52751]

Buy a used trans.....its kind of a crap shoot with an a4ld but it would be better than swapping gears, which won't be cheap either. Or you could save your self alot of headaches and swap in a M5OD if your not against a 5 speed.

 

[adsm08]

I think going to the trouble and expense of changing gears, especially on a 4wd, to avoid transmission repairs but bring the engine speed back to where you are happy with it shows little knowledge of automotive fundamentals and less research done into the cost of parts and labor.

You will be into the gear swap for almost the same as the trans repair by the time you are done doing both axles.

 

[Mac]

If you are running 2800 rpm and only doing 55 mph, you must have a lot of slippage. With that tire and the 3.73 gear, you should be doing 65 mph at 2800 rpm. Small motors and 4x4 usually need all the gearing they can get, within reason.
Dave