Gearing on a 2wd for 30" tires

[henryj10]

I've got 1996 Ford Ranger 2wd, 2.3L, 5 spd overdrive and 3.45 gears in a 7.5". I want to go to 30x9.5R15 tready tires. what would be the best gears for fuel economy with those tires? Am I at better mileage where I'm at with gears or better somewhere else. gear ratio to tire change chart in the tech, is telling me I'm good in the blue which is better mileage but says something about overdrive 15% less so I'm not sure. Any suggestions on pairing 30" tires with a certain gear ratio equating in better mileage?

Thanks,
Jason

 

[Captain Ledd]

I've got 30's on mine (or rather 235/75R15), with 3.73's. 4.10's might actually help.

I get better mileage out of 4th than I do 5th. Unless it's dead flat with no headwind.

 

[Ranger44]

I agree. 3.73 or 4.10's.

 

[strvger]

the Capt'n. gets my vote. 4.10's. and a locker while you're in there. i know you get some nasty weather where you are and a locker would get the most out of your truck for sure... imho.

 

[daniel3507]

4.10s. I agree on the locker while you are doing it. I wish i would have done a locker when i did my gears

 

[henryj10]

What about 235/75R15 would I be alright with 3.45 gears? or with 235's is pretty much the same 3.73 4.10's

 

[Jason]

Lockers are always a good choice. Go air locker or E-locker though. Constant lock is annoying so I always vote selectable.

 

[strvger]

235/75's are within about a half inch of 30/9.5's. most tires in those sizes run about 29-29.5 inches tall. the 3.73's would work, but with your 5 speed tranny, your engine will be happier with the 4.10's so you can use your 5th gear more on the highway. pulling away from stops in city driving should also be easier as you'll be accelerating to traffic speed quicker, and using higher gears in the 30-50 mph range. you may find yourself in 4th gear at 45 and lower rpms with 4.10's where before you might still be in 3rd and higher rpms at 45 with the 3.45's. all i'm saying is you will notice a pretty big difference in overall performance and hopefully mileage.

as for lockers, the LockRight is good and works, it is just noisy and you get the big "snap" every now and then when it unloads. the Detroit is noiseless, very strong, and the ultimate in reliability, imho. the selectable's are nice, but very spendy. and with all those extra parts needed to engage and disengage them, there are obviously more opportunities for problems. yes, the ARB's and Ected's can and do break occasionally. we've all seen it. i'll stick with my Detroit and be a very happy camper.
good luck.

 

[4x4junkie]

I would say 4.10s also (4.30s would be ideal, but they don't make them for the 7.5 IIRC).

It should be possible to find complete 4.10 axles in the wrecking yards all ready to bolt in.

 

[The purple one]

I have a 93 2.3 5 speed with 3.45 and 235 75 15. It is a dog!!! I never use 5th even on the highway. With 600 to 700lbs in the back it will stall on a hill. No power go for 4.10's Trust me I know

 

[straycat]

I run a 4:10 with my 33x12.5 and it is perfect!!!! For 30 inch tires I would not bother to change up as the cost is not worth it, unless you are going to lift it and run taller tires soon.

 

[Jason]

If you are factory, you are likely to break an axle before an ARB locker. Of course this is running the assumption that the install was done right.

 

[Hahnsb2]

Yeah because an ARB (or an E-Locker for that matter) is made for the 7.5


4.10s.

 

[Jason]

Yeah because an ARB (or an E-Locker for that matter) is made for the 7.5


4.10s.

I had an ARB on my 4.10 8.88.

 

[strvger]

If you are factory, you are likely to break an axle before an ARB locker. Of course this is running the assumption that the install was done right.

my comment referred to the air tubing, compressor, etc. for the ARB, and the electrical wiring, solenoids, and connections for the Ected. those are all additional parts required for those lockers to function that are also subject to breakage, failure, etc. that's why i prefer my Detroit, simple, noiseless, effective, and very stout. just my $.02.