Gearing Questions

[Shawn_248]

Im currently running 3.45 gears with 235/75/15, and a 2.3 as my powerplant. As you can imagine, it's slow as HELL!!! I want to lift a little bit more and get 31s. What's the best gear ratio and where can I get them?

 

[scotts90ranger]

4.10's is an ok setup, but 4.56 would be a better choice especially for a 4x2 (4x4 has the advantage of low range).

do some searching in a junk yard for a 2.3L 4x4 ranger '93 to '97 for a rear axle to bolt up to your truck, that will have 4.10 gears and be a direct bolt on (while you are there, grab the lift blocks and U bolts and you'll be able to fit 31's in the back). if you want the better setup of 4.56's, if you have to ask, you probably can't do it yourself without a LOT of research and patience, ask around your circle of friends to see if any of them have ever successfully setup an axle, or you will be stuck with around $500-700 for an axle shop to do it (including gears I imagine)

 

[fordboi415]

4.56s will be your best bet

 

[okietheranger]

i got a 7.5 out of my 85 ranger its been rebuilt and regeared to 4.56

 

[Hahnsb2]

I think 4.10s is fine..

 

[scotts90ranger]

having driven for 4 years with a 2.3L with 4.10's and 31's and I'll agree with you, they are fine, but 5th gear wasn't used very often, it wouldn't hold speed in 5th until about 65mph unless on a very flat road (needed to be more in the power band), with the turbo now it's a little different, but still a bit undergeared...

 

[Shawn_248]

Think I may go with the 4.56s. Wheres the cheapest place to get em?

 

[Hahnsb2]

having driven for 4 years with a 2.3L with 4.10's and 31's and I'll agree with you, they are fine, but 5th gear wasn't used very often, it wouldn't hold speed in 5th until about 65mph unless on a very flat road (needed to be more in the power band), with the turbo now it's a little different, but still a bit undergeared...

235s are quite a bit smaller than 31s...

EDIT. Didn't realize he wants 31s. 4.56s it is!

 

[scotts90ranger]