Getting extra power

[Curious Hound]

If you follow uncle gumps advice, you would look for a code R6. Or maybe a 96 if you don't care about limited slip.

If you want a 7.5" with 3.73 gears (open) and 10" drum brakes, I'll sell you one for $75 if you'll come get it. I'm in Piedmont, SC. Not a bad drive from your location. I'm moving and would rather not take it with me.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Told you there were some of those around...

It works in the gear ration guide... and in my head... a little bigger brake in the process. A little taller... a little wider... a little more power.

Then when you add the turbo... toss in a locker. LOL

 

[OldMan2]

If you follow uncle gumps advice, you would look for a code R6. Or maybe a 96 if you don't care about limited slip.

If you want a 7.5" with 3.73 gears (open) and 10" drum brakes, I'll sell you one for $75 if you'll come get it. I'm in Piedmont, SC. Not a bad drive from your location. I'm moving and would rather not take it with me.

I would prefer limited slip. Thanks.

 

[Curious Hound]

I would prefer limited slip. Thanks.

That would be my choice, too. No problem.

 

[OldMan2]

I would say... 3.73... 225/70/15 and a set of 15x7 wheels.

There are a bunch of 8.8 3.73 Limited Slips out there to be had and a 27.5 inch tire. I think that would put you right in the good stuff.

Edit... I meant to say 7.5... Seems I've had a few of those.

So to follow your edit:
7.5/3.73 Limited Slip 27.5" tire
That should call for a door code F6. So going to a junk yard look for F6 on the door and then look at tag on differential to make sure it has not been changed. Right?

 

[Uncle Gump]

That would be correct... F6. A code 86 would give you an open diff. 7.5 3.73.

If you're lucky the axle tag will still be on it... but I wouldn't count on it. Roughly 3 3/4 revolutions of the pinion = one full axle shaft revolution.

 

[OldMan2]

Understood. This has been an education. Thanks.
We had storm damage from a couple of weeks ago, and the tree guy is here with a crew of four, boom truck, dump truck, backhoe, and more. There goes any money for the Ranger, but I will start looking around. I live in the country and I will have to make phone calls and travel to other towns to locate the axle/diff. What should I expect to pay?
Thanks to everyone for your help.

 

[sgtsandman]

I would say somewhere in the neighborhood of $300-$400. That is roughly what I paid for a 4.10:1 when I ditched the 3.45:1 axle on my ‘98. That was a few years ago, so I’m sure prices will have gone up some since then. It will give you a ball park idea what to expect never the less.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Look for a 86, 96, L6 or R6 from '90 or newer Rangers (yes, all the way to '11), the '93 and newer will be a touch wider but won't hurt a thing. The 86 and L6 are 7.5" axles, the 96 and R6 are 8.8" axles, either would be fine... I say '90 or newer because the rear U joint flange changed in '90 and stayed the same until the end...

 

[scotts90ranger]

as far as price, I've paid $5 to $150 for Ranger and explorer axles... $5 was nearly 20 years ago and a forum deal, I've gotten several 8.8's for $100ish but it depends on the yard and area...

 

[Biggfoot44]

I'm not sure about the culture around here for semi- jacking threads , but I've been thinking this thru about axle ratio and tire/ rim sizes .

My vehicle ( brand new to me )- '94 4x2 , 3.0L , auto, 84 axle code ( 3.45 ) , and not looking for axle or gear swaps in forseeable future . Currently wearing severely dry rotted 195/75- 14 , hence tires are imeadate need .

I had been contemplating changing to 15in rims , but have rethought things . To set the parameters , for the tread patterns of my preferences/ requirements , the options would be either 195/75-14 , or 235/75- 15 , and I suspect when most people discuss 14 vs 15 , those would be the typical tires/ diameters .

I looked back and forth amongst gear ratio, circumferences , and available torque from stock 3.0L . And I keep feeling I want to stick w/ the 14's . ( The fact the stock wheels are aluminum wouldn't have been a deal breaker , but mildly reinforce the idea .)

My concept of ideal setup for midsize p/u or SUV has been 225-230- ish ft lb , and 235/75- 15 , auto trans w/ OD . With 3.73 just right , 3.42 the difference is apparent , but still mostly acceptable . But now dealing with aprox 30% less torque from the get go , I'd hate to have an ( effective ) gear disadvantage in addition .

Am I overlooking somthing ?

 

[ricardoguitars]

Mine came with 15"s from the previous owner, it struggles on uphill takeoffs, and 5th gear makes almost no difference from 4th gear. Stick to 14"s, if I can find a set of rims at a good price, I will go back to 14"s.

 

[Curious Hound]

Mine came with 15"s from the previous owner, it struggles on uphill takeoffs, and 5th gear makes almost no difference from 4th gear. Stick to 14"s, if I can find a set of rims at a good price, I will go back to 14"s.

But, but, but....

THE DIAMETER OF THE RIM HAS NO EFFECT ON "STRUGGLING ON UPHILL TAKEOFFS". THE OUTER DIAMETER OF THE TIRE AFFECTS THAT. You can have a 29" diameter (or whatever) on a 14" rim or 15" rim. The diameter of the interface between rim and tire doesn't affect anything related to performance.

 

[Biggfoot44]

Yes , ultimately the height ( aka effective rolling radius ) is the determing factor .

BUT in the modern era you're not going to find 29in tall 14in tires . Unless someone is purposely building a Lowrider or SportTruck , 15in tires in the context of mainstream mid size pickup trucks would usually fall inbetween 205's and 31- 10.50 , with a median of +/- 29in . So unless specifically citing a specific other tire size , 14 vs 15 is usually shorthand for 26in vs 29in .

Added - In contrast to the 14 vs 15 question , there are lots of common 16in tires overlapping the diameters of common 15in tires .

 

[Uncle Gump]

Biggfoot44... I don't think you're missing anything. You are set on keeping your current gear ratio... and purchasing tires to match it.

Most people find wheels and tires that they want... for looks and/or functionality. However... they don't work well with the gear ratio... so they change the gear ratio to match the tire size they chose.

In the case of oldman2's truck he has a 3.08 gear and to effectively get himself into the correct power range he would have to go smaller tire. This wouldn't provide the look he wants. He also likes bling... are there even any choices in 14 inch wheels anymore? The logical step for him is to find a used rear end with a better gear ratio so he can have a choice in wheels and then match the gear ratio with the correct tire and put himself in the sweet spot.