Help with with 9) ranger differential ratios.

[Lambertw26]

I have a 96 frame and axles that I’m putting under my 87 body. Front is a Dana 35 and rear is a 8.8. I am going to run 35’s and was thinking on running 4.56 ratio gears? My question is can I put these gears in the current carrier. Has an R6 axle code for current 3.73 gears. Also, any recommendations on where to get parts for the Dana 35 they seem harder to find then the 8.8. TIA!

 

[SenorNoob]

AFAIK Yukon is the only one making gears for the D35. Last I looked they were cheaper from Bronco Graveyard than directly from Yukon.

Also pretty sure there is no carrier break on Ranger axles.

 

[Curious Hound]

4.56 gears would be a minimum ratio. Supposedly, with 35” tires, that gets you almost exactly back to original performance. However, those wheels and tires will be heavy and add more rolling resistance. If you also install a lift kit, your aerodynamics suffer also. Therefore, the truck will feel a little bit sluggish. If you have a 4.0l v6 or a v8, it should be OK. If you have a 3.0l, it will work but feel like a dead dog. That’s my combination. If you have a 4cylinder, definitely try to get 4.88 or 5.13 ratio gears.

Front and rear axle ratios must match.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Being 35's you are getting to the upper limit of a D35.

It may be worth looking into a different axle for more gear/locker options and better lockout hubs/wheel bearings depending on your goals for the truck.

Stock engine pavement pounder you will be fine. Going to a blown 5.3 and a rock buggy you are going to break things. Where you are going to fit in the middle?

It would be a bummer to sink a bunch of money in gears and whatnot in this for you to decide you need more axle later.

 

[Lambertw26]

It will stay on the pacement for the most part.

Being 35's you are getting to the upper limit of a D35.

It may be worth looking into a different axle for more gear/locker options and better lockout hubs/wheel bearings depending on your goals for the truck.

Stock engine pavement pounder you will be fine. Going to a blown 5.3 and a rock buggy you are going to break things. Where you are going to fit in the middle?

It would be a bummer to sink a bunch of money in gears and whatnot in this for you to decide you need more axle later.

I have a 289 I’m putting in it. It’ll be on the pavement for the most part. Thanks for the help

 

[Lambertw26]

4.56 gears would be a minimum ratio. Supposedly, with 35” tires, that gets you almost exactly back to original performance. However, those wheels and tires will be heavy and add more rolling resistance. If you also install a lift kit, your aerodynamics suffer also. Therefore, the truck will feel a little bit sluggish. If you have a 4.0l v6 or a v8, it should be OK. If you have a 3.0l, it will work but feel like a dead dog. That’s my combination. If you have a 4cylinder, definitely try to get 4.88 or 5.13 ratio gears.

Front and rear axle ratios must match.

I have a 289 I’m putting in it with a m5r2 transmission.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

My Choptop is on 35’s with a 4.0 and I’m using 4.10 gears. It works, but it’s not happy, either need more engine or deeper gears. I’ve been debating on 4.56 or 4.88 gears.

With a 289 or 302, you may be ok with 4.10 gears.

My green Ranger is 302 and I had it with 3.73 gears and 31” tires because that’s what I had and money was tight, it worked, but it wasn’t as happy as it could have been. I’m moving to 28-29” tires which should make it a lot happier