Hey guys!

[mz35z]

I just got a 1999 Ranger XLT 4x4. I will ask a quick question now in case anyone knows the answer. So the rear axle is bent, it was in an accident. I was originally just going to replace the axle with the same type (Ratio width etc), but I want to beef it up a bit for off road use. I'm pretty certain it is an 8.8 right now. What would be the easiest way to get a beefier axle? I don't have the resources yet to do any welding or intense modifications so it has to be inter-changable. Thank you all and sorry for posting this in the welcome thread, I need a solution very soon.

 

[AgPete139]

First off, welcome to TRS!

You could use the FX4 axles. Or just a stock 8.8" that your ranger came with. It's a pretty stout axle to begin with, and it's a good platform for your stock 4x4. Your hard wheeling will warranty a bigass axle, but you are not running a doubler, 5.0L, big lift & large heavy tires, or intense rockcrawling. Are you?

If you want a nice upgrade, the Explorer 8.8" with the stronger 31 splines are a nice upgrade (plus disc brakes), or the infamous Ford 9" rear end. But, welding is required for those.

Good luck.

Pete

 

[AgPete139]

Sidenote: Gears make a big difference, and try to find an axle with the same gear ratio that yours currently has. If not, your speedometer & odometer will be off. Or, it could also yield more power, if you go with a (numerically) higher gear for more torque.


Read Note #4)

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Axles.html




Pete