Just got a Ranger 4x4, need some ideas and help!

[Superman]

Should I replace my 7.5 axle (3.74 ratio) to a 8.8 rear end?

Keep the front axle though?

 

[-Nathan-]

if you change the rear ratio, you have to change the front in addition to the rear, unless you WANT to grenade your transfer case in 4x4.

if you arent going to bigger tires, or not going to be off-roading this rig than there isnt much reason unless its got better gearing.

 

[farmer]

yes an 8.8 in the back (preferably from an Explorer, stronger version) and swap out your Dana 28 in the front for a Dana 35 from a 90 or newer Ranger, direct swap.

 

[Superman]

Well I know since I have this 2.3L with 5 spd...with stock v6 rear gears. I am going to have to regear the back to 4.10.

I'll be offroading a little but nothing hardcore.

 

[04sd]

It's a 2.3
Limited, easy off-road use
MPG is an issue
No monster tires
Why add extra weight with heavier axles?

 

[04sd]

It is leaking brake fluid a little behind the master cylinder where it hooks up to the brake booster...don't know if I just need a booter or another cylinder...

The leak would be from the master cylinder, there's no fluid in the booster.

 

[8302ranger]

The first thing I'd do is get that underbody fixed. Then start worrying about other things. Nice find though, I wish I could find a 4cyl 4x4 for a DD.

Im going to have to agree with most on here. Get a new set of less aggrssive tires and just do a basic tune up!

I was very lucky to find a near mint condition 1991, 4x4, 2.3 with less than 100,000 on the clock. Bought it from the original owner, to bad he knew it was worth a bit more then your average 20 year old pickup! But it was well worth it.

Nice truck though. Make sure to keep us up dated on any new mods/improvments

 

[xkotyx]

Well I know since I have this 2.3L with 5 spd...with stock v6 rear gears. I am going to have to regear the back to 4.10.

I'll be offroading a little but nothing hardcore.

you cant just regear the back. if you do the back, you have to do the front. at least if you are EVER going to use 4x4..

 

[Superman]

you cant just regear the back. if you do the back, you have to do the front. at least if you are EVER going to use 4x4..

Yeah, I know lol...thanks for reminding me.


I was looking at the 35 axle and the one I have. The 35 is bigger thus more weight.

I'm just going to put in 4.10s in my axles and maybe a locker one day so I can have positive tractions in places. Though I think lockers do lower mpgs...not for sure though.

 

[-Nathan-]

exactly how would a locker lower mpgs? i can tell you the loss is negligible. you will notice no difference in mpg with/with out a locker.

regearing isnt cheap, if you cant do your own work. not worth putting the coin for gears in those pinner axles.

yes the 35 is bigger.

 

[Superman]

exactly how would a locker lower mpgs? i can tell you the loss is negligible. you will notice no difference in mpg with/with out a locker.

regearing isnt cheap, if you cant do your own work. not worth putting the coin for gears in those pinner axles.

yes the 35 is bigger.

I don't know much about them lockers...

My old 79 is positive traction from what I know..


Guy I know said if I want good gas mileage is to lower the gear ratio to 4.10 like what most 2.3L had.

What would you recommend?

 

[-Nathan-]

depends on the size of tire youll be running. If youre running no bigger than 30's, 4 10s will be perfectish. Any bigger, go lower.

 

[Superman]

depends on the size of tire youll be running. If youre running no bigger than 30's, 4 10s will be perfectish. Any bigger, go lower.

But u dnt think the 8.8 and dana 35 will be needed? I should be ok with the 7.5 and dana 28?

 

[badmts]

Welcome!!

Our trucks are very simular (color&drivetrain).I had the same problems you discribe -so I changed clutch (noise gone) put in 4.56 gears (5th gear and power returned) lifted truck and installed 265/75R16 DESTINATION M/T's and 16X8 steel wheels( smooth at all speeds) needed a little more power -built a 2.55L stroker -hard to see at night on trails so tonight we put on 8" PRO COMPS and 4" harbor freight lights and a cool bumper I got FREE on craigs list.As for the fuel guage issue (yes we are alike there too!) mine is EMPTY when it shows an eighth of a tank remaining and full is WAY past the "F" mark.Askin my guys to drop the tank while the truck still works will be hard but if the guage has power and woks a little that is in your future ,I do not know any fixes but someone on here does because this is where I have gotten ALL my inspiration so far. Again Welcome to the board!

 

[Superman]

Our trucks are very simular (color&drivetrain).I had the same problems you discribe -so I changed clutch (noise gone) put in 4.56 gears (5th gear and power returned) lifted truck and installed 265/75R16 DESTINATION M/T's and 16X8 steel wheels( smooth at all speeds) needed a little more power -built a 2.55L stroker -hard to see at night on trails so tonight we put on 8" PRO COMPS and 4" harbor freight lights and a cool bumper I got FREE on craigs list.As for the fuel guage issue (yes we are alike there too!) mine is EMPTY when it shows an eighth of a tank remaining and full is WAY past the "F" mark.Askin my guys to drop the tank while the truck still works will be hard but if the guage has power and woks a little that is in your future ,I do not know any fixes but someone on here does because this is where I have gotten ALL my inspiration so far. Again Welcome to the board!

Where you get yer gears from yer dana 28 and 7.5?