Need help

[47papa65]

Grandson wrecked his mazda b4000. Bent the axle tube and destroyed the bed. It has the 355 ls 8.8 rear end. Can I put a 3.55 open 8.8 in it and it be alright? Also can I bolt a ranger bed on it and if so ,what years. It is a 94 yr model. Thanks.

 

[tmcalavy]

Should work year for year, model for model on the bed...if the hangers are the same the other diff should work, too, unless there is a driveshaft difference.

 

[RonD]

1994 is 3rd generation, so '93-'97 beds of the same model will fit, Mazda or Ranger will be the same.

8.8" L/S(limited slip) or Open Ranger axles will have the same dimensions and mounting.
Also 3.55, 3.73, 4.10, ratios won't change dimensions of axle.
Although if it is a 4x4 you need to use the same ratio as on the front axle.

 

[FritzTKatt]

Take great care to check the frame has not been damaged.

 

[JoshT]

Yes you can put an open in place of an LS and be fine. If 2wd might be a good time to look at changing gear ratios for better performance. That said, guessing your grandson is a teen still or just out of high school so it might be better to stick with the gearing it's got or something for better mileage. As said if 4x4 stick with the gearing you've got.

1994 is 3rd generation, so '93-'97 beds of the same model will fit, Mazda or Ranger will be the same.

Actually any ranger bed of the same length from 1983 - 2011 will bolt on, 93+ will bolt on and look right. A step side will also require a step side bumper. Later models had extra bed bolts, they will still bolt on just a couple extra holes in the bed.