NEW HERE! got a question???

[xtremeRanger]

i own a 1989 ford ranger 4x4. it has the 2.9L engine dana 28 front, 7.5 rear, 3.73 gear ratio. Anyways if i can make 33" tires fit, can my truck handle 33's? will my engine be able to push them? would my axles handle them?

im looking at buying some 33" Mud Kings. so im wanting to know if i can push them. I like to play in the mud, and go on trail runs, hill climbing, playing in the sand, water crossings, etc...i don't like to rock climb.

 

[dru]

from my reading experience. the pros will tell you 4.56 or higher (numerically) and 33's are the biggest tire you want to run on the 7.5

 

[Capt Jay]

The dana 28 is not a good axle with that size tire. They will break if your not careful. The tires will fit with a slight lift and some fender trimming. It would be fairly hard on the engine and tranny with that gear ratio. If you do go with the 33's you might want to upgrade the axles.

If you have specific questions about any of that, this IS the place. Welcome to TRS.

 

[xtremeRanger]

so my dana 28 would be the weak part of it all. I will be running 31" bfg m/t KM's after i get my license back. i will be just getting my ranger ready for the road soon. just wanting to beef it up a bit. i found a rear 8.8 with traction lock that i might gput into my ranger. gonna try to find the front dana 35 ttb.

 

[Capt Jay]

Referring to the running gear, yes, the 28 will be the weakest link. Specifically the left front is the one that WILL go. I wheeled for years with a 28 and a 7.5 and had a lot of fun. That was with a v-8 and 33's. I just went through a lot of front left shafts. I never broke a rear end and mine was welded. So I guess I'm saying it can be done and as long as you realize the limitations. No go mod your truck and have a blast. Just keep an eye out for a 35 and and 8.8. The front is a direct bolt up and the rear just needs the spring perches flipped. You don't need to flip the perches if the rear is out of a Ranger but you want the rear end from and Explorer. They are stronger.

 

[Zachalanche]

I ran your exact setup with 33's for about 9 months. everything seemed to work ok, but the truck was super sluggish. I never broke an axle though. I swapped to 4:56 gears and couldn't be happier. later on I eventually swapped to the explorer 8.8. the D35 is going in as soon as the weather gets warm.

 

[xtremeRanger]

anyone know fast they were able to go on the high way with 33's and the dana 28 and 7.5 rear?

 

[xtremeRanger]

well i got good news. i just bought a fully rebuilt dana 35 from a 93 ranger and a 8.8 with traction lock for $400. how does traction lock work compared to lockers.

 

[tanbuddy]

It works ok, not that great tho. What gears did u get in those axles?

 

[Beastly88]

i have a 94 sittin in my back yard and i dont know for sure but did they come with the 35 front cause i know for sure the rear is the 7.5 with 3.73s

 

[xtremeRanger]

the dana 35 and 8.8 i think have 3.73's......not totally sure might have 4.10's

 

[88BII]

im running 33s with a 5 speed and 373s and mine runs great. only broke hubs no axels and its a d28.

 

[mkpecor]

i ran the same thing you are goin to and i had no problem at all, and i wheel alot but i dont beat on my rig either. last year i swaped to a D35 and 8.8 and now i dont have to really worrie about it as much. im still running 3.73 gears and the 2.9 pushes it ok, still eats hondas. you will be fine if you stay off the skiny stick. good luck

 

[xtremeRanger]

so i got a cracked exhaust manifold on the drivers side. i have a spare engine that im gonna use for parts. now what do i do if i have the problem with seized bolts? whats the best way to work with this? i don't want to break any bolts in the head.

 

[jaymegriffiths]

so i got a cracked exhaust manifold on the drivers side. i have a spare engine that im gonna use for parts. now what do i do if i have the problem with seized bolts? whats the best way to work with this? i don't want to break any cuz then i won;t know what to do witht he stud still in the head

Grammer dude, grammer.. Make sure to read your posts over. Sorry can't answer your question though...