New Ranger

[My 1st Ranger]

I just got a 2008 Ranger 3.0 automatic XLT 2wd. I'm try to learn as much as possible on this truck. I have seen prerunner rangers and would like to make my ranger something like that. A mild lift, rear locker and a nice set of wheels and tires. I do about 70% daily driving and 30% off road but I do plan to go off road more often. I used to drive a F-350 4wd disel to haul my trailer but I had to get rid of it. Where should I begin looking? What would be the first step? What kind of lift/locker should I get? Reading through the different websites/forums I found out my truck has a 7.5 rear and 3.73 gear. I hope that's right!! Is it even worth putting a locker? Should I get a 8.8? About $2k limit for now. Any and all advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[reginald fairfield]

If it is possible, see if Eaton lockers are available for the 7.5. That is the best brand. They make semi transmissions, so the parts are really well made. They seem to last really long too.

 

[pillen140]

descent wheels and tires will probably eat up $600-$1000 of you budget.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

and an e-locker another $800 or so....not much left for a lift...

 

[pillen140]

$200 for a body lift. cheapest way.

 

[aipaul]

If it is possible, see if Eaton lockers are available for the 7.5. That is the best brand. They make semi transmissions, so the parts are really well made. They seem to last really long too.

I doubt they make lockers for the 7.5. I know Powertrax has the lock-rite but not the no-slip which is better for the 7.5.

 

[hihoslvr]

ehh, just go ahead and wheel the crap out of it, then you can see what works and what doesn't, and go from there. I'd say stock wheels are good to go, but maybe a more appropriate tire tread matched to your sort of terrain. But ya might as well tear up those new tires fer now, right? A locker of some sort would prolly be nice too, at some point. BTW: is it paid for and fully insured yet, how about a warranty? just stuff ya may want to consider...

 

[Hahnsb2]

I doubt they make lockers for the 7.5. I know Powertrax has the lock-rite but not the no-slip which is better for the 7.5.

How is a no-slip better for a 7.5 if it isn't even made for it
The lock-rights are awesome for the money, probably my best upgrade yet, easily the biggest off road improvement. The 7.5 is good locked up until you start getting bigger than 33s.

 

[My 1st Ranger]

Thanks for the info... I will take a look into the Lock-Rites. I also hear ARB selectable locker and Detroit e-locker also selectable are good for the $$$!! Does anyone know or have these products?

 

[Hahnsb2]

Thanks for the info... I will take a look into the Lock-Rites. I also hear ARB selectable locker and Detroit e-locker also selectable are good for the $$$!! Does anyone know or have these products?

There are some people that have ARBs here. They aren't made for the 7.5 though.

 

[My 1st Ranger]

Do you know if Detroit e-locker is made for the 7.5?

 

[LittleBigFoot]

If I were you:

I'd swap in an 31 spline disk 8.8" from an Explorer. ($200 ish at the junk yard)

4.56:1 or 4.88:1 gears, good for a DD and it'll help the 3.0slug out ($200 for R&P + Install Kit)

Lockright for the 8.8 ($350)


I'm not too knowledgable about the 2wd suspensions, but you can go for long travel kits for over two grand

There are cheaper alternatives out there for some height.


Check Craigslist for wheels/tires. I got my 35x15.5 TSLs with at least 3/4 tred for $100 bucks. You can build a solid rig on a low budget.


I've got under 500 dollars into my ZJ project (Including the car, tires, full with axles, suspension, etc.)

 

[Boggin]

If I were you:

I'd swap in an 31 spline disk 8.8" from an Explorer. ($200 ish at the junk yard)

4.56:1 or 4.88:1 gears, good for a DD and it'll help the 3.0slug out ($200 for R&P + Install Kit)

Lockright for the 8.8 ($350)


I'm not too knowledgable about the 2wd suspensions, but you can go for long travel kits for over two grand

There are cheaper alternatives out there for some height.


Check Craigslist for wheels/tires. I got my 35x15.5 TSLs with at least 3/4 tred for $100 bucks. You can build a solid rig on a low budget.


I've got under 500 dollars into my ZJ project (Including the car, tires, full with axles, suspension, etc.)

X2,

 

[superrocker10]

$200 for a body lift. cheapest way.

and i think a lockrite is only like $250

 

[My 1st Ranger]

Cool!! Thanks Guys... I did look into the Lock Rights are they seem VERY good for the price!! I also looked at the True Trac but does anyone have any info on that product? When I do go off road I will be in sand most of the time and I just want to be sure the Lock Right or True Trac will be good for it!! May sound dumb but this is my first ranger and I want to get the most out of it!! Thanks.