newbie needs help

[2x2'99]

Hello all,
long time stalker first time poster. Great site.

Hope I'm posting in right spot.
Need advice. Got a 1999 2wd 3.0 xlt

I'm wanting to swap out rear axel and springs for:

lower gearing for 33" tires (3.0 w/3.73 - what a dog)
2-3" higher than stock ride height (front end is already done-2" lift springs/a-arms/ball joints/alignment)

Needing recommendations for donor vehicle (model/year/axel code)
**Must be a direct swap
Thanks

 

[2x2'99]

***looks like rewelding perch & shock is mandatory for explorer swap. is anything a direct swap in the 8.8 axel family??

 

[bcost882]

you can get an 8.8in from a ranger but they have 27spline axles while the explorer axles are 31spline. you can usually find limited slips in them but make sure you check first don't just assume. if you do swap an explorer 8.8 in you will need shack tabs and weld spring perches on. I used ballistic fabrication brackets. and this page will help with the donor vehicle info http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Axles.html

 

[Yellowsplash]

The only direct swap is a ranger 8.8 (28 spline). Explorer 8.8's require welding on spring perches and shock mounts.

The ideal gearing for 33s and a 3.0L would be 4.56-4.88. Unfortunetly, rangers do not come with a gear that deep from the factory. You would have to swap those in yourself.

If you dont mind being undergeared, but better than you are now, you can throw in an 8.8 from a later 98+ ranger that has 4.10 gears and limited slip as this would be an upgrade. Or even better yet, an FX4 8.8 (31-spline) which is a bolt in with associated hardware from donor vehicle.