opinions on my rear axle

[RangerFabWorks]

ok, so most know im doing a 320 horse, 350 sbc with a th700r4 trans in my ranger. so my question is, i habe a 3.45 7.5 rear and want to change my gear ratio. im thinking 3.73's with a positrac system. but also thinking of swapping for an 8.8 rear. i know how to do this stuff, so welding, or changing gears is not an issue. my tires as of now are 222/75/14 but someday will be 225/70/15 up front and 245/70/15 out back. what is the best gear ratio for my setup? and what would be the better rear, 7.5 or 8.8? im not looking for fuel economy, just something between being a slug off the line, and motor maxed out at 50mph. thanks

 

[Toms01PSD]

First, i'd go with a 350/350 engine/tranny combo instead of the 700. I have one in my 53 and it's a SLUG. I miss the old turbo 350 tranny we had in it. Second, i'd go with 4.11's posi. I had an S10 with a 383 roller engine with 4.10s and welded spiders and that bitch would haul ass. I switched to 3.73's and there was noticeable difference.

 

[RangerFabWorks]

why would i go to a turbo 350??? there was prob something wrong with your 700, the 700 has a lower first gear than the 350, yes it is a bit of a jump from first to second, but i have the power to push it. second, the 700 has an overdrive. which will help considering its gonna be a stout 350 chevy. so im not sure why your car was a slug. maybe the tranny was tired. but a turbo 350 is not an option, simply because i dont have one.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

If you are going to switch axles or gearing, go with the 8.8.

3.73's with limited slips are common in late 90's Explorers. As an added bonus after '95 they had disc brakes as well.

 

[RangerFabWorks]

If you are going to switch axles or gearing, go with the 8.8.

3.73's with limited slips are common in late 90's Explorers. As an added bonus after '95 they had disc brakes as well.

awesome thanks. looks like ill be balling dan at ruff stuff for the easy 8.8 swap kit lol