What rear axle is in a 4x4 97 ranger with a 4.0 engine?

[dieselmech_08]

The book that came with my truck says that the 97 4.0 has a 8.8 rear with 373 gears but it also says it has dana 365. I'm not familar with the dana rears so I dont know if that means it is a 8.8 or not and I was wonder if i did have a 8.8 rear in my truck would it hold up to a 302 or a 4bt cummins. Thanks

 

[Hahnsb2]

It's a 28 spline 8.8 ford rear, Dana makes the front axle, the Dana 35. How much power/torque you plan on putting down with a 302 or 4B?. 302 I would say it would be fine at reasonable power output, a 4BT might be a bit much, especially if turned up.

 

[metalmacguyver]

A common upgrade is an 8.8 from a 95+ explorer. Those axles have disc brakes and are 31 spline.

 

[4x4junkie]

I don't see a problem with either of those engines unless you plan to run oversized tires on it (in which case the Explorer axle is the way to go).

As for ratio, could be 3.27 or 3.73 in a '97 4.0L. You'll need to check your door sticker code and reference it here

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Axles.html

.

 

[dieselmech_08]

the 4bt would prb have a turned up fuel pump and maybe twin turbos