Where should i look for axles?

[KJ]

I've got an 88 ranger with 33s and a 4 inch lift. Everything else is stock and the pickup is gutless. I plan on doing an axle swap and putting 4:56 gears in it. I want to go the D35 route and am wondering where to look for them? I need to know what models and what years if that isn't too much to ask.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Find yourself a 91-94 explorer and grab the front and rear.

Front will be the d35 and the rear will be the 31 spline 8.8.

Also you can get the d35 out of any 4.0L ranger from 1990 to 1997.

 

[KJ]

and i will be able to do the 4:56 gears with that combo?

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

You betcha. That's exactly what I am running.

1991 D35 (stock in my truck) and a 1994 explorer 31 spline 8.8 with 4.56 gears. Both running lockers on 36" tires. Its a stout combo.

 

[KJ]

sounds like it. Was the install on the axles easy?

 

[4x4junkie]

The front literally bolts right in (aside from having to shorten your driveshaft an inch).
The Ex 8.8" needs the leafspring perches relocated to the top of the axle, and shock mounts put on. Also you may need to swap the rear flange on your rear driveshaft to match up with the 8.8's flange.

Why not go 4.88 gears with your 33" tires? The 2.9L loves a little RPM (I have 5.13s with 35s on mine and it's just about perfect).

 

[KJ]

I plan on doing a lot of freeway driving next year and don't want too low of gears. Its a daily driver not just a mountain rig.