Which axles fit my ranger?

[Rockhound]

Hey guys. I have a 1994 4x4, Ranger, 5 spd., 3.0, 3.73's, with a 7.5 and I'm guessing a d28. I can't find any markings on the front diff and haven't looked into it that much. So if anyone knows for sure that would be great.

The question is... I'm going to put on a lift and maybe 33's and I'm sure that I'm going to want steeper gears. I've read several threads on here and it seems that if you don't know how to do the gears yourself or don't want to pay a crap load of money for some one else to do it, you get axles from a junk yard that already has the gears you want. What axles should I look for if I'm looking for 4.10's or 4.56's? Also what, if any, modifications will I have to do?

Thanks for you help guys!

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

You won't find any stock diffs with 4.56's in them. With 33's and the 3.0 I'd want atleast 4.56 gears. Your 94 should have the d35 or possibly the d35/28 hybrid. To check look at the aluminum housing of the front differential. If it is smooth on the bottom its a 35/28 hybrid. If it has fins on it its a d35.

 

[4x4junkie]

With a 3.0 you may even want to go to 4.88 gears (absolute minimum 4.56).

Chances are you have the D35 front, but you can check right here in the Tech Library to be sure.

The rear 7.5 isn't too bad of an axle, but 8.8 swaps are not difficult (A Ranger 8.8 bolts in, but the Explorer 8.8 also has stronger shafts).

 

[Rockhound]

Thanks guys. I do have the d35. What I got from the tech library and that the ranger 8.8 is a bolt in, is they (7.5 and 8.8) are the same width. Is this correct? Also, is there any difference in the length on the differential that would mess with drive shaft length?

 

[tpking]

the ranger 7.5 - 8.8 is same width long as its not from a pre 93 i believe they are narrower