Which route should I go? (gearing/locker question)

[428CJ]

Hey guys,

I got a 98 Ranger 4x4 5 speed and am looking to possibly re-gear and add a locker or l/s of some kind in the near future.

I just got some 32 inch bfg at's and with the stock 3.73's it just feels gutless now, especially in fifth. I don't want or expect it to be "fast" with the gearing change, just be in the power more and a little more oomph around town. I don't usually go more than 65 mph.

I was wondering if it be overkill to go with 4.56's with just 32's? I am not sure, considering how much this will probably cost, if going to 4.10's will be enough of a difference to justify the cost.

As for the locker or l/s question, I was pondering three options.

1) rebuild my rear end and add a detroit locker or an eaton or g2 l/s along with the new gears.

2) buy another ranger rear end that has l/s and rebuild that with new gears.

3) buy an expo disc brake rearend, modify it to work, and do the same as number 2.

I don't do any hardcore wheeling at all and would never put more than 33's on this truck, so i think the 28 spline axles would hold but am sick of spinning one tire every lol.

Thanks

 

[4x4junkie]

28 spline axles should be fine if you ever go up to 33" tires.

Do you have a 3.0L or 4.0L on your '98? (I'll assume you meant you have a stickshift when you said "5 speed", as both the auto and stick have 5 speeds for your model year)

 

[swynx]

Info says b4000. I think 4 10 would be about the same as stock size tires. Which is quick enough in my mind. I think 4.10 with 32/33 and a 4.0 would be fine.

 

[ridgerunner]

Limited slip is pretty much worthless IMO, go with a auto locker or something like that. I installed LSD's in my Dodge and they suck! Big waste of $.

 

[428CJ]

I need to update my info. It's a 4.0 and a manual, 98 ranger. Sorry about that. I wish they had 4.30 gears for these, I think that would be perfect!

 

[4x4junkie]

If you think you might go with 33s in the future, I'd say go with the 4.56 gears. Shouldn't be an issue if you don't drive faster than 65 often. They're pretty much a perfect match for 33s.

Agreed 4.10 isn't a huge jump from 3.73s, but they could still be worth considering if you are dead-set on staying with 32s (4.10 axles for a '98 are actually not too hard to find at a wrecker since it was a stock ratio on a few models).

 

[gw33gp]

I had 3.73 gears on my 89 STX Ranger with the 2.9L engine. When I put 31" tires on it, it was very hard on the clutch but did reasonably well otherwise. I eventually had 4.10 gears installed and that made the truck perform like it did with the stock tires. Well worth the cost of re-gearing

My current Ranger with the 4.0 SOHC has 4.10 gears and works well with 31" or 32" tires. My next off-road tires are going to be 33" and I will switch to 4.56 gears. I have been told it would still work OK on the street with 33" tires and 4.10 gears but I do some pretty rough off-road trips. I feel the 4.10 gear with 32" tires are at the limits for rough duty off-road. I also doubt I would like 4.10 gears with 33" tires on the street.