A couple of thoughts...can anyone help me?

[medicbro2000]

Hey everyone,

I've had a couple of thoughts running through my head... scary i know. In any case I wondered if I could get some input from some of you folks.

I am wondering if 33" tires will fit on my stock ride 2000 ranger if I have Shackles and Torsion bar cranked? I have heard rumors they will, but Im not about to spend the money and find otherwise.

Secondly, Im looking into doing the FX4 axle swap. Anyone know how easy this is going onto a 2000 Ranger. I believe my rear end is the 7.5 - So I want to do the 4:10 8.8 ( if I am correct- to get better pick up/torque/power/mileage)

Plus- has anyone had the experience who can share how much went into this operation?? Like how much they paid for the axle? I see I can find them at a junk yard anywhere from $350 to $1200


and one last.... I was thinking of giving the old danger ranger a wider looking stance and thought about wheel spacers.... thoughts on that perhaps?

I appreciate and information or advice ANY of you provide. I'm trying to clear thoughts I have brewing in my head and filter out the bad ideas or ones that could lead to problems. Thanks in advance.

 

[JohnnyO]

33's will fit with a torsion twist IF you get narrow 33's like a 33x10.50-15 or 285/75-16. The wider and more common 33x12.50-15, not unless you get a body lift.

The FX4 axle will bolt right in. They all have 4.10's but do you have 4.10's in your front axle? If not then you'll have to change the front gears. Swapping the gears in your existing rear axle will probably cost around $500, plus $250 or so for a regular limited-slip if yours doesn't have one. So it depends what sort of deal you get on an FX4 axle. A genuine FX4/Level II 31-spline Torsen rear, I don't see that going for $350, the $1200 sounds more real. Also on the real deal the axle tubes are bigger so you will need bigger U-bolts to mount it. The good Torsen axle came only on 2002 FX4 and 2003+ FX4 Level II Rangers. A 2003+ FX4 (no Level II) is not the same thing, although it will have 4.10 gears with a regular Ford limited-slip and not a Torsen. With 33" tires you will actually need 4.56 gears to keep the rpm vs. mph the same as stock. Add $500 for the front gears if you need to do them too. Prices might be different in your area. Here a set of gears plus installation from someone who knows their stuff is about $500 per axle.

I am not a fan of spacers, although people use them without incident. Look for a 15x8 wheel with 3.75" backspace, that will get you the wider stance you want and keep the tires from rubbing on the inside. The widest Ranger wheels are 7" which is not wide enough for the tires you want anyway. Geometry being what it is, get a front end alignment after putting on the different tires and wheels.

If you have a 7.5" axle the sides of the diff cover will be curved, if you already have a 8.8" the sides of the diff cover will be flat like the top and bottom.

 

[medicbro2000]

Thanks JohnnyO- helps clear the air a bit. As far as the rear-end swap, I will continue to check and double check. I want to be sure things are done correctly. Your information has been very helpful. Thanks again.