I got the diff gear confusion blues!

[ld50]

Hi people,

Been asking questions on my local 4x4 mess. board about my differential gears. Got a lot of info, but for some reason there isn`t many Ford guys there. I know, I don`t get it either. If you can answer or direct me to a thread it would be much apreciated!

My 93 4 door Explorer, as some might already know has just had it`s first mod, in the form of a 2" susp. lift. I was set on getting 31" tires and leaving it at that, but may go a little farther with a 2" body lift and maybe some trimming to get 32" on.

I have the "41" rear diff, ratio 3.27
I must get me a locker (auto) for the rear, and while I`m at it I want to increase my gear ratio.(I know, both diffs need to be done)
I wouldn`t mind if it was better right now even with the stock tires on. (lot of steep roads where I live, and my driveway is crazy steep)
I have gotten the suggestion of a 4.10 ratio being good for 31-32" tires from a Ranger rider, but someone else chimed in and said he didn`t think you could get that size for my front diff.
I know you people will know if anyone does.
What kind of gear ratio can I have put in without buying or salvaging a new diff?

If this has already been discussed, I`m sorry I can`t find it!

Thanks
Jim from BC

 

[Alec]

Yup, I'd say 4.10. I don't think you'll have a problem finding some.

 

[88vert]

There are a set for sale on the board for cheap front and rear

 

[mrboyle]

Go with the 4.10's and nothing less. I went to 3.73's when I did mine and now I am wishing I would have gone to 4.10's. Also, in the locker department, the best (IMHO) locker available is the Powertrax No-slip. I wouldn't trade mine for anything.

 

[ld50]

Okay 4.10s seem to be the consensus here, which makes sense since I would have liked 3.73s in a stock Ex. anyway.
mrboyle, like the truck, kind of what I`m after, little bit of suspension lift, with room for a possible body lift, nothing too crazy. Tell me, did you get stuck in that mud before or after the locker was put in?

As long as the lockers (automatic)are being talked about, I heard boyle`s preference. Are there any I should stay away from? Any complaints, worries, about them, etc?

-Jim from BC

 

[mrboyle]

Yea, when I got stuck in that hole (both times) my X was still stock (right down to a set of Firestone ATX's). I never got a chance to try the hole again after the lift and locker because the owner of the property decided he didn't want us to play in the hole anymore and blocked the enterance. :frustrate