Ranger axles on an Explorer?

[Xplorer92]

I recently modified the hell out of my 4x4 '92 Explorer, I put a 3" body lift, 5.5" superlift suspension lift, warn manual hubs, and some 33x12.50 Procomp X-Terrains on it. The only real mod that I can think of to do now to inhance performance off road is to change my axles, and add lockers. Although I am very mechanicly inclined and did all the mods and maintenance myself I know very little to nothing about axle ratios and so forth. Right now I still have stock axles with a ratio of 3.27 which from what I understand sucks ass for offroading. I believe the only thing that is saving me is the fact that I have a 5 spd. tranny. Since I'm a total tight wad I was wondering what if I just found a pair of old axles in a juck yard from a 4x4 Ranger with 3.73s or 4.10s, would I be able to just swap 'em? Is it that easy or am I over looking something, if anyone has suggestions or can educate me a little more on the subject I would really appreciate it. Thank You

 

[glfredrick]

Seeing as how you already did the spring over on the rear (is that how you lifted the rear?) a Ranger axle would go right in (Rangers are sping over - unlike the Explorers that are spring under) - but would not give any advantage strength wise, and if you pick the wrong year Ranger would be weaker (many Rangers came with a D 28 Front and a 7.5" rear instead of the D 35 front and 8.8" rear).

If you find at least a 92 with a 4.0 and pull the axle codes to make sure that you have the D 35 and 8.8" a swap would probably be the easiest and cheapest way to get the gears you need.

With the 33's you will want at least 4.10 gears and might even be happier with 4.56's. You may find 4.10's in the salvage yard, but Ford never built the 4.56's into a Ranger or Ex stock so you would be out of luck that way.

I'm planning on sticking in the 4.10's in my own Ex with 33's becasue of availability (like I have them on the shelf in the shop...) but I wish that I had a set of 4.56's so that I could later go to 35's.

 

[Robb]

Ford never put 4.10s in 1st Gen Xs, so you won't find a 4.10 TTB pumpkin in a junkyard. If you are okay with 3.73s (not ideal, but doable), you should be able to picked up both front and rear from CAP for $300. They always have a first 1st Gens out there. If you keep an eye on the place, a 2nd Gen will pop up every now and then, and if you can grab a disc'd 8.8 w/4.10s from it, that is a deal.

Strictly from memory (and I will have to look it up to be certain), the Ranger 8.8 is center-pumpkined and slightly narrower than an X 8.8.

 

[FordLover]

My 92 5 speed had 3.27's when I got it, and I installed 3.73's and put on 33 inch tires and I'm satisfied. Sure, I'd love 4.10's or 4.56's but I got the front 3.73 pumpkin for free, and bought a new 01 explorer rear axle with 3.73 and limited slip for much cheaper than I could have bought a 4.10 geared axle.

For me it really wasn't a hard choice ($$ wise), and when I shift to low range, 3.73's are low enough with the 33's for the wheelin I do (mud, sand, dirt, water). I've also done some light duty trailer towing and it did fine with my setup. If I wanted to rock crawl, 4.56's would be much better to have.

I believe very few rangers came with the 31 spline 8.8 rear axle. The majority of rangers have 7.5 rear ends, and some have the 28 spline 8.8.

 

[unclemeat]

I have a front pumpkin with a stock open 3.73 which would be a direct bolt in, sitting in my shed. I think I have the stock rear 3.73 ring and pinion but I cannot vouch for the condition. I have a 4.56 axle ratio with 33s and I love it. I don't do much rock crawling. The 4.56 ratio is just a tiny bit lower that stock with 3.73 and 235x75s.

 

[Coda]

All 4.0L rangers have a D35 and 8.8. 28 spline 8.8 though, not 31. I believe, but not positive, that after 93 they didn't make the D28 anymore, but there are some hybrids out there, D35 housing w/ D28 guts. 3.73's and the 4.0L w/ 33's should be just fine, had a buddy that ran around for a year w/ 4.0/3.73's/36" Swampers. My bro ran his Ex w/ 33's and had no problems...well, he had an auto, but they're POS' anyway and it got roasted after like 130,000 miles.

 

[explrig91]

be careful of just pickin a rear from a junk yard, i picked up a 7.5 by accident. i wanted a ranger rear so i didn't have to put pearches on.

 

[glfredrick]

be careful of just pickin a rear from a junk yard, i picked up a 7.5 by accident. i wanted a ranger rear so i didn't have to put pearches on.

Try this - it may help with identification of Ford Axles

http://www.differentials.com/pdfs/39.pdf

 

[JohnnyO]

The Ranger axle is a little narrower. The ONLY Ranger with a 31 spline rear is the '02 FX4 and '03+ FX$ Level II. So basically the Exploder axle is stronger.