What gears do I have???

[exploder_bp]

I was wondering if anyone knows what gears I have in my rear-end? I have a 1999 2wd sport!!!


Thanks
Brian

 

[burnin_up]

i did a search and found several threads with charts to find your specific application. you will need the code from the sticker on your door.

 

[jimbo74]

look inside the drivers door.... there is a sticker ... at the bottom right hand corner it has a spot that says axle code... please post this code for us...

 

[exploder_bp]

How does 46 sound???

 

[MO_GUY]

3.73 open differential, correct?

 

[jimbo74]

yeah moguy... i think that is the 3.73 open... its the same as my dads 4x2 1998 ranger....

 

[exploder_bp]

what does the open differential mean?? Also, would these gears be good to add a 5.0 later on?? And lastly, would it be a limited-slip rear-end??

Thanks
Brian

 

[Alec]

3.73s are a good all-around gear for decent mileage and decent power with stock sized tires.

The open means you do not have a traction aid (limited slip) in the diff. If one wheel is up in the air, it will get all the power and thus you'll be stuck

 

[Msupertek]

Ford Certified Technician

On the rear of your differential there will be a tag about 3 inches long and 1 inch tall, it will say 8.8 3L73 on the top line if you have a 8.8 inch rear end with 3.73 gears and a locking differential. The 8.8 stands for diff size, the next diget is part of your gear ratio if there is a L after the 3rd digit you have a locker if no letter is present it is open, so there ya go thats how you know which gear ration you have and if its a locker. The other way to tell is to raise your vehicle put it in neutral then mark the tire (at bottom facing dead center towards the ground), then mark the drive shaft and diff housing in the same place to show a reference point, rotate the tire as many times as necessary to get the reference point to realign, you should count the amount of times the tire has rotated and that is your gear ratio (example it rotated 3 and 1/2 times you have a 3.55 gear ratio). Your welcome!