I'm going to get a set of 33s mounted later this week and with my 4cylinder and 3.73s I'm going to need to regear. Obviously I'm not going to do this myself lol I want a professional to do it. First off, does anyone in Southern California know of a good/cheap place that can do a good job? And what can I expect the price to be? I have a 7.5 and want to go to 4.88s. If they charge me an arm and a leg then I might as well get the bigger and stronger 8.8 and ask them to do 4.88s in that. Thanks for any insight

 

Didn't see 4.88 gear sets for Ford 7.5" just 8.8", but if you can find them they should run about $225-$250.
New gear oil
New seal and gasket
New wheel bearings and seals, optional but recommended

Budget for rear brake shoes if you don't know current condition.

shop time should be 4 or 5 hours, add an hour for brakes if needed

Good and Cheap often don't go together, good and reasonable is what you want.

Just as a heads up don't buy any parts ahead of time, a "good shop" will want to supply ALL the parts, yes they will mark them up, it is a business after all, but the reason they want to supply all the parts is for warranty, which I assume you would want.
Some shops will allow customers to supply parts, which is fine, but no warranty on the job, not just the part, the whole job, because once the finger pointing starts there is no good outcome for anyone, lol.

 

So I can expect around $500 for parts and labor? Or are you saying $250 for parts and labor?

 

I'd say $500-$600 depending on the shop rate. IMO it's not worth it even if you can find a set of 4.88s for the 7.5 to have a shop do it. Definately save the money and get an 8.8

 

I would like to find a 8.8 out of an explorer and jus let the shop go crazy cause your right, a 7.5 is great but 8.8 would be so much better

 

You may also find a limited slip(posi-traction) with an 8.8"

 

If I went to a junkyard, how much would an 8.8 run me about?

 

That is strictly local supply and demand pricing.

On ebay they look to be $250-$350

If you can see the drivers door tag you can ID the rear axle: Ford 7.5 & 8.8 Inch Axle Tag & Door Codes

There was never a 4.88 in a Ranger 4.10 was the highest, 4.56 was a bit of a unicorn, it is listed but never seen one anywhere, FX4 Level II were reported as having it as an option but not sure, they did come stock with 4.10

 

Ok. I might try to hunt down a 8.8 and have someone swap in 4.88s

 

Just as a heads up

If original tire diameter was 27" with a 3.73 ratio axle
Then a switch to 33" tires would make ratio 3.05 actual

Switch to 4.56 rear axle with 33" tires would put you back to 3.73 actual, so speedo and performance would be the same as with stock tires.

If you want more low end power then yes, 4.88 would help

 

Yeah I've heard anything between 4.56 and 4.88s is good. But 4.56 will keep your mpg and 4.88s will help with "get up and go"

 

You really shouldn't consider 4.88s until you get to 35" tires.

Should you find an 8.8" rear end, you should consider either 4.30 or 4.56 gears. Last time I checked, they don't make 4.30 gears for a 7.5" rear, so your options should be 4.10 or 4.56.

4.56 gears will do everything you need to do with 33" tires. 4.88s are overkill for 33s.

 

Alright I will do some more research on 4.56s. If I need to run the stock 3.73s for a while how bad will it be for my engine and power?

 

I'll put it to you this way: I made it about 6-8 months with 3.73s before the transmission went out on me, and I didn't even drive that much.

You'll struggle to get to speed everywhere you go, and you won't like driving your truck anymore. Good luck going above 70mph, and it'll take you forever just to get that fast. That was my experience.

 

Ok so I should definitely regear ASAP

 

If you can locate an 8.8 then take it to a shop before you mount it to your truck. Some shops will charge less if the axle is off the truck.

But you should expect about 400 per axle just for installation. Luckily you only have one.

Stick with Yukon or G2 gears and spend the $100 on a master install kit.

 

If I find an 8.8 how much will that plus having the shop look over cost me? I can install it myself I just can't do gears

 

I'm assuming maybe $100 for the axle?

 

https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/pts/5402602358.html this looks promising

 

You should be able to find an 8.8 for under $200. Find you one with 4.10's and you will be able to get by.

Remember an 8.8 from an explorer will not just bolt up. You have to weld new spring perches and shock mounts.

 

Ahhhh fantastic. The only thing I've ever welded was four sides to make a square... Lol

 

If I decided to do a 32" tire, would an 8.8 with the stock 4.10s work?

 

Yes

 

guys !! you are mistaking his 2.3 litre 4 cylinder for 4.0l v6 engine

a 2.3l 4 cylinder with a 8.8 inch axle gear , 33 inch tires , you will need a 5:13 regear

this will keep the engine in it`s specific power range without bogging