Here is my situation. Need to replace the clunky rear axle on my 2000 3.0L AT 4x4 with a 7.5 3.73. Have been unable to locate an 8.8 3.73 ranger axle and the explorer axle requires fab work beyond my skill level, pathetic I know. I can buy a 8.8 off an 07 ranger FX2 with a 8.8 4.10, My question is how difficult would it be to upgrade the front diff to 4.10 from 3.73 or would it be easier to get a front axle that is also a 4.10. TIA

 

If you plan on keeping your truck stock keep the 3.73's. If you plan to lift go with the 4.10's and then buy some 4.10's for the front and have a shop put them in.

 

If the Explorer axle is beyond your abilities I'd definitely suggest trying to get the whole front diff from that same '07 or a different complete 4.10 one. It's just a bolt-in job so that's the way I'd go!

 

if you get rid of the 7.5 i want the diff cover to honor its greatness.

a shop can put 4.10 in the front no problem. I'd just swap to the 8.8

 

i was thinking the same thing. if the eplorer you get the rear axle from has a good front diff get both and swap both into your truck.


you will have to correct your speedo with the gear change

 

Found an 8.8 3.73 with 9 inch brakes. Should be able to swap the 10 inch brakes from my 7.5 I hope......

 

im pretty sure the 8.8 has 10 inch brakes but i could be wrong im running disc the whole way around