Ok. I'm 90% sure I can do this with no problems. But I wanted to run it by you guys.

2 Questions.

1) Can I take the 8.8 off my '99 Ranger and bolt it right up to the '07? (This one I'm pretty damn sure the answer is yes since the 8.8 hasn't changed for years to my knowledge).

2) Can I take the 3.73 gears out of the 99 Ranger Front Diff and install them into the Front Diff of the '07? Or hell maybe even just swap the entire differential (and not have to screw around with setting up gears). I know they changed the front from the vacuum hub setups over to a live axle setup, but I don't think that changed the actual Diff. I thought it was still that Dana 35 front end or whatever.

Hopefully someone with a bit more info can point me in the right direction. Basically, I'm looking to get a little better mileage out of the '07, so I'm getting smaller tires and I was going to gear it down to 3.73 instead of 4.10.

 

Yes you can swap both axles over no problem.

 

yup^

shouldnt be an issue.

 

Yeah if it was 97 or older you wouldn't be able to but the front diff is the same from 98+

 

Excellent. Thanks guys. I thought that was the case but figured it wouldn't hurt to ask.

 

Any progress on your SAS?

 

I only wish. I've been waiting on a friend of my dad's for going on 4 months now to help me out with rear differential (I'm stuck on the ARB).

The next time I'm home though, I'm going to get all the 44 stuff and setup in my basement back at Minneapolis so I can actually get something done. I'm so sick of people never coming through when they say they are going to help...

 

BTW, if you put lower gears and smaller tires on the truck your going to keep the RPMS at the same place they are with bigger tires and gears.

 

dude a 9" is super easy! i just did my first one hour! with a detroit locker!

 

gonna need to run the CV's from the 07 though....

 

Just swap in the whole front axle, its so much quicker and easier.

 

Your right. The 9" was really easy. As far as the gear setup went. What I'm stuck with is trying to tap the differential case for the air line for the ARB. I've ruined 2 different taps trying to do it and I can't figure it out. Basically, when I start turning, the threads on the tap come off, instead of digging into the differential case.

I'm thinking I might just take it to a machine shop soon as I know they could get it done in probably 10 minutes.

 

Damn... get some better taps! Isn't a 9" housing just cast or stamped steel?

 

your using cutting fluid right? also try to put some kerosene in that hole as your taping it. i really hope you are using some type of GOOD taping fluid. Another good one is Tap Magic that stuff is unreal.

 

Strange cases are Nodular Iron (whatever that means). I haven't been using fluid. Never thought it was necessary.

I guess I'll try that out and see what I can come up with.

 

You should always use taping fluid when taping holes. It tears the tap up otherwise. It also makes the job so much easier.

If you still have trouble let me know, I would at a machine shop and could probably buy you a really good tap.

 

Yeah always always always use lube.

For everything.

Including tapping the hole.

Damn that just keeps getting dirtier and dirtier.

I'm done now.

 

You were talking about trucks RIGHT? LOL

 

I may actually take you up on that. The size I need is 9/16 - 18 I believe. Let me know what kind of price you can get me (if that's alright).

 

well i learned something for the day

 

not any more