So I got a 2000 ranger 3.0 4x4 and I put on some 33x12.5x15s. I have the 7.5 ring gear 3.73 in the truck. And the truck is losing speed badly up hills and can’t keep up speed on the highway very well especially when pulling I can’t use 5th gear. So I was thinking about regearing to 4.10. I would have to regear the front and rear correct? And a 4.10 gear would cost from $200-$250 on what I have found. I have found whole rear ends for that much and even cheaper. Then I was thinking dont the explorers have disc brakes in the rear? Couldn’t I just swap a 4.10 disc brake axle from an explorer? But I won’t have ebrake. So I was thinking of either regear or buy new axle. Also does ring gear matter if I’m changing the whole rear end? And is the 4.10 enough? Any help is appreciated. Not sure on what to do.

 

Yes, both front and rear axles need the same ratio to use 4WD

Yes, a 3.73 ratio will act like a 3.28 ratio with 33" tires
4.10 ratio will act like a 3.60 ratio, so close to original ratio before the bigger tires
4.56 ratio would act like 4.01 ratio<<<< would be the better choice

4.56 is an available axle ratio but very very rare on a Rangers even more so on Explorer
So not likely to find used

You need to change both ring and pinion in both differentials

Explorer axles have springs mounted on the bottom of the axle, Rangers use springs on the top so you have to cut off the spring perches and reweld them to the top side of axle tubes
Article here on that: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...ear-axle-swap/

Explorer axles are stronger than Ranger axles so better for bigger wheels and tire weight
Yes, 1997 and up Explorer rear axles had disc brakes

Front axle will be a Dana 35 SLA, seen here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...xle-1998-2011/
In 2000 it may have PVH hubs but if you do this work change them to Live Axle, always locked

Rear axle is a 7.5" but should be changed to 8.8" regardless for the different ratio change

 

I might do 4.56 or 4.88 because the truck was struggling to pull 3000 pounds behind it on the highway. And you said to change the 7.5 to a 8.8. And no one makes a 7.5 for a 4.56 or 4.88 so I’d have to get a new diff for the front and rear? And then regear?

 

Just the rear needs to be changed
Either 4.56 or 4.88 ratio should be available for a Dana 35 SLA, must be SLA version, older Dana 35s rotated in the opposite direction

 

I’m thinking about doing a 4.88. Is it hard doing a regear? I’ve never messed with a diff before and I’ve heard people say it’s hard and to have a shop do it and that you need specials tools.

 

Definitely depends on YOUR definition of "hard"
To me running a Marathon would be hard, spending 5 or 6 hours rebuilding an axle, engine or trans wouldn't be "hard", just long, lol
Its just wrench work and measuring

Google: regearing Ford 8.8" differential

Watch some of the videos

The pinion gear is the smaller gear that the drive shaft turns
The ring gear is the larger gear that the pinion turns
These, of course, have to be aligned "just so" or you will have a HOWL and excessive wear, or it will bind up and break stuff, lol

Bearing puller, dial indicator are two tools most DIYers don't have

Make sure you can get the Dana 35 SLA ring and pinion set in the same ratio