Putting an inherited 1993 Ranger back together... THIS ISSUE- Previous owner had issue with C rings not staying on axle and having axle slide out while driving.
Stock axle was CODE 91 which I translate to a 8.8 with a 3.27 ratio. It's a 4x4 so I assume that's what is up front as well... (Seems very light to me for a 4x4 - but that is another story.)

PO replace entire rear end with a 1995 (if I read right… 3.73 7.5 inch)

So here's the question... Knowing that I have to match front and rear ratio's to avoid damaging driveline... Can I take the good axles from the 7.5 and stick them in the original 8.8 to regain my 3.27 ratio?

Thanks in advance!

 

1993 and up Ranger rear ends used the same axle splines, diameter and length, exception was 2003 and up FX4 Level 2 with Torsen rear end

So Yes, if you swap over the 8.8" with the 3.27 ring/pinion set you can use the 7.5" axles in it
There is a left and right difference in length

The axles C-clips ride in a recess so can't come "out" unless axle is allowed to move IN which shouldn't happen
A C-clip can break, but not a common thing at all

 

For reasons only known to another previous owner, the recess for the C-clip was extremely wallowed and worn.
Thanks for the quick reply and great info.

 

Then switching it back in may not be a good idea, recess is in the spider gear, or do you mean the axle shaft slot for c-clip was worn

 

On the axle itself

 

when i tear apart the original rear end, I'll know for sure. If things don't look good and tight or there is an obvious damage to gears, etc.... will pursue other options.

 

Sounds like a plan

3.27 ratio would not be good for larger tires, just a heads up