i was wondering what i would need 2 do with the drivetrain/ and what gear ratio for size 38.5 tires on my 1989 ford ranger xlt 4x4 5-speed? just so it wont put a lot of strain on my engine and tranny.

 

I dont know a whole lot about gears but, i would think the gear ratio youd need is, now correct me if im wrong, 5.13's.. Since you have the 2.9L. Someone correct me if im wrong..

 

ummm....yes you would. 5.13 would work, but i'd personally go lower with that weak engine.

 

I wouldn't go any lower than 5.13 Pinion gear starts getting too small after that. (posible breakage) I say 5.13's in the diff's and then find a lower geared transfer case.. thats what me and a buddy did on a Samuri on 37"s with a 1.3 stock engine and tranny. did great on the trail... only did about 65 on the highway...

 

Putting anything over 33's on a Dana 28 and probably a 7.5 rear is about the dumbest thing i have ever heard.

even anything above 35's on a Dana 35 isnt smart.. get ready to start braking suspension parts and soon...

you better get ready for sas it about your only option for that tire size.....

that is unless you are a mall crawler

 

you definitely would want 5.13s in the axles and you would also want a doubler for off-roading because the 5.13s still aren't low enough for that size tire to be efficient. I would actually suggest finding a pair of 2.5 ton rockwell axles if you really want to run tires that large. Or at least run a pair of 60s or a 60/14 bolt or 60/10.25 setup. Unless of course this is a mall crawler, then the axles in the B2 should stand up fine to 38s.