I got curious about my rear axle today. Since I had the "4x4 Off Road" sticker, I thought that's what I'd have. I have the charcoal gray painted bumper and 235/70R16 wheels...but I have an axle code of 86 on my door...saying it is a 7.5" open diff with 3.73 ratio. Edmunds says that the "Off Road" package should have had a 4.10 ratio.

Here is my diff tag:

By knowing the axle code off my door, I can see where the tag shows for 3.73 and 7.5 on the lower left.

Looking at the example at the ranger station:
Ford Ranger Axles - The Ranger Station
It doesn't look like my tag follows that example.

I'm more curious than anything.

I've sent off for the build sheet. I should get that shortly.

I know I'm at least the third owner on this truck.

 

there is a 3 up closer to the bolt...u just have to look for it..and the 75 means 7.5..also how so u get a build sheet..does it cost money?

 

Offroad package is not like the FX4 package on the newer trucks. It probably means heavy duty shocks and skid plates. The 3.0 engine explains the 7.5 axle.

 

That sticker could have been added after. Stickers don't mean dick all.

Weird though, I thought all ext 4x4 trucks had an 8.8 rear?

 

I think it was in 01 when 4x4s started mostly getting 8.8s, before that it was sort of a mix.

 

According to Edmunds, the "Off Road" for that year meant painted bumpers/grill, different shocks, and 4.10 gear ratio. I fully expected a 7.5" rear.

I called 1-800-392-3673, kept hitting "Other" through the menus. Talked to the guy who took my VIN, Name, and address. they'll forward it to their research dept and they'll send you the build sheet for free (or so I think up to this point...no mention of a cost).

 

^^ thats pretty cool i would like to see mine since my truck was custom ordered when the guy bought it im only the 2nd owner of the truck

 

I don't know if this will work for Rangers or not but it works for my truck. I think the history only goes back 4 years though

Just put your vin number right after the equals sign in the URL

http://services.forddirect.fordvehic...icker.pdf?vin=

Here's mine:

http://services.forddirect.fordvehic...PW14516FA64952

 

My 99 was a true "off road" package truck, I have the window sticker somewhere lol...and my truck didn't come with the front POS skidplate. But it came with the t-case plate and gas tank plate. Also your rear end has to do with what engine you have. If you had a 4.0 truck it has a 8.8 rear. If it is a 3.0 (which is what I have) it came with a 7.5 w/ 4.10's which now has a 8.8 in it's place....something to think about

 

damnit, that doesnt work for my 98

 

Hmm, just looked today and my 01 4x4 off road stepside 3.0L rear has an 8.8, 4L10 gears.

 

scott you may have had a truck that was ordered that way. Which I have "HEARD" was an option, but I'm not sure

 

Look on your door tag. See what it says under axle.
Scroll down on this page til you see Ranger axle codes and then look for your code written on your door jam sticker.
Ford Ranger Axles - The Ranger Station
Mine is F7 (7.5" rear with 4.10 Limited Slip)

 

So I got my build sheet in the mail!

http://pictures.ccernst.net/truck/Build_Sheet.jpg

So it shows that I do have the Off Road package and 3.73 ratio. I guess Edmund's web page is wrong that all trucks with that package had 4.10 ratios. Had my hopes up.

 

I'd also be interested if anyone gets their build sheet and has 60/40 seats...if theirs say they had "bucket seats"

 

my dads 99 off road had no front skid, 7.5" rear, chrome bumpers, power everything, chrome grille, 245/75r16s

just a thought