I'm looking to swap a 4.10 ratio axle into my 2003 2wd to help offset the larger tires I'm running. The 3.0L could use the help and I'd like the transmission to shift a little closer to where it should, and my speedo will hopefully be closer than 10 mph off at 70mph.
My current axle is an open 7.5" 3.73, with 9"brakes as far as I can tell by my door sticker. Will any axle swap in regardless of the size of the rear brakes? Obviously a limited slip would be nice for the 2wd considering I live in Michigan and we do see our fair share of snow, but this is only an extra ride for me, I do have another 4wd vehicle.
What would be the best axle to go looking for? Can I assume an 8.8" in a 4.10 LS with 10" brakes would be the winner?? I'm not looking to do a bunch of modifications to make things fit, just looking for direct swap stuff. I don't need an 8.8" either, but if I'm already doing the swap, and it'll bolt up, the additional strength would be a bonus.
At the very least I'm looking for just the addition of the 4.10 ratio, LS would be nice, but not absolutely necessary. The open I'm currently running works fine.
Anyone have suggestions?

 

Yes, a 1993 to 2009 7.5" or 8.8" Ranger or Mazda B-series rear axle, will just bolt in, and no the 8.8" is not "better" unless you are swapping in a 300+ horse power engine, but for sure take what you can get with the gearing you want.
9" was more common on 7.5" and 8.8" but I think Limited Slip were all 10" but can't say for sure, and 4.0l engine vehicles

E-brake cable is different I think

The 2010/11 Rangers had rear disc brakes, also larger axle tube, you can use these just need larger u-bolts at the leaf springs, and some brake line hardware