Looking at picking up a 2008 ranger 4x4 4.0 auto that had a wreck. Previous owner changed the pinion seal and forgot to tighten something and the rear end locked up, destroyed the drive shaft and took a chunk out of the transfer case and transmission. Otherwise the truck is in clean condition for the year with low miles. Frame and body in great shape. I can get the truck for next to nothing, my question is how interchangeable are the rear ends/transfer cases/transmissions out over earlier or ever later year Rangers. Am I getting myself into a pile of work?

 

Welcome to the forum

2008 4x4 4.0l auto will have a 5R55E automatic
Interchangeable with 2001 - 2011 4x4 4.0l transmission from Ranger or Mazda B4000, must be 4x4, 2WD won't work

Transfer case can be 1998 to 2011 BW1354, but check rear flange for diameter on yours, you can always change it and you are getting a new driveshaft anyway so can match it

Rear Driveshaft from 1998-2011 4x4 extended cab will bolt in(engine and trans don't matter), they should all be a one-piece shaft from 1998 and up

Rear axle ratio MUST MATCH front axle ratio
Look on drivers door label under AXLE, then look here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...le_codes.shtml

Get your 2 digit code, that will tell you the ratio of front and rear
If you have two numbers so an OPEN differential, I would replace it with a L/S differential, letter and number, of the same ratio, much better traction in 2WD or 4WD
8.8" is best with 4.0l engine size
1993 to 2009 rear axles will be bolt in, 2010/11 have rear disc brakes so require some e-brake cable changes, but still bolt in