I've got a 2011 5 speed manual 4.0 4x4 with a 8.8 3.73 rear end. I bought it used and the rear end is bad. I would like to pick up a used rear end and replace the bad one. What years would be a direct bolt on replacement for the one I currently have?

Thanks for any input on options.

 

Welcome to the forum

2010 and 2011 Rangers came with rear disc brakes, so if you want to keep the rear disc brakes, then those are the only 2 years that would work
And each rear wheel has an ABS sensor

Size wise 1993 to 2009 Ranger or Mazda B-series will work(bolt in) but they have drum brakes
And only 1 ABS sensor on differential

car-part.com is a good place to look for used parts in your area

You want "rear axle assy (4WD)"

And not sure but you "might" be able to pull the axles and remove the disc brakes from current rear end and put them on older rear end, but never read about that swap before so may not be possible

 

10/11 axles are slightly bigger diameter than earlier axles, but not as big as the 31 spline.

 

Does the new rear end have to be ( 4WD ) or will one from a 2WD work? What is the difference between the two?

 

No difference except ratio, 2wd or 4wd used the same models
You would need a 8.8" with 3.73 ratio to match your front axle, but from a 2wd or 4wd wouldn't matter

Ford also offered OPEN or L/S rear differentials in Rangers
OPEN are regular differentials, only 1 rear wheel gets power
L/S is limited slip, both rear wheels get power, much better to have but not required

 

I've been busy with work but I got some tome to work on the 2011 Ranger today. I'm ready to fill the differential but I'm not sure what weight fluid to put in it. Any advice?

 

80w-90 is spec'ed, 5 pints
add 4-ounces of Friction modifier if its a Limited Slip model

You can also buy pre-mix 80w-90 with Friction modifier already mixed in

If you are not sure what you have then put in the Friction modifier, won't hurt OPEN axles

75W-140 Synthetic can also be used, but still need the Friction modifier

 

Thank you RonD.