I've searched up, and read a few similar threads.. but i am going to post here to get some input..

I am running a 1999 Ranger 4WD with 3.73LS. I recently got my superlift on, body lift is going on once i get a few days off work, AND i am running 35 KM2's.

I already know you CANNOT run two seperate gear ratios between the front and rear, but what my question is.. If i gear the rear end, and remove my front driveline, will that be okay until i get the front done? or will that mess things up?

I have the PVH hubs on my truck, and I have a slight understanding of what they do compared to the newer live axles. I was going to jack my truck up, spin the front tires and see if the front drivelines and half shafts spin while 4WD was NOT engaged, But it's dark out now. I wouldn't think that they would since i have the vaccum hubs. Correct me if I'm wrong.

So, anyways, It might sound like a really dumb question but I know some people on here could clear things up. I just want to know if it's okay to run different gear ratios if i pull the front driveline, and DO i even have to remove the front driveline given the fact that i'm not running live axles? It would suck not having 4WD but, i'd rather at least be properly geared in the rear, and then get the front end done before next winter. It's not that big a deal, if it cant' be done then i'll just save up, do it all at once.

Thanks guys!

 

As long as you don't engage the 4x4 then you can run different ratios since you have the PVH hubs.

 

What he said.

 

Thanks guys! Ok, I thought that was something i could do, temporarily. I have only had my Ranger for a few months, i have heard that the PVH are pretty unreliable, such as engaging into 4WD and the hubs not actually locking BUT is there any chance they could be locked, or accidently lock into 4WD while still switched over to 2WD? Just speaking about maybe some sort of mechanical failure and it happening, because that would totally just **** things up. If there is a chance for that, and i do go that route, i best off pull the front shaft and just wait to get geared and also replace it with the dual CV style. What do you guys think?

 

Ah well one thing to keep in mind and while not something I'd say you should do you can do it. I had 4.10's in the rear and 3.73's up front well I wasn't trying to get stuck but happened to get into a bit of mud. Well I threw it in 4x4 so I could get out and as long as the tires are spinning I don't think you'd have a problem. I did it and it didn't cause any issues but just something to keep in mind in case.

 

It doesn't really matter if your hubs engage as long as your t-case doesn't engage, the frontend and rearend will just turn at different speeds. To be on the safe side I would simply drop the front d-shaft until the gear swap's done and go from there. LR

 

^ like he said, as long as the t-case isn't in 4wd you'll be fine.. the hubs could be locked in and it wouldn't matter.

but to be on the safe side you could pull the front drive shaft.

 

Just replace the front hubs with manual hubs. You will want to do it eventually and it is really easy and quick to do. The hubs will run you about $130. This way you are sure the hubs wont some how lock on their own. Although it shouldn't matter as long as the transfer case is not engaged.