Obviously everyone has discussed changing out the rear ring and pinion on a Ranger, but what about changing the front axle? I feel painfully ignorant, but is there a regular 8.8" diff up front too, or something different, and whats involved in changing it?

 

there has to be something up front and you would have to change it

 

right, but is it another 8.8 ring and pinion you need, or something else altogether?

 

No. The front diff is a Dana 35, but built a little differant so normal Dana 35 parts wont work, except the R&P, I believe, it has a smaller carrier. But yea, its a D35.

 

you cannot have differnt axle ratios in the front and rear differentials, they must be the same if u r goin to use the 4wd or else you will destroy driveline parts, transfer case, etc

and like jason said, the front is a Dana 35 so it is a completly differnt differntial from the rear 7.5" or 8.8"

 

Actually if I remember correctly you do have different axle ratios on a 4x4. But they're not drastically different, they're very tiny, like "3.11 in back, 3.12 in front" I cannot remember the exact numbers my friends F-150 had, but they are different so that the wheels don't all rotate the same. Someone can explain why they don't rotate equally, im drawing a blank lol. Oh yeah, That is also why you shouldn't drive in 4x4 on dry pavement; you need to allow your tires to sometimes lose a tiny bit of traction so that they don't wind up.

Aaron

 

Ok, so where would someone go to buy a gearset for the front axle?

 

How did you know I was needing to know this...

 

What size gear are you going to get ?

 

4.10's going in an Explorer rear from 3.73

 

Anywhere that has gears will have them. 4WP, DrivetrainDirect, Local Shops, sorry my brains asleep still, thats all I cant think of, but they arnt rare.

 

Check TRS, I think it's called Randy's Ring and Pinion gives a discount to TRS members or something...that's who I'll probably be getting my stuff from. Great reputation among TRS people and you know how hardcore they are.

 

yes you HAVE to have the same gear ratio in front and back be it BOTH 3.73 or BOTH 4.10....if not say bye bye to that transfercase and the trans!

 

Ford and Dana axles do not share the same axle ratios but they are so close it doesnt matter. for example: my dana 44 front is a 3.54:1 ratio and the 8.8 rear is a 3.55:1. but u can not run 3.73:1 and 3.55:1s or it'll bind and well u know, POOF.

 

Brian, I got my stuff from this guy. Give him a call or email or whatever and see what he can do for you on a package deal. You'll probably want to do seals and/or bearings while you're in there, and he can help you out there also.

Jeremy Ayers, J.T. Parts and Accessories (Specializing in Differential Parts and Service)
Phone: 425-879-6192
email: jtsdifferentialsaxles@comcast.net
Website: http://www.ringpinion.biz

 

Will do!
Ok so since I know nothing about all this. Stock is 3.73. I'm putting an Explorer rear with new 4.10's on the rear. What do I need to rebuild that axle and convert the front "axle" to 4.10? Not sure what to get or look for on his site since I don't know what I need.

I'm assuming this is it: Ring & Pinion, Ford 8.8" Reverse Rotation, 4.10 Motive Gear?

 

I should have said: Brian (Wowak) and Bryan -- I was addressing Wowak, so I didn't misspell you name again, Bryan!!!

 

No no no, what you need is a Ring & Pinion for a dana 35 hybrid ford ranger, you want 4.10:1 gears. That should get you what you need. YOu should be able to tell them what you have and what you what. You are also going to need a shim kit, and I hope a pro is installing your gears. Or at least someone who has done it and has all the tools. Good luck.

 

I forgot his name was Brian, I just know him as WOWak.sorry for hijacking your post man.....

It's kool tho John thanx for the info that you gave to WOWak that I stole..MUHAHAHA

 

Yeah a buddy of mine will be doin the work..Thanx for the info man!

 

do they make an ected for the front axle? i at least want limited slip.

 

i dont know about a ected locker but i know they make front lockers for the d35... i personally would go with a l/s to save some money but thats just me!...

 

isnt the D35 in the IFS front a hybrid?

 

I don't think they make a limited slip. Check over at http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/ do a search. I'm pretty sure the only option you have it locker or nothing and that is automatic locker like I have.

And yes the front axle is a dana 35 hybrid.

 

AMEN!!! Without the help I had doing mine, I would have been really struggling. Even with the help we had some issues (tightening the pinion nut for instance -- takes 350 lb/ft to crush the crush sleeve).

A "master rebuild" kit is a great idea. It contains bearings, shims, gear marking compound, seals, etc.