Hi this is my first post on ranger forums so bare with me. My 2002 Ford ranger 4.0 has bad spider gears. As I do my research into rear ends and my options I look at everything cost pretty much the same. I can rebuild it for somewhere around $300, I can get a whole new used rear end for around $300, or I can get some sort of locker for around $300. I currently have a limited-slip rear with 410 gears. I would like to go back to the same rear end if I were to just swap out one. So here's my question on that. The OEM number for this rear end is V333B which my look that up it says it is not a locking axle. But when I read information elsewhere they tell you if your rear end has the big giant s clip in the rear end then you have the locking axle. The Ford factory locking axle. So I'm asking all of you what would you do if it were yours? Should I do some upgrades if so what upgrades? Should I get a 31-spline axle what other axles can I go with? Etc. Thank you all for time any feedback is appreciated. I'll try to answer any questions timely.

 

So many questions... Spider Gears, you can just add on of the Quick Locker, names evade me, you take out the Spider Gear and slip in the locker.
OR you can change the whole differential with a either a lined slip or locker, depending on the size of your pocket book.

Then there is the Explorer Rear Axle, usually they have a 31 spline, limited slip diff, gear ratios can vary, they need a slight mod to fit the Ranger AND... drum roll, if you buy a newer year you can get disc brakes.

You can also look around for a FX4 rear axle, it will bolt in, has a limited slip and the gear ratios... usually 4.10s but check it out. Only problem there aren't many around and the price is going up.

Read up on rear axles on this and other Ranger Sites.

Ltr

 

How do you know the spider gears are bad? Don't think I ever heard of that happening.
That big 'S' clip is a preload spring for the limited slip. I don't think rangers ever had a locking diff, just limited
slip. And chances are on a 2002, the limited slip clutches are worn by now and need replaced.