Hey guys just found this forum thought it would be a good place to find some answers. I have a 1999 Ford ranger 2WD with a 3" suspension lift and 31" tires. It has the 4.0 V6/5speed and a limited slip rear end. With the stock tires it was pretty fast for a little truck. It would boil the tires if you gave it some gas a dumped the clutch. Now with the larger tires it is very sluggish. Not so bad but I tow a trailer (around 2500lbs) sometimes and when I have to start out on a hill with my trailer I dont know if its gonna make it. It slips like the clutch is worn out but it is brand new. I think I could go with some lower gears and get my acceleration back and some towing capacity. I dont know what gear ratio it has all I know is that it is a limited slip. What gears should I go with and where do I get them? Can I install them or should a mechanic? The truck is used 99% of the time on the street so nothing to radical. How much will it cost me? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks, Tom.

 

What gears do you have now? If you don't know how to install a set of gears then pay someone to do it. Should run you 200-300 bucks.

 

thats a good estimate for labor, now add on another couple hundred for parts.

 

Yeah I forgot to add that, good catch

A lot of guys get theres from www.completeoffroad.com, they're value gears are actually Yukons (a top brand). I'll be getting mine from http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/ its just a local place that price matches.

 

On the door jamb tag it says R5 for the axle if that tells you anything. I couldnt tell from the rear end tag it just had a bunch of numbers. WHen I have time I will clean the tag to see if I can read it better.

 

It will have numbers and letters. Just put up exactly what it says on the tag and we will tell you what you have.

 

R5 is 3.55 Limited Slip according to this

I'd go with 4.10 gears. I'm sure you'll be satisfied with that unless you plan on getting even bigger tires down the road.

 

I'll second that, 4.10's are good for 31's.
But since 4.10's are common on the newer rangers, you can probably find a complete rear axle from a junkyard with 4.10's and limited slip already in it.
Otherwise you're looking at $500-600 for a re-gear.

 

Seeing as how your 2wd, you might as well just buy an axle out of the junk yard with 4.10's and a Limited slip. Will be easier and cheaper. I got my explorer axle for about $250 and then some spring pads and shock mounts for around $40. So still under $300 for 4.10's and LS