94 ranger diff swap
Welcome to the forum
Ranger used two different rear axles, 7.5" and 8.8" which would of course have different differentials
Look on your drivers door tag to see which one you have, info here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...le_codes.shtml
You can swap the whole axle assembly using 7.5" or 8.8", either will just bolt in and driveshaft will bolt on
For 1994 Ranger 1993 to 2009 Ranger or Mazda B-series will be "plug and play", and have the same width, 1983-1992 are 1" narrower on each side but will just bolt in, frames are same width
Explorer axles can be used but cutting and welding is needed for spring perches, this is a popular swap to get rear disc brakes
2010/11 Ranger had rear disc brakes, and axles will just bolt in, but brake lines and e-brake setups are different just like on Explorers
Ranger used two different rear axles, 7.5" and 8.8" which would of course have different differentials
Look on your drivers door tag to see which one you have, info here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...le_codes.shtml
You can swap the whole axle assembly using 7.5" or 8.8", either will just bolt in and driveshaft will bolt on
For 1994 Ranger 1993 to 2009 Ranger or Mazda B-series will be "plug and play", and have the same width, 1983-1992 are 1" narrower on each side but will just bolt in, frames are same width
Explorer axles can be used but cutting and welding is needed for spring perches, this is a popular swap to get rear disc brakes
2010/11 Ranger had rear disc brakes, and axles will just bolt in, but brake lines and e-brake setups are different just like on Explorers
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Member
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 3
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From: Pico Rivera ca
Welcome to the forum
Ranger used two different rear axles, 7.5" and 8.8" which would of course have different differentials
Look on your drivers door tag to see which one you have, info here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...le_codes.shtml
You can swap the whole axle assembly using 7.5" or 8.8", either will just bolt in and driveshaft will bolt on
For 1994 Ranger 1993 to 2009 Ranger or Mazda B-series will be "plug and play", and have the same width, 1983-1992 are 1" narrower on each side but will just bolt in, frames are same width
Explorer axles can be used but cutting and welding is needed for spring perches, this is a popular swap to get rear disc brakes
2010/11 Ranger had rear disc brakes, and axles will just bolt in, but brake lines and e-brake setups are different just like on Explorers
Ranger used two different rear axles, 7.5" and 8.8" which would of course have different differentials
Look on your drivers door tag to see which one you have, info here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...le_codes.shtml
You can swap the whole axle assembly using 7.5" or 8.8", either will just bolt in and driveshaft will bolt on
For 1994 Ranger 1993 to 2009 Ranger or Mazda B-series will be "plug and play", and have the same width, 1983-1992 are 1" narrower on each side but will just bolt in, frames are same width
Explorer axles can be used but cutting and welding is needed for spring perches, this is a popular swap to get rear disc brakes
2010/11 Ranger had rear disc brakes, and axles will just bolt in, but brake lines and e-brake setups are different just like on Explorers
so what year Explorer would work for my 94 ranger?
i did want to lower it anyway so the Explorer diff would help with that as well, right? Considering the spring perches are on the bottom of the axle housing.
1994 to 2001 Explorer
This article is a good read for what you want to do: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec..._welding.shtml
You need the explorer springs as well unless you want a 6" drop
Also read the part about shock mounts
"Explorer driver side U Bolt Plates/ Shock Mounts (2). This is the trick, and also a source of bad information on the internet. The Ranger has the passenger shock in front of the axle and the Explorer mounts them both behind the axle. The Explorer shock mount for the driver’s side works perfectly, and a second driver’s side mount rotated the opposite direction works perfectly for the Ranger’s passenger side. The Ubolt Plate/ Shock mount for the Explorer is a single part, and you need two of them, both from the driver’s side. I obtained one with my junkyard Explorer rear end, and bought the other at Ford, the cost was about $35. (Ford Part number F57Z-5798-AE)"
This article is a good read for what you want to do: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec..._welding.shtml
You need the explorer springs as well unless you want a 6" drop
Also read the part about shock mounts
"Explorer driver side U Bolt Plates/ Shock Mounts (2). This is the trick, and also a source of bad information on the internet. The Ranger has the passenger shock in front of the axle and the Explorer mounts them both behind the axle. The Explorer shock mount for the driver’s side works perfectly, and a second driver’s side mount rotated the opposite direction works perfectly for the Ranger’s passenger side. The Ubolt Plate/ Shock mount for the Explorer is a single part, and you need two of them, both from the driver’s side. I obtained one with my junkyard Explorer rear end, and bought the other at Ford, the cost was about $35. (Ford Part number F57Z-5798-AE)"
Member
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 136
Likes: 5
From: MI
I was looking at adding a traction lock differential. I found the part online. Is it very involved? I don't see any directions for it anywhere. I have the 8.8. The part looks like you just open the transfer case and swap them.
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Member
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Pico Rivera ca
1994 to 2001 Explorer
This article is a good read for what you want to do: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec..._welding.shtml
You need the explorer springs as well unless you want a 6" drop
Also read the part about shock mounts
"Explorer driver side U Bolt Plates/ Shock Mounts (2). This is the trick, and also a source of bad information on the internet. The Ranger has the passenger shock in front of the axle and the Explorer mounts them both behind the axle. The Explorer shock mount for the driver’s side works perfectly, and a second driver’s side mount rotated the opposite direction works perfectly for the Ranger’s passenger side. The Ubolt Plate/ Shock mount for the Explorer is a single part, and you need two of them, both from the driver’s side. I obtained one with my junkyard Explorer rear end, and bought the other at Ford, the cost was about $35. (Ford Part number F57Z-5798-AE)"
This article is a good read for what you want to do: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec..._welding.shtml
You need the explorer springs as well unless you want a 6" drop
Also read the part about shock mounts
"Explorer driver side U Bolt Plates/ Shock Mounts (2). This is the trick, and also a source of bad information on the internet. The Ranger has the passenger shock in front of the axle and the Explorer mounts them both behind the axle. The Explorer shock mount for the driver’s side works perfectly, and a second driver’s side mount rotated the opposite direction works perfectly for the Ranger’s passenger side. The Ubolt Plate/ Shock mount for the Explorer is a single part, and you need two of them, both from the driver’s side. I obtained one with my junkyard Explorer rear end, and bought the other at Ford, the cost was about $35. (Ford Part number F57Z-5798-AE)"
You should start your own thread
Setting up a differential requires some specialized knowledge but its all out there in videos and how-tos
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