Hello, I have just purchased my first Ford two days ago! I have a 1997 Ranger XLT 4x4 with a 4.0 eng. This Ranger runs good and has PLENTY off power for a V6 with over 200,000 mi. I have a few issues with the truck though. Lets start here, I noticed that the speedometer is off around 6 mph. The tires are 33x12.5 R15's, and I'm guessing this is the reasoning for the speedometer being off. I did some research and found that I can replace the speedometer drive gear. I just don't know which one to use. Is this an option? Can I repair this myself? Next, I can't seem to find any #'s on the tranny to identify what type it is. I know that there are 2 possible, 4R44E or 5R55E. The transmission is "stock" and has OD. Also, the pan bolt count is 18 ( if this is helpful) http://tinypic.com/r/e7jbjk/8

 

Use this site and your VIN number to find out what came in your model
https://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenance/vin-decoder/

If you want to find out quickly look on the drivers door label for the Letter under "trans"
T would be a 4R55, 4 speed
D would be a 5R55, 5 speed

A '97 used an electronic VSS(vehicle speed sensor) but still has the gear on its tip.
Not sure if these can be changed like the cable speedo gears.
Google: speedometer correction gears

'94 and earlier were cable driven speedos
'95-'97 used the VSS with gear attached on trans
'98 and up used VSS without gear and could be on rear axle or trans.

The VSS speedometers can be calibrated by Ford Dealers
There are also add-on devices by Dakota Digital that can change VSS pulses for speedo calibration when axles and tires are changed, the SGI-5 Universal Signal Interface Unit will do that.

 

Thanks for the info so quickly. Unfortunately The labels are unreadable.

 

Even the VIN??
Should be on the registration

 

NO...The labels under the hood and inside the door...but i got the info via the link you posted using my VIN # Thx again!

 

What gears are you running with the 33s ?

Reason I ask is, if you plan a gear change to get more power from the little six with larger tires you should wait for the gear change and do it once.

Can you take the pointer off and reposition it ?
Just thinking out loud !

 

I think the ratio is 3.73, but not sure. Everything on this truck is "stock" except the 33's. I do not plan to change the gears as it has all the power I need and is not a daily driver. As far as "taking the pointer off and re-positioning it"..Which way should I turn It? Trail and error?

 

Got it! Finally .....Ford Bronco Speedo Gearing
Thread CLOSED!