1987 Ranger with a 1972 Ford LTD 400 6.6 L V8
Edelbrock 750 carb and intake, 484/510 lift stage 2 cam, with a 95 mustang 5spd, with stock Ranger rear end ..need rear suggestions please

 

Welcome to the forum


1992 or earlier 8.8" from a Ranger will work, the 28-spline are fine up to 500HP or so, they are 56.5" wide

The Explorer 8.8" with 31-spline add just an inch on each side so can also be used but the mounts need to be changed, rewelded, 58.5" wide
The 1993 and up Ranger 8.8" still has 28-spline but are 58.5" wide like the Explorers

Ranger 4x4s usually came with Limited Slip rear axle, you can ID L/S by the door label or axle tagged, read here: https://therangerstation.com/tech_li...le_codes.shtml

Not sure you need the 9", width info here: https://therangerstation.com/tech_li...nchAxles.shtml
9" are popular because the ring and pinion are easier to change

 

I would absolutely love to know how they mated a Mustang 5-speed to a 400 with a big block bellhousing, unless it's one of those ultra rare dual bellhousing 400's since it's listed as a 73.

 

Dual?!?

Whoa.

They do make a BB Ford to a T-5 trans. Well, they did about 20 years ago from Jegs

Anyway...that rig must be able to pull down small buildings at low RPM with all that torque

I understand your need to ask about rear ends.

Ron has a good list to start with, but don't forget about u-joints and driveshafts.

 

Yep, some 1973 400's received casting lines for both the small block pattern, as well as the big block pattern. Usually they weren't dual drilled and tapped for both, they were only tapped for the small block housing so they could run an FMX transmission. Enthusiasts dubbed them the 400FMX for this reason.

Block 400 FMX - Clevelands Forever!