I put a 302 in my 89 ranger xlt,what would be a good rear end and gear ratio to use

 

Welcome to the forum

What transmission model?

And what horse power do you have now, or are planning on in the future?

302/5.0l is about 200-215HP stock

Ford Ranger 8.8" axle will bolt in and can handle up to 300-325HP

The 1990-1992 Ranger 8.8" is the same width as your current 7.5", they only came with the 4.0l engines

The 1993-2011 Ranger 8.8" is an inch wider on each side, so 2" overall, but the spring perches are the same width so bolt right in to an '89

The 2010/11 Ranger 8.8" have rear disc brakes, if thats wanted


Higher rear axle ratio like 4.10 gives better off the line power
Lower gives better top speed, like 3.08

3.73 was the most common Ranger axle ratio

The 8.8" also came in Limited Slip(positraction) or OPEN
Most Ranger 4x4s had Limited Slip, not all, most