So back in December I picked up a set of 15" hoof print rims off of a '95 4x4 with tires (2 new, 2 worn) and the complete rear end (leaf springs/driveshaft too) for $300 off of craigslist. I had intended on powdercoating the 15" rims and using them on my '99 2wd Ranger to replace the factory steel wheels. But before I did, I put them on craigslist and sold them for $275. The same day I picked up a complete set of 16" Explorer rims (type 66 I think) with center caps for $75. So I had those powdercoated black by a coworker and mounted up a set of LT225/75/16 Yokohama Geolander A/T-S tires. I'm happy with my tire size choices but I'd like to see if LT245/75/16 tires would clear. https://picasaweb.google.com/gruyter/Ranger# Now I'm saving up to rebuild the 8.8 rear end with either 4.10 or 4.30 gears and a torsen differential or if I come across one from a FX4 to swap over.

 

nice truck man

 

i've never heard of 4.30 gears. i thought it was 4.10, 4.55/56 then 4.88.

truck looks good

 

Yes, I do think the mudflaps are nice, but they got to go.

 

Nice wheels. Gives it a Cop car look.

 

Those pics are of the good side (it was the victim of a hit and run just in front of the passenger taillight caving in a large section of bedside) and since it's dirty you can't see all the little dings and scratches from using the truck to maintain my property (hauling limbs, firewood, rocks, mulch, etc.)

Summit Racing lists 4.30 ring and pinion sets so I'm assuming they work with the Ranger 8.8 rear end. I just want to make 5th gear usable in my truck other than downhill with the wind at my tail. I could also benefit from a lower first gear around my property and since I only commute 24 miles roundtrip to work each day, I'm not terribly concerned about fuel mileage nor do I think it will change much based on my calculations.

 

nice, pretty much what i did to my stock rims on my 99 ranger and i have the same tires just 30x9.5 and love them. They handled great in the snow and i should get another opportunity to test them out in the next day or two :)