8.8" Ranger rear end ratio

Topsterguy · October 01, 2007, 10:03:43 PM

Okay, I'm building a 40 Ford pickup using SBC and a BW super T-10 4 speed. I've got a chance at a newer 8.8 out of a Ranger that has 3:73 gears in it. I'll be running 25575x15 tires. What's the feeling about these gears being too low for overall driving, keeping in mind that I tend to travel a lot in my cars? ( I've got a 700R4 in my 32 coupe with 3:55's using the same 25575x 15's and it's perfect on the hiway). Thanks! Larry

kb426 · October 01, 2007, 10:22:40 PM

I'd say goodbye to the 4 speed and get a 5 speed. The overdrive stuff is really hard to beat. I put 3.50's in mine because I'm concerned about gas mileage. I have a .68 overdrive and a 3.35 first gear.

Topsterguy · October 01, 2007, 10:50:06 PM

Quote from: "kb426"I'd say goodbye to the 4 speed and get a 5 speed. The overdrive stuff is really hard to beat. I put 3.50's in mine because I'm concerned about gas mileage. I have a .68 overdrive and a 3.35 first gear.

Thing is I've got this pretty much new 4 speed already and wanted to use it . :?

tomslik · October 02, 2007, 05:10:25 AM

Quote from: "Topsterguy"
Quote from: "kb426"I'd say goodbye to the 4 speed and get a 5 speed. The overdrive stuff is really hard to beat. I put 3.50's in mine because I'm concerned about gas mileage. I have a .68 overdrive and a 3.35 first gear.

Thing is I've got this pretty much new 4 speed already and wanted to use it . :?

can ya run some taller tires?

Dave · October 02, 2007, 07:12:30 AM

I ran 3.00's in the coupe with a turbo 350 and 285/70's and i got well over 20 mpg. I like tomslick think you need taller tires..
Dave

Topsterguy · October 04, 2007, 11:46:36 AM

Okay, so does anyone know the flange to flange ( backing plate to BP)measurement on the newer Ranger rear ends? I've also got a shot at a complete Chev 10 bolt with parallel leafs etc etc that will go right on to my 40 frame for about the same price, but the guy doesn't know the gears but it does have a 4 speed in it - it came out of a 67 canso. . I can't get the ranger measurement right now cuz it's in a yard miles away.

purplepickup · October 04, 2007, 01:06:46 PM

Quote from: "Topsterguy"Okay, so does anyone know the flange to flange ( backing plate to BP)measurement on the newer Ranger rear ends?

Since someone might be measuring, I'd like to know the distance between wheel mounting surfaces of '95-'01 Explorer 8.8 rear. Thanks.

Edit: Never mind, I found that they are 59.5" wide.

tomslik · October 04, 2007, 05:20:01 PM

Quote from: "Topsterguy"Okay, so does anyone know the flange to flange ( backing plate to BP)measurement on the newer Ranger rear ends? I've also got a shot at a complete Chev 10 bolt with parallel leafs etc etc that will go right on to my 40 frame for about the same price, but the guy doesn't know the gears but it does have a 4 speed in it - it came out of a 67 canso. . I can't get the ranger measurement right now cuz it's in a yard miles away.

just had a 97 4x4 ranger in and it appears to be 57".
not a real accurate measure as i didn't have the wheels off...but should be fairly close, +/- 1/2"

Topsterguy · October 05, 2007, 12:29:31 AM

I measured a 2001 Ranger today and it was 57" outside to outside of the drums - exactly what I need. I'd heard that the Explorer was wider.

Topsterguy · October 11, 2007, 01:29:43 AM

The update - I've decided to sell the 4 speed and go with a 700R4 again! Seeing as the truck will be driven a lot I figure that shifting all the time will be a hassle eventually, and the 770 in my coupe works just fine!