Differential swap

GOGOJUICE6

MEMBER
1994 FORD RANGER
2.3L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
108,000 MILES

I'm thinking about swapping my original 7.5 /3.45 g.R differential for a 8.8/3.73 limited slip differential. Is that a smart move? I need a little more speed and less fish tailing.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks a lot.

3 Replies

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

If you are planning to get a complete rear axle then, those axles can be swapped. However, you want to stay within the same year for the replacement axle. As there are length differences for some of them.

As for if this is a good move, it will all depend on what you wish to get out of the truck. As for drivability or performance. So, it could be a good move if that is the direction you want to go. But there are no other known issues with swap of this kind.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-differential-works

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.

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Wednesday, January 12th, 2022 AT 2:17 PM

GOGOJUICE6

MEMBER
76 POSTS

Great. Now, the differentials I've checked all have the 10" brake shoes. Mine are 9". Does it make a difference (other than bigger drums) as braking goes?
Again, thanks for such a fast and awesome response.

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Thursday, January 13th, 2022 AT 5:53 AM

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

If you are getting the complete axle with new brakes, then it should not be an issue. Just make sure that the inner diameter of the wheel is larger enough to accommodate the larger drum.

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Thursday, January 13th, 2022 AT 6:37 AM