ratios rear axle assembly

1998 FORD RANGER
125,000 MILES • 3.0L • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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LORAJOE
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This truck has is a 4x4 with a non locking 7.5 ring 3.73 ratio rear axle assembly on it. All the junk yards say the 1993 the 1997 assemblies are interchangeable and 1999 the 2009 assemblies are interchangeable. What is the difference in the 1998 Ranger rear axle assembly that makes not interchangeable? Can I put a 8.8 ring 3 L 73 ratio rear axle assembly on to replace it and not change the front axle assembly?
May 9, 2016 at 8:10 PM
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MHPAUTOS
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If you run different ratios front to back you will damage the transmission/transfer. I would say that the ratio may have changed between the two models.
Jun 7, 2021 at 12:51 PM
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LORAJOE
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Yes, I know that. I think the 3.73 and 3 L 73 are the same ratio it's just that 3 L 73 is limited slip and 3.73 is non locking. In my way of thinking, the axles and wheels on a 8.8 ring gear with 3.73 shaft gear or 7.5 ring gear with 3.75 shaft gear will turn the same distance in 1(one) full turn. Am I wrong?

Now for part two of the problem.

Is the 1998 rear axle housing made with different mounting locations such as leaf spring locations or something like that, so it will not fit on the other rangers and the other rangers will not fit on the 1998 model?
Jun 7, 2021 at 12:51 PM
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STRAILER
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Hi LORAJOE,

As long as the ratio is the same you are good, it doesn't matter the ring gear size. The mounts can be changed from rear end to rear end, you will need to cut them off and weld as needed.
Jun 7, 2021 at 12:51 PM
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