I've never done an axle swap, but I'm mechanically inclined within reason, and I am more than capable of learning. I'm planning on throwing some 32s or 33s on my truck in the near future, but my current gears are 3.55. From what I understand it would be easier, more cost effective, and significantly less technical to simply swap the rear axle of a 4wd with 4.10s into my 2wd edge. How difficult is an axle swap, and what tools would I need to do it? I have all of the basic hand tools and I've got a buddy who can lend me an impact, but thats about it, I have nothing specialty. Also what years are compatible? I have a 2004 4.0l. I know the truck would be a dog with the 3.55s and 33s and I might run it that way for a little while, but I don't want that prolonged wear and tear, as well as my personal frustration on its slowness. Would anyone mind running me through the details of the job? Thanks in advance, and yes I did use the search option, but couldn't really find what I needed, though I know it has been discussed before I'm sure.

 

1993 to 2009 will be plug and play swaps

Doesn't need to be a 4x4 rear axle, many 2WD Rangers came with 4.10 ratios, and every 4x4 Ranger I have had was 3.73, no 4.10s

Limited Slip is also good to look for
You will probably want 8.8" axle but 7.5" is fine, if thats all you can find, you WILL NOT break it



You need to to have 3 jacks, one needs to be floor jack with wheels or good stands and one floor jack

You will jack up the frame so rear wheels are off the ground, axle is hanging
Remove the wheels
Remove the brake drums and E-brake cables from wheels and axle
Remove the one rubber brake line that runs to top of axle, remove it at the Frame end

Remove/drop the drive line
Good time to do u-joints

There are 4 U-bolts that hold the axle to the 2 leaf springs, the nuts can be tough to remove, so before you start clean threads(wire brush) and spray with lube and/or penetrating oil
You can price out replacement U-bolts, and cut the old ones off as needed, sawz-all or torch
There are kits with longer U-bolts and spacers to lift the bed to a higher ride height, your choice

Have the floor jack under the axle supporting it when removing U-bolts, it is not "balanced" so will tilt to one side, lower it down and pull it out

7.5" and 8.8" axles use the same size U-bolts
1983 to 2009 used the same size U-bolts
But 1983 to 1992 axles are 2" narrower

You can use 2010/2011 Ranger rear axles, they have disc brakes, but U-bolts are larger and there is some modification needed for different brakes