Hello y’all, i have an ‘09 ranger xl 4x4 that i plan on turning into a mini overlanding rig. i am relatively new to the truck mechanics world. I have the rough country 5in lift and I would like to put 33s on but have no clue what to do about the axles. i have the stock 7.5, 3.73. i don’t plan on doing any type of rock crawling or anything crazy i just want to be able to take it on some trails, MPG is also a factor for me. should i go with a 7.5 4.10? 8.8 4.56? or just keep the 3.73? with the 33s the 4.56 would be the closest to stock, but again i don’t want the mpg to drop a ton. i also don’t really understand changing the gearing, would i have to replace the entire axle or could it be regeared? does the front axle also need to be replaced or regeared to match the rear? if anyone would be able to inform me id greatly appreciate it.

Also; with the RC lift kit, they recommend upgrading the drive shaft, which they sell on their website. would it be worth it to buy that?
I am fine with investing money into this truck now rather than having things break on the trail.
Thanks

 

First off. 5inch lift and 33" tires means MPG is OFF the table for what you want, if you get above 16mpg you should be patting yourself on the back, lol
And just a heads up, brakes will wear out much faster with larger wheels/tires, they WEIGH alot more

In an 2009 4x4 you should have an 8.8" rear axle, look on the drivers door back edge on the Build Label;, under AXLE there will be a 2 digit code number
Then look here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...le_codes.shtml

All engines have a best torque(power) range
In a 2009 Ranger 4x4 you have to have a 4.0l SOHC engine, it is rated as having best torque at 3,000rpms
So its torque range is 2,700 to 3,300 RPMs, usually 300-400rpms above and below BEST torque
An engine is most efficient, best power and MPG, when its in its torque range


This is where GEARING Comes in, go here: https://spicerparts.com/calculators/...rpm-calculator

Plug in your numbers, 3.73 and 33" tires
And say 65mph

In OD you want engine RPMs to be close to 2,500rpms at 65mph
With 3.73 ratio engine would be LUGGING big time in OD at 1,800rpms, you would HAVE TO leave it in Drive(OD off) all the time
4.56 would only bring it up to 2,200 in OD
So you probably want to go with 5.13 axle ratio front and back

And thats just for highway speeds, you would find starting off in 1st thru 3rd gears to be very sluggish almost painfully slow going with the 3.73, lol, until engine RPMs could get above 2,500
If an automatic you would have to shift manually to get going any faster, i.e. hold it ion 1st until above 3,000 then shift to 2nd and so on

In a 4x4 you have to do BOTH front and rear axles, they have to match

Assuming you have 8.8" in the rear then swapping out the ring and pinion gears on front and back would be best option
Adding a manual locker to the front and a Limited slip to the rear would be good additions at that time

I don't think you would be better off at this time with a 31-spline Explorer axle in the rear

 

Whenever you put a suspension lift on a 1998-2011 Ranger, the stock front driveshaft will fail in short order. The tulip style joints are not able to stand up to the extra angle put on them, and so you'll be stuck on the trail once it breaks. The RC and Skyjacker front driveshafts are pricey, but they have a double-cardan style joint that is much better for lifts and for off-roading.

 

Great answer. Great info.