I'm new to this site and also new to differential problems so please excuse my ignorance if any. I need all the help i can get

I have a 2002 ford ranger edge 4x4 with a open 8.8 differential and a 3.73 gear ratio....My spider gears must have locked up and bent the carrier pin (if thats what it's called) and sent my spider gears through my diff. cover and messed up my carrier.

But my question is....I'm having trouble finding a rear end with my gear ratio.....how important is it to have the same gear ratio? or is it a must? I'm also wondering if i have any other options as far as rear ends go....I don't have much money so i'm not picky. Any help is much appreciated. Thank You

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2002 Ford Ranger Edge 4X4

Trac-lok 8.8 with 3.73 Gears

extremal impotent to have the same gears in back as in front you can change the rear just as long as your change the front too

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95 Ranger XLT 4x2 2.3 I4 5 speed 206,000 *dead*
96 Ranger XLT 4x4 4.0 V6 5 speed 173,000 *alive*
D35 front, 8.8 rear, 3.73 gears, limited slip rear diff

That's what I thought...thank's. I knew my uncle didnt know what he was talking about...lol.....I'm no expert....but this obstacle sure is making me learn I guess it makes sence that the front and back wheels should not be rotating at different speeds...

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2002 Ford Ranger Edge 4X4

Trac-lok 8.8 with 3.73 Gears

I think your best option would be to find a carrier and replace the ring and pinion gears with a after market set of the ratio you need.

I take it the axle housing fine and usable?

I would replace the carrier bearing and the pinion bearing too...

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2011 Ranger XLT 2x4,4.0 SOHC, 5 Speed Auto, 3.55 Rear. Oxford White.

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

Torque it down till it breaks off, then back it off 1/4 turn.

Go to car part dot com searches all the junkyard for whatever you want. Just put in postal code and find the closest one

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97 Ranger sxt 4.0 4x4

If it was 2wd it wouldn't matter, you could throw in whatever you wanted. Or you can throw in whatever you want & never use 4wd again, your call. HOWEVER if you can, get the same ratio, 3.73s, with a limited slip diff. It will be better off road, and in snow.

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2002 Ranger 3.0 XLT | 5Speed | Flareside | 2wd | 3.73open |
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really? where in canada are ya at? theres loads by me.

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