how to tell gear ratio

[jeepman09]

i have the opertunity to pick from a couple of 8.8's from my local pick n' pull and i want to be able to tell the gear ratio perferably with out taking the cover off! any help on where to look for ratio markings or worst case how exactly do i tell ratios if i remove the cover?

 

thanks in advance :bowdown:

[Pete M]

There should be a tag attached to one of the diff cover bolts that should have a bunch of numbers on it. You're looking for "3 55" or 3L73" or "4 10", etc. if it has the L, it is a posi. If there is a space, it's open.

[HKB3]

spin the axle/hub one revolution, count how many revolutions the yoke goes around. If its from a Explorer most likely it will have 3.73 or 4.10.

3.73s will go around almost 3 3/4 times

4.10 will go around just a little over 4 turns

 

If you end up having to pull the cover Ford gears have the ratio stamped right on them(very easy to see on the pinion gear)

 

 

*EDIT I'm a slow typer :hmm:

[jeepman09]

Thanks guys I will be heading to the pick n' pull sunday i hope i can find a 4 10 amongst them!

 

:cheers:

[mvusse]

spin the axle/hub one revolution, count how many revolutions the yoke goes around. If its from a Explorer most likely it will have 3.73 or 4.10.

3.73s will go around almost 3 3/4 times

4.10 will go around just a little over 4 turns

 

If you end up having to pull the cover Ford gears have the ratio stamped right on them(very easy to see on the pinion gear)

 

 

*EDIT I'm a slow typer :hmm:

 

Actually, if you spin one side with the other side not moving, you'd have to spin it around twice.

[redneck23ms]

if the axles are still in the explorer then look on the drivers door sticker and there will be an axle code. this is what the codes are Explorer

43 Open 3.08

41 Open 3.27

42 Open 4.10

46 Open 3.73

45 Open 3.55

D4 Limited Slip 3.73

D2 Limited Slip 4.10

L73 Limited Slip 3.73