Rear Axle Swap= Front swap?? Gears?

[LeeV]

I'm getting ready for an engine swap, and have access to a couple of Ford 8.8 rear axles with different gears (4.10, 3.73...), but was told that the front has to match. I have an 88 YJ with the 258 6cyl/5 speed, but can't seem to find out which gears are in the Dana 30! Any ideas? I'm not building a monster rock crawler; just a fun toy for the beach, highway, and sometimes the woods - even though the engine going in is a Vortec 6.0 V8. The articles I've read about putting in the Explorer's 8.8" rear axle have not once mentioned changing the front axle. What gives???? Thanks for any ideas, ~Lee

[BlackYJ]

Yes your gear ratios HAVE to match or you will generade your t-case and maybe more. Based on your stock drivetrain you probably have 3.07s or 3.55s. Depending on the tire size, will depend on the gear ratio you will want.

[LeeV]

So should I change the front axle, or try to find 3.73 gears for the D30?
Thanks for the help, BTW!

[kent l]

This swap works best with a
(6 cylinder)
If you are going to run 32 or 33 tires you will want the ford 8.8 with 4.10 gears. Then get gears to match in the front axle. One set of gears on this swap

(For a 4 cylinder)
If you are going to run 32 to 33 inch tires get a set 4.56 gears for the front dana 30 to match the ford 8.8 4.56 gears in the rear end. Two sets of gears here on this swap.