Best rearend to use w/ a 302???

Just wondering what would be the best rearend to use in an extended cab mazda?? Going to be starting a new project soon and need sum suggestions.Thanks

Ford 9" maybe?

8.8 out of a Ranger works perfect without shortening, I just put a 7.5 from an 88 Ranger and it tucks nicely with an 18x7.5 wheel

I have a 8.8 in my truck with a 302.

Ok that will work. Now what year ranger?? Does the year matter?? Did you guys stay iwht the ranger lug pattern or change it as well??

I believe that its any of the box style Rangers, I know that with mine, the 88 7.5, my 18x7.5 (+45 offset)with a 225/40r18 fits with maybe 1.5" inside at the top of the bed on each side. And I did keep the 5 bolt, same pattern as the Toyota swaps for the front.

ok kool deal. I didn't know that the fords and the toyota's were the same lug pattern!! Now for the next question what did you do for the driveshaft???

Go with the 8.8 rear found in the 4.0 equiped rangers. same 5x4.5" bolt pattern. if you want to get fancy, get one out of a v8 explorer and you will have factory disc brakes.
as far as the shaft, you will most likely have to get one built locally depending on your transmission choice, and what rear you end up choosing. I did a v8 swap in my ranger and had to get a new shaft cut to accomidate the ford c6 tranny and the new rear

Explorers need to be shortened as well though, I think they are around 5" wider or something like that.

DONT USE A 7.5 USE AN 8.8 ITS STRONGER GET ONE OUT OF A EX-PLODER IT HAS DISK BRAKES. (7.5 IS NOT STRONG ENOUGH JUST SO YOU KNOW) OR DO WHAT I DID IRS CAMBER ALL THE WAY AROUND CANT BEAT THAT. GOOD LUCK WITH THE PROJECT