First off, Great site! I've got a ton of great stuff from you guys already. I'm a huge Ford guy, and yeah, I'm another newb with a million questions, and I'm a little computer stupid as well so I hope I'm doing this right.

Recently bought a 96 F250 4X4 460 w/ 5 speed. It has 410's and I don't do much towing. I can get 355's for pretty cheap. What are the pros/cons. It's bone stock with stock tire size 235 85 16. Looking to see if I can pick up a mile or 2 MPG.

Also, she's got just over 100k. What would you do to get it running as good as possible assuming nothing has been done other than oil change etc over the years. What sensors to change, air filter to use, etc. I know it's a beast and will drink fuel like a thirsty camel, but I'd like it to run as efficient as possible. Keep in mind it's a Cali truck , but I'm moving to Alaska soon .

I'll be posting some pics of it soon in my little profile thing as soon as I figure it out. She's a clean rig, XLT....Love it! Thanks for your help fella's.

 

OK you can get the GEARS cheap, or can you get the GEARS INSTALLED and set up properly for cheap?

Used gears are a false economy imo. The downside here is you end up with a leaking howler that soon eats the gears and bearings as it wears out quickly due to the installer being unable to perfectly match the existing pattern in the gears. As always, ymmv on that one.

 

I smell what you're steppin in. The front seems pretty staight forward, but was gonna have a local Ford only guy do the rear. I hear a lot of guys talk about changing gears, but not the nightmare's that can follow I guess. Thanks for the input.

 

New gears, and a guy who has done LOTS of gear changes and set ups, and who has the proper equipment--now you're talking.

BTW, the front is the same job as the rear and just as important.

 

I think the front comes out as one piece in the 96 if I'm not mistaken. Take one out and put the other in. The rear is what needs all the adjustments etc........ I think. I could get an entire rear end for about $200, used obviously, but there'd be no messing it up.

 

You should drive it to my place and we could trade lol...while were at it I'll trade you my E4OD for your 5 speed.... I have 3.55s and want 4.10s..I think the 3.55s actually hurt my MPGS most the time as I'm not running in or close to my powerband...285s slightly bigger than stock...Don't forget these trucks are like bricks with aerodynamics and the same rules don't always apply 100% when it comes to gearing and economy as it does with small vehicles... I would just buy one size bigger tire in your situation instead of spending all that money regearing...

BTW the previos poster is getting at something, gear setup is tricky stuff and really one of those things that does take practice to get it right...

 

I know what you guys are saying. The more I consider it, the more I'll probably keep it the way it is. You never know when I may need to pull my house off the foundation, right?
When you say larger tire size, do you mean wheel and tire or go with more than the stock 85, like a 90 or 95? I want to keep the thinner size for better traction up in the Alaskan snow/ice. I actually just ordered a new pair of skins today, but I went with stock size.
On a side note, do I have to always go back to my email to see replys? And why can't I get my pictures to load in the "Avatar" thing, or gallery? Again, not a computer guy. Nice truck by the way.