Which part are you trying to get straight? Which one you have?

 

I know I have a Dana 50. I thought all the front ends on these trucks were the same 99-03? Thats what I was confused about. What's the difference and how and one tell them apart? I'm always ready to learn when I log in to FTE

 

Unless you have a dually all the front ends were the same 99-2002 IIRC Dana 50's Duallies had Dana 60 fronts, and 2003 up unless it is an excursion which always had the 50. Hard to differentiate one from the other IMO without the ID tag. Inside the axles of a 50 taper to 44 size and the ring gear is smaller.

 

Sorry to disagree but the Dana 50's and 60's are spread all over the map from 99-04. Generally earlier you are more likely to have a Dana 50 and later a Dana 60 but the only true way to tell is with the tag as you mentioned or with measurements.

Measure from the mounting surface of the diff cover (on the housing) back to the very end of the housing where the pinion comes out.

edge of housing to edge of housing = 12.5" = D50

edge of housing to edge of housing = 13.5" = D60

 

Thanks for clearing that up, Im sure that will come in handy
What kind do we have in the rear?

 

No need to be sorry, nothing wrong with disagreeing, that's how we all gain more knowledge by questioning everything and testing and checking for ourselves. All the trucks that I have messed with this has been accurate for me personally, and I know that the pinion is set back as well.

 

Here is another way to help identify them too


Dana 50 = 229
Dana 60 = 248
Dana 70 = 267
Dana 80 = 286

The three digit model number is cast into the center section, upside down, on the passenger side above the horizontal reinforcement rib. The three digit model number is also on the paper assembly tag in a box in the bottom right corner.
In my case, a 2000 F350 SRW has a Dana 50 or Model 229.

Edit: Should have been 2000 not 2003 but same difference.

 

Same thing with my Early 99, it had a Dana 50 as well.

 

Reviving one of my older threads, but using the calculator here:

4Lo.com :: Final Gear Ratio, Crawl Ratio, Tire Size Calculators

at 65 mph, 33" tires, and the 0.71 final drive ratio in the 4r100:

Shows me at 2020.5 rpm with 4.30 gears.

Whereas it shows me at 1926.6 rpm with 4.10 gears.

I'm thinking that if those numbers are correct, the 4.30 would get me more into the power range I am looking for when towing.

Any arguments otherwise???

 

No arguments at all. Go with the 4:30's

 

I agree as well. 4.30 will be much better for you than the 4.10 set.
I have been driving around in my F450 for the last couple of days and it's turning 2500 rpm at 65 mph with 4.88 gears which I think it just a little bit much for flat land towing (225/70R19.5F tires). It would be nice to have a lower gear ratio if possible. However, in my case I normally tow my RV through the mountains so having the 4.88 gear might work out for me. Not sure yet because this truck is new to me so I still need to hook up the trailer and see how it does.

If I find that I begin to travel longer distances in the coming years then I might look into some type of aftermarket overdrive unit or possibly re-gear to 4.30. It doesn't look like I am going to be wearing out these tires anytime soon so getting taller tires probably isn't in the cards for me.

 

You will be higher than that going off of my 36.7" tires and 4.30 gears.

 

Hey Jeff, thanks for the input, real-world is definitely more valuable than an abstract calculator. Can you give me some numbers, like where your RPMs are at 65 and 70? Thanks!

 

Jeff come on back with numbers. My son just picked up his 6.0L and 4.56 gears. It is diffinent difference. But on the upper end not so bad around town. He's got some driving this weekend and will know more then. He has 35 tires. Tried to talk him into 4.30 but he is pulling 16K at least.
Chet

 

at 65 I'm a shade over 2k, I'll have to get back to you guy's on 70mph cause it's been awhile since I took my truck past 2k! It starts sucking the fuel pretty good then!