My 79 F150 ranger lariat is in desperate need of a new rear end. I am looking for advice on which gear ratio to use. The engine is a 460. I am unsure of what ratio is existing. Any help would be appreciated.

 

What tranny are you running and what size tires? Also, are you replacing the whole axle or just the gears? You should look at the tag on the door to see if it lists the gear ratios as they often do. See what you can find out and we'll go from there. Welcome to FTE!

 

Tires are 235/75/15

Automatic tranny.

the door info does not include gear info. The existing rearend is not original, I know it was changed once to give it more top end and less bottom. I am looking to get a bit more botom back, without sacrificing too much on the top.

 

I would look for a 9" rear with 3.50 gears, that will give you a middle of the road ratio good for stock size up to 31" tires.

 

ok, thanks alot.

 

I disagree with a 3.50 behind a 460 unless you are doing a lot of towing of heavy loads.

You really need to find out which ratio you are running and one step up may do the trick. I was running a 2.75 behind a 390 and found it ok empty, but with a truck on a trailer it was ******* my truck. I moved up to a 3.00 and it like it a lot better. A 3.25 would deliver more power to the ground but use more gas. I drive it empty most of the time. IMHO

John

 

Ok, thanks for the advice. I don't haul anything with the truck, it is a show/cruise truck only. I guess I will need to find out what is in it now. Thanks