I tried searching on this, because I thought there was a thread in here that covered this topic -- if anyone knows where it is, let me know...

Has anyone changed the front and rear axle ratio in their F450? Could someone tell me what the axle's manufacturers are and model in the front and rear?

I'm trying to determine if I can do a gear cange up to a 3.73 ratio in an F450. For our needs, we don't tow heavy enough to need 4.10s or 4.30s, but sure could use the bed capacity for a large slide-in camper.

Thanks!

 

They are Dana axles (110 rear 60 front) and the only R&P sets available are the 4:30s or 4:88s

 

Thanks Mikey2000, that's what I needed to know...

 

Before you give up, call Fleet Pride. (Google for thier number, I have it at work, but at home right now.)
I was inquiring the same thing to them about it and there is a lot more available than just those two ratios.
I have a 1999 F550 with the Dana 135 and there was a ton of different gear ratios available, but the kicker is that the reluctor ring for the VSS needs to be modified on a lathe to fit any ratio other than 4:88 as it was explained to me.
I had other plans to attend to and the truck was at home so I stopped there and haven't revisited that subject yet.
The one that I called is based in Seattle, but they are nationwide. The man that I talked to told me that he just got off the phone with someone else asking the same questions as me.

 

I talked to Gear Venders today. Looking at using one to change the rear in my F550 4x with 4.30's. They say it's one of their hottest sellers right now. With it engaged you will end up at 3.35 if I remember. ( can't find my notes) Won't help in 4WD but there you would want the 4.30's anyways most likely.

Any one who's got one chime in. I'm curious how you like it.

 

I just bought one today to put in my F550, I did a lot of reading and research before I went ahead with it. The F450 and 550 have a Super dana 60 in the front with a different center section so the r&p is different than the reg dana 60 front. There were 2 rear axles used in the 450's that I know of, the dana 80 and the 110. Changing the gears in the front and rear for me come out way more exsensive than the Gear Vendor unit and now I still have the option of the lower gear. Yes there is alot of other ratios available 4:30 and 4:88 were the only ratios available from Ford. I'll try to find some of the links I saved when I was looking around for info and post them up. Hope this helped.

Good luck, Ron

 

Here's a link with a bunch of axle info search here

The Expert - Librarian - Information for driveshafts, u-joints, axles, heavy axles, light axles, Driveline

 

Another. Hope this helps

http://www2.dana.com/pdf/X510-2.PDF

Supplier for gears

Welcome To ACCU Auto Parts

 

Thanks for the links, Ron -- I didn't see any application for an '08 F450, and I originally asked this Q in the 6.4 section, and didn't mention the year, since the '08+ F450 only comes with the 6.4. Sorry if by the time the admins moved this it got confusing...

The gear vendors solution sounds promising, but I was hoping for more of a "hidden" change -- dealer would have to drive the truck and recognize the RPM difference to know a change was made (before they void the drivetrain warranty... )

 

That explains why I couldn't find it where I thought I saw it originally. For what it's worth the manager at the dealer I took my F550 to didn't seem all that concerned over the Gear Venders unit, and according to GV the warranty should be unaffected. The manager seemed more concerned with chipping the motor than the OD which might affect the tranny. You know what it means if you do have a problem however... If they WANT to void the warranty they will find a good excuse regardless what you do.

My guess is that I should save almost $2k in fuel using the mileage numbers from last year. That pays for the unit in about 50K in mileage if prices stay at $5/gal.

 

blueknightcrew I'd appreciate it if you would keep me informed on how the GV unit works for you. What weight is your truck, rear's you have currently? What kind of mileage do you get loaded / empty before and after? Did you install it yourself, and how hard was it? How does the truck preform if you leave the GV unit engaged full time as opposed to just shifting at top speed into 2xOD? I'll take all the info you are willing to provide.

My truck runs loaded at 12.5K, no towing. I think part of my problem is how the trans is set up to shift but can't get any solid data. I'm really hoping that the GV unit will help with the MPG's since I can't seem to do anything else.

 

I'll keep you all updated,

Later, Ron

 

Thanks! Looking forward to the info.

 

Me too.

.........

 

I looked at doing the GV unit about 12 mos. ago and after researching found that towing heavy may present some problems with it. I did a regear from 4:88 to 4:10 and don't have any complaints. The entire cost was $1,500.00. I towed a 18K 5'r last summer through the mountains of West Virginia and Penn. and had plenty of pulling power and improved fuel economy by 2 mpg.