Diff Gear Replacement

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Mar 6, 2011 | 04:51 PM

TulieMark

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Joined: Apr 2010

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Diff Gear Replacement

Seeking some advice from the knowledgable folks on this forum:

I have a 1994 F150XLT - single cab, long bed, 5.0 V8, automatic and 3.08 diff gearset. Thinking of upgrading to 3.50 - 3.73 gearset to better tow my 18 foot toyhauler (about 4500 lb loaded). It has been about 25 years since I last rebuilt a differential - but don't think the basics have changed all that much.

Any suggestions on best brand of gears? Any particular issues I should be aware of before swapping gears?

Thanks - this place has been a my "go to" site for information.

TulieMark

Mar 6, 2011 | 11:49 PM

Boss94

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Joined: Mar 2011

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From: Northern Illinois

You cant really go wrong on gear brands unless they're not made in America.
But I'd just make sure of the basic things such as pinion placement on the ring (too snug/too loose). And to check them after 500 miles.

Mar 7, 2011 | 07:33 AM

Lazy K

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Joined: Jan 2005

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A lot of guys here swear by ringpinion.com and also check out drivetrainspecialists.com for quality stuff.

Mar 7, 2011 | 08:46 AM

Conanski

FTE Legend

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 31,930

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From: Ottawa, Ontario

If you have an OD trans go right to 4.10s.. especially if the tires are at all larger than stock. If tires are stock or close 3.73 is the sweet spot for this powertrain, but if you choose 3.55 I'd suggest simply digging a complete rear axle out of a junkyard as that ratio was easily the most common.