We're struggling to make ends meet on the farm right now. New wheels aren't an option. My wife wont even let me get new tires for my bike because we don't need them.

 

Well... if that's the case.... find some used tires on CL if you need them...

Richard

 

I can get new tires. Just not another truck or a set of axles. I will swap out the gears with some new ones before summer. I have a locker in the back that I'm kinda partial to. And an air locker in the front. Gears are easy. I wonder how high I can go and not lose too much pulling power. 3.55 sounds like about it for what I need to do.

 

If you can do gears, go for it... Many can't setup the gears right and buying a whole used axles is often much cheaper than the labor and cost of the R&P.

Richard

 

If your only running 31 or 32 inch tires, you should do alright with your mods and 3.55's.

With the stickshift and hauling, you can wind the engine out better before shifting to reduce low RPM torque when you got the camper in and stuff.

Huge difference in MPG's with 3.55's.
Just less get up and go.

I love my 4.10's. But sometimes I wish they were 3.55's.

I'd suggest a gear vendor, but they can get a bit hot from heavy hauling.
That will give you an over drive for all gears.
I'd love one myself. 2400 RPM's at 70 sucks.
Though I've found running in my 100 HP tune that I get better fuel mileage on the highway.

 

Having been a Ford, GM, tractor dealer mechanic and Navy and Army engineer does have it's benefits for doing it yourself. I actually have an extra rear end off my 97. It's a one wheel spinner with 4.10. I am probably going to rebuild it I think with a 3.55 and the locker out of the one on the truck.

 

You're not the only who has found that. Lots of people have said they get their best economy on their highest HP setting and using a light right foot

 

I would love 3.55s in my truck... I don't tow that often and I do drive to california on occasion (about 900 miles each way).

Richard

 

Yep I run around in 100-140

 

Only reason I use the 80 hp anymore is so I don't smoke the cops out in town.

They are not as enthusiastic about smoking out an intersection or stretch of highway as we are.

 

RRranch, if you go to the Rock Auto website they have gears for a good price. They're called American Standard I think but they're actually made by Yukon gears (same part numbers and everything). The 3.55 will lower the rpm's about 14% compared to the 4.10's and will save yoou a ton!

As for tires, go to the stock 235/85R16 tires; they're cheap, and they have very little rolling resistence.

Another thing I can think of is propane injection, I know ATS has a system (not sure how much it costs) but I'm sure others make them. Also, freeing up your exhaust and intake will help.