3.55s vs 4.10s
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 4,063
Likes: 2
From: Southeastern IL
3.55s vs 4.10s
Hey guys. Iv got.. well... read my sig lol. Its sportin some 3.55s which, I wont disagree, havent let me down yet. After pullin a trailer and runnin in our local dirt drag races has left me wonderin if 4.10s would better suit my needs. I get a good 11 mpg with my current set-up which definitly isnt bad since Im runnin that mighty 460. How will 4.10s effect my low-end and mpg?
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,179
Likes: 1
From: Pueblo, CO
I have 3.55's in my '90 F250 460/c6. It did about as well as I could expect of a 20+ year old truck. If money allowed I'd probably drop down to a 4.56 and put in a gear vendors OD but it would probably cost about as much as a diesel swap. The 460 is a gas hog no matter what so going down to 4.10s will give you more grunt without a big hit at the pump.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 11
From: Puyallup, WA
I went from 3.55 to 4.10's in my 1990 F250 / 460 / E4OD / 2wd / regular cab. It is absolutly stock in the running gear department right down to the proper offset factory rims, set up to haul / tow as much as possible. And I do use it to maximum rated capacity.
It got about 8 mpg before, and it still gets about 8 mpg but does pull better. It also has helped with "compression" braking. I would not go back to 3.55's
My use for the truck is well, what truck is made for, hauling and towing. It has a 900 lb dump bed insert, and well, it is NOT used as a commuter, so my milage reflects its true "truck" use as well as that constant 900lb load.
Just my take on things. David
It got about 8 mpg before, and it still gets about 8 mpg but does pull better. It also has helped with "compression" braking. I would not go back to 3.55's
My use for the truck is well, what truck is made for, hauling and towing. It has a 900 lb dump bed insert, and well, it is NOT used as a commuter, so my milage reflects its true "truck" use as well as that constant 900lb load.
Just my take on things. David
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,179
Likes: 1
From: Pueblo, CO
With the lower gear ratio it's easier for the truck to get moving so that might balance out the lack of top-end. Plus, like I said before, the 460 is just a plain gas hog. The old-timers I've talked to that had the old carb'd trucks said the nice thing is it'll get 8mpg all the time no matter what. going empty down hill or dragging a house with a headwind it stays the same. 
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 4,063
Likes: 2
From: Southeastern IL
^^^ Mines the same lol. I can rod the hell out of it and it MAY get low 10s (like 10.4 compared to about 10.8... I round my gas mileage lol).
Well its sure soundin like 4.10s are better all around lol. I dont plan on goin 140 mph so the top end part really doesnt bother me. Im more into utelizing that massive grunt of the 460!
Well its sure soundin like 4.10s are better all around lol. I dont plan on goin 140 mph so the top end part really doesnt bother me. Im more into utelizing that massive grunt of the 460!
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
I won't argue that 4.10s will improve the trucks pulling power, but the only reason you didn't completely dust the whole field at those drag races is because your 4wd wasn't working, so manual hubs and a thouough once-over of the whole front end to ensure everything is in top working order should be #1 on your list.
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,250
Likes: 1
I'd say if you're going to tow often, get the 4.10 gears. I'm in the same boat with 3.55 and I've never not been able to pull a load, but it takes a while to get going sometimes. A work truck I drove ('88, 460, c6) seemed to run like a raped ape with a load behind it in comparison. I can't comment on mileage since it had no OD and it had more than a few of it's own engine issues which caused unusually low fuel mileage, usually 5-7 mpg unloaded.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 4,063
Likes: 2
From: Southeastern IL
I won't argue that 4.10s will improve the trucks pulling power, but the only reason you didn't completely dust the whole field at those drag races is because your 4wd wasn't working, so manual hubs and a thouough once-over of the whole front end to ensure everything is in top working order should be #1 on your list.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,179
Likes: 1
From: Pueblo, CO
A locker in the front will only ensure both tires are turning if the 4wd is engaged. Make a big difference off road but if you use your truck in winter you will hate it because it will make it very hard to steer. A selectable locker would be better if you get snow and ice on the roads.
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 4,063
Likes: 2
From: Southeastern IL
Selectable lockers are expensive though lol. I just looked up some air lockers... $1100 front and $1100 for the back. I dont even think that included the on-board compressor and such
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,179
Likes: 1
From: Pueblo, CO
No argument here, it's not cheap. I'd look at an electric unit so then you don't have to spring for air too. It's only neccisary if you use the truck on slick pavement in 4wd. If the front tires are locked together the truck won't want to turn. Of course a front locker is only needed if you like to push it hard off road.
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 4,063
Likes: 2
From: Southeastern IL
Yea, Id basically be spending about $800 for a locker up front that Id use probably once a year at the drags and possibly when it snows and im on the highway lol. But it would be cool if I decide to build my 460 a little and burn all 4 tires 
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
blk450er
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Sep 14, 2018 05:55 AM
junkyardjeff
Big Block V8 - 385 Series (6.1/370, 7.0/429, 7.5/460)
24
May 2, 2006 10:21 PM
monaro-azz
Big Block V8 - 385 Series (6.1/370, 7.0/429, 7.5/460)
20
Jul 24, 2003 02:59 AM