Changing Gears
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Joined: Jul 2013
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Changing Gears
Ok, because of your guys' help, I am now going to get the gears changed instead of purchasing a chip/tuner. Now, I need help with input from all of you lovely people with what gears would be best.
The truck is a 2000 F250 5.4 (gas). It has like 116k on it, 35" tires, and is a 5 speed.
I have seen a lot of people saying that they went with the 4.56, but then another guy said that the 4.88 would be better because of the size of the tires. We don't pull loads a lot. Probably like 6 times a year.
What is your opinion on gears? Is the gas mileage going to be cut drastically? Thanks again for all of your help!!!
The truck is a 2000 F250 5.4 (gas). It has like 116k on it, 35" tires, and is a 5 speed.
I have seen a lot of people saying that they went with the 4.56, but then another guy said that the 4.88 would be better because of the size of the tires. We don't pull loads a lot. Probably like 6 times a year.
What is your opinion on gears? Is the gas mileage going to be cut drastically? Thanks again for all of your help!!!
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,757
Likes: 5
From: Corvallis, OR
What speed do you like to run on the highway?
IMO, the 5.4L should have 4.10 or 4.30 gears stock, so upgrade to 35s and that changes the need to 4.56-4.88s. I'd probably go with the 4.88s unless you like to run over 70-75. They'll give you the most noticeable improvement and will help your in-town mileage. If you spend a lot of time on the highway over 70, then go with 4.56s.
IMO, the 5.4L should have 4.10 or 4.30 gears stock, so upgrade to 35s and that changes the need to 4.56-4.88s. I'd probably go with the 4.88s unless you like to run over 70-75. They'll give you the most noticeable improvement and will help your in-town mileage. If you spend a lot of time on the highway over 70, then go with 4.56s.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
OK, we can figure this out with the automotive calculators available on this site:
Automotive Calculators offer to you by Ford Trucks Enthusiasts | www.ford-trucks.com
Assuming you started with 32 inch tires and 3.73:1 gears, putting 35 inch tires on the truck reduced your effective drive ratio to 3.41:1. To just restore your truck to the effective stock ratio, you need 4.07:1 (4.10 would be the closest gear).
4.30 is the most recommended ratio for towing with a gas engine. To get an effective ratio of 4.30:1 with the 35 inch tires you would need a 4.70:1 gear set. 4.56 or 4.88 are your closest choices, so 4.88 is not that outrageous.
Automotive Calculators offer to you by Ford Trucks Enthusiasts | www.ford-trucks.com
Assuming you started with 32 inch tires and 3.73:1 gears, putting 35 inch tires on the truck reduced your effective drive ratio to 3.41:1. To just restore your truck to the effective stock ratio, you need 4.07:1 (4.10 would be the closest gear).
4.30 is the most recommended ratio for towing with a gas engine. To get an effective ratio of 4.30:1 with the 35 inch tires you would need a 4.70:1 gear set. 4.56 or 4.88 are your closest choices, so 4.88 is not that outrageous.
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 293
Likes: 25
From: Central Illinois
If you only tow occasionally I'd suggest the 4.56 ratio with the tall tires. If you were going to heavy tow quite a bit I'd say go with the 4.88 ratio.
With my stock tires (31.5" tall) and 4.30's what is my effective ratio. I'm a little dense and can't figure out how to do the calculation on the link.
There are a few times when I wish I had went with the 4.56 but those times are so infrequent as to be nearly non-existent. When I'm towing heavy into a stout wind, maybe, but the 5.4 still does just fine and that situation doesn't present itself very often at all.
With my stock tires (31.5" tall) and 4.30's what is my effective ratio. I'm a little dense and can't figure out how to do the calculation on the link.
There are a few times when I wish I had went with the 4.56 but those times are so infrequent as to be nearly non-existent. When I'm towing heavy into a stout wind, maybe, but the 5.4 still does just fine and that situation doesn't present itself very often at all.
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,049
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From: Media PA
The truck is a 2000 F250 5.4 (gas). It has like 116k on it, 35" tires, and is a 5 speed.
I have seen a lot of people saying that they went with the 4.56, but then another guy said that the 4.88 would be better because of the size of the tires. We don't pull loads a lot. Probably like 6 times a year.
What is your opinion on gears? Is the gas mileage going to be cut drastically? Thanks again for all of your help!!!
I have seen a lot of people saying that they went with the 4.56, but then another guy said that the 4.88 would be better because of the size of the tires. We don't pull loads a lot. Probably like 6 times a year.
What is your opinion on gears? Is the gas mileage going to be cut drastically? Thanks again for all of your help!!!
You are OK Ken, your effective ratio is 4.30 because your tire size is stock. The term effective ratio refers to the calculated ratio due to a tire size change, I went with 4.88's from my stock 3.73's becuse I wanted to be around 4.30 for towing, I am eventually getting 35" vs the stock 31.5" tires so then with the 4.88's my effective ratio will be 4.39.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: Santa Fe, TX
I have about the same set up but with an automatic and I pull light loads (<10,000lbs) about twice to three times a month. I went with 4.56s and love them. I was recomended 4.88s but I cruise at 2500rpms 75mph now and I cant see wanting to turn any more revs than that at that cruise speed. 80-85mph is almost out of the question with any head wind. That 5.4 seems to be just making noise in OD at 3000rpm or so.
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Joined: Feb 2012
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i am actually considering this very same thing. like the op i have the 01 5.4 with the 5speed, and 35 inch tires. now fuel mileage isnt a concern of mine but can anyone who has this set up tell me what kind of mpg to expect from the 4.88's.... i know i know it depends on drive style. but i have been averageing a very consistent 12.5 to 13.5 mixed driveing since ive started keeping track in january. oh thats with my factory 4.10s.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: Santa Fe, TX
i am actually considering this very same thing. like the op i have the 01 5.4 with the 5speed, and 35 inch tires. now fuel mileage isnt a concern of mine but can anyone who has this set up tell me what kind of mpg to expect from the 4.88's.... i know i know it depends on drive style. but i have been averageing a very consistent 12.5 to 13.5 mixed driveing since ive started keeping track in january. oh thats with my factory 4.10s.
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 293
Likes: 25
From: Central Illinois
BigBlue, the 3 valve 5.4 must be quite a different animal from the 2 valve engine in reference to torque development. The torque really comes on strong at around 2200 rpm and sticks with you all the way past 4000 rpm.
The engine sounds as if it really likes pulling at 3000 rpm. I've never been around a 2 valve 5.4 so I have nothing to compare to.
The engine sounds as if it really likes pulling at 3000 rpm. I've never been around a 2 valve 5.4 so I have nothing to compare to.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: Santa Fe, TX
BigBlue, the 3 valve 5.4 must be quite a different animal from the 2 valve engine in reference to torque development. The torque really comes on strong at around 2200 rpm and sticks with you all the way past 4000 rpm.
The engine sounds as if it really likes pulling at 3000 rpm. I've never been around a 2 valve 5.4 so I have nothing to compare to.
The engine sounds as if it really likes pulling at 3000 rpm. I've never been around a 2 valve 5.4 so I have nothing to compare to.
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