NEED HELP WITH GEAR RATIO????
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Senior User
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From: Indio,California
NEED HELP WITH GEAR RATIO????
96 f150 lifted 6in with 315-75-16 tires 4.9 and 5 speed stick. it has stock 3:55s that have to go....cause it sucks towing...should i go with 4:10 4:30 4:56? i dont do much highway driving and if i do i dont go over 70mph. i plan on putting a straight axle from a 70s f150 in it also...lets see some opinions....
thanks
thanks
The Southernmost Mod
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Caracas, Venezuela
315 is just a tad over 33" if memory serves (and it often doesn't), 4.10 will be enough if you use it as a DD, but if you want better pulling ability and since you don't go in the highway all that much you can go 4.56, but it will scream in the highway the time you do drive in it.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Oregon
I would go no less than 4.56. However, it should be mentioned that your truck is not going to be great for towing, even after a gear swap. The gears will help, but unless you swapped the M5OD for a ZF-5, you trans is rated to barely move the truck, let alone tow with it.
Posting Guru
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From: VA
315s measure around 34 inches if I remember right. I'd go for 4.56 gears if you're going to swap them. Your 5th gear is an overdrive ratio, so I wouldn't worry about highway RPMS. You should be around 2500 RPM tops at 70 MPH if your tires are about 34"
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Central Wisconsin
The actual measurement on those should be 34.6" by 12.4". Granted that every tire that claims to be that size will differ a little.
I wouldn't go higher (lower numerically" than a 4.56 gear for that particular set up.
I wouldn't go higher (lower numerically" than a 4.56 gear for that particular set up.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2013
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not to mention liftd trucks suck for towing anyway.also when you install a drop hitch to level out the trailer it gives the trailer more leverage on the hitch, so your max trailer and tongue weight is reduced, not to mention lifted trucks just suck for towing
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Posting Guru
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From: VA
Not necessarily. Depends on what you're towing. My F-350 hitch sits about 6" over stock with 2" suspension lift and 37s, but it works perfectly for towing a tall deck 20k backhoe trailer. On any other truck we need to use a hitch that raises the ball and clamp quite a bit.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Indio,California
all i tow is a trailer with 3 quads and a dirt bike....nothing crazy its only a 4.9 lol which i know can pull a lot but not with the lift so i think 4:56 is best cause i do have an od....my 88 mustang has 4:10s and it screams on the highway but with a 5-speed its at about 2500 on the highway 
The Southernmost Mod
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Caracas, Venezuela
Guys, remember the I6 makes a lot more torque faster than the V8s, such tall gearing might be a bother to live with. I stand by my choice, but it's your truck PONY, I just think you'll be happier with 4.10.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Oregon
This is very true. 4.10's may be the better option as the I6 runs out if steam early up in the powerband.
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Senior User
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From: Indio,California
why dont we meet in the middle and get 4:30s...lol ya it runs out of steam with the 3:55....driving in 3rd gear with the hazards on up hill on the highway...kinda embarrasing...lol
Posting Guru
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From: VA
If you can get 4.3 for the axle you're putting in, it's probably the best option. Not sure on what axles and years are compatible with 4.3 though.
I'd just be afraid you wouldn't get everything you want out of 4.10 gearing with tires that measure just over 34".
As has been said, the 4.9 has a lower RPM torque band than other engines, but it should be all good as long as you keep it under about 2700 RPM for long periods. You'll be well enough under that with 4.3 or 4.56 @70 mph with your 5 speed.
I'd just be afraid you wouldn't get everything you want out of 4.10 gearing with tires that measure just over 34".
As has been said, the 4.9 has a lower RPM torque band than other engines, but it should be all good as long as you keep it under about 2700 RPM for long periods. You'll be well enough under that with 4.3 or 4.56 @70 mph with your 5 speed.
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