axle ratios
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axle ratios
I've got a 2002 F-150 with the 4.6 V8 engine... very new to this stuff...but am looking to tow some stuff. I didn't know this when I bought the truck, but it has a 3.08 axle ratio..and according to the manual, the truck is only rated to two a max of 2000 lbs.. with this axle ratio. What does this mean. The bumber states that the max trailer weight is 5000 lbs. In Lehman's terms, what can I actually tow with my truck safely, and what are my options?
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axle ratios
I would go with what the manual says for the 4.6 & 3.08. Only option would probally be to change gears. I'm guessing you probally have a 9.75" rearend. Not totally sure maybe someone else know better but I think 3.73 is as far as you can go in that rear. I think the 7700# pkg trucks have 4.10 but if i'm not mistaken that is in a 10.25" rear.
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axle ratios
Thanks...what is the process of regearing the rear end? I am not very knowledgeable on this stuff at all. Im not going to be towing very often, but is it even necessary to rear gear it, and how much of an effect would it have on my gas mileage?
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axle ratios
You can get to 4.10's with the 9.75 or 8.8 which you may have. If you are not familiar with this, it is not a "do it yourself" project. If you have 3.08 gears and wish to run up to 3.73 or 4.10 you will require new carrier and ring and pinion sets, along with this will be an "install kit" with bearings and seals if done right. I might suggest the 3.73 gearset, you will gain alot of torque applied to ground and not loose a temendous amount of fuel mileage...you will loose some though. Gears are the best way to improve your towing performance. By the way there are 3.55's, but if your gonna spend the money why not get something you know will help, like 3.73 or better!
my thoughts
my thoughts
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axle ratios
Before you change gear ratios, I would double check the towing rating (call the Dealer). I have a 2003 supercrew 4.6LV8 with a 3.55 rear and am rated for 6200 LBS towing. I didn't check the manual, but find it surprising that the tow rating falls off to 2000 lbs.with 3.08 ratio.
p.s. the 3.08 is not a very desiriable rear end for towing. Make sure the overdrive is turned off when you do tow.
p.s. the 3.08 is not a very desiriable rear end for towing. Make sure the overdrive is turned off when you do tow.
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axle ratios
All good info, and I would agree with H_E_R_N I don't think I would tackle it myself. Good luck to you.
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Tuned
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From: Texas
axle ratios
Ford offers a bewildering number of packaging options on F-150's, my dad has a 99' with a 4.6 and 3.08's, but his truck (and this is on the door sticker) came with 235/70/16's. My own truck has a 4.6, 3.55's and the towing package, and it came with 255/70/16's. Finally my friend's 01' has the big 5.4 and only 3.31's in the rear, with 255/70/16 His truck didn't come with the towing package!
he only difference I've noticed is mine gets the worst gas milage of all of them (a little over 20mpg), dad's gets the best milage but it doesn't accelerate like mine and the engine doesn't feel as eager to get above 85mph like mine and my friend's 01'. Both mine and my friend get about 15-18 mpg roughly.
he only difference I've noticed is mine gets the worst gas milage of all of them (a little over 20mpg), dad's gets the best milage but it doesn't accelerate like mine and the engine doesn't feel as eager to get above 85mph like mine and my friend's 01'. Both mine and my friend get about 15-18 mpg roughly.
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axle ratios
Originally posted by plchtown
I've got a 2002 F-150 with the 4.6 V8 engine... very new to this stuff...but am looking to tow some stuff. I didn't know this when I bought the truck, but it has a 3.08 axle ratio..and according to the manual, the truck is only rated to two a max of 2000 lbs.. with this axle ratio. What does this mean. The bumber states that the max trailer weight is 5000 lbs. In Lehman's terms, what can I actually tow with my truck safely, and what are my options?
I've got a 2002 F-150 with the 4.6 V8 engine... very new to this stuff...but am looking to tow some stuff. I didn't know this when I bought the truck, but it has a 3.08 axle ratio..and according to the manual, the truck is only rated to two a max of 2000 lbs.. with this axle ratio. What does this mean. The bumber states that the max trailer weight is 5000 lbs. In Lehman's terms, what can I actually tow with my truck safely, and what are my options?
-Kerry
