Need some advice
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Need some advice
I got a 1988 F-150 excab short bed 4x4 6in lift and 33in all terrains I want to put 35in tires but don't know what gearing needs to be added. The truck has 3.55 gears 5.0 motor C6 transmission ifs NOT solid axle. What's do I need to do to run 35" all terrains? I don't haul anything and I drive back roads so 55-60 is my normal speed
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 12,763
Likes: 2,420
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Right, 4.56 gears and 35" tires is mechanically the same as stock(29.5") tires and 3.73 gears which is right in the sweet spot for the 5.0. Fuel milage won't be as good as stock because you'll be pushing big heavy tires around in a lifted truck but it'll probably be a lot better than what you're getting now and towing and overall performance will be improved a lot as well.
Trending Topics
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,333
Likes: 296
Also, keep in mind that the same size tire from different manufacturers measure different actual diameters.
I concur that 34-35 inch tires w/ 4.56 ratio would be a good all around set up.
I currently have 4.56 ratio and run a 33" (32.5" new) and it may be a little too deep for constant highway use. (Thank heaven for overdrive.)
I considered going to 35" tire to alleviate the less highway friendly-ness rpm, but then determined that the accelerated wear on bearings, ball joints and breaks wasn't worth the increase in tire size.
I concur that 34-35 inch tires w/ 4.56 ratio would be a good all around set up.
I currently have 4.56 ratio and run a 33" (32.5" new) and it may be a little too deep for constant highway use. (Thank heaven for overdrive.)
I considered going to 35" tire to alleviate the less highway friendly-ness rpm, but then determined that the accelerated wear on bearings, ball joints and breaks wasn't worth the increase in tire size.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Most you guys agree 4.56 gears is the way to go in my case, but Id like to know what about running 3.73, 3.90, or 4.10 gears. What's are the advantages and disadvantages. I want lowerish rpm but don't want to top out at 60mph. Thanks
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
None of those ratios are any use to you. The problem is the 5.0 makes no useful power below 2000rpm so you need to forget about hwy cruising at anything less than that. The motor needs to be turning at least that much rpm by the time aerodynamic drag starts to become significant(60+mph). 4.56 gears just gets you there at 65mph and even at 80 you're still only doing 2500rpm in OD so you haven't got to worry about "topping out" with too much gear, but you will have that problem if you don't select enough gear.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
None of those ratios are any use to you. The problem is the 5.0 makes no useful power below 2000rpm so you need to forget about hwy cruising at anything less than that. The motor needs to be turning at least that much rpm by the time aerodynamic drag starts to become significant(60+mph). 4.56 gears just gets you there at 65mph and even at 80 you're still only doing 2500rpm in OD so you haven't got to worry about "topping out" with too much gear, but you will have that problem if you don't select enough gear.
So in overdrive I'll on be doing about 2500 rpms at 60+ BUT what if I have a C6 transmission which is only a 3 speed? Same rpms or alot different? Basically 3speed trans, 35"tires, 5.0, 4.56= what rpm at 65mph?
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
None of those ratios are any use to you. The problem is the 5.0 makes no useful power below 2000rpm so you need to forget about hwy cruising at anything less than that. The motor needs to be turning at least that much rpm by the time aerodynamic drag starts to become significant(60+mph). 4.56 gears just gets you there at 65mph and even at 80 you're still only doing 2500rpm in OD so you haven't got to worry about "topping out" with too much gear, but you will have that problem if you don't select enough gear.
Hotshot
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 11,958
Likes: 228
Honestly I would suggest not running a tire larger than a 33 with a 5.0. The 302 just doesn't make much torque and to be honest I have never driven an F150 of this era with tires larger than 33 that actually drove well.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
DDD
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
9
Jun 8, 2005 06:08 PM