56 F100
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Cross-Country
Joined: May 2018
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56 F100
I am new here and not sure this all works. I'm building a 56 F100. I replaced the rear axle with a 2001 Explorer 8.8" rear. The gears are 4:10 and I would like to go with something that I can cruise with that won't run the RPM's up. How difficult is it to regear a axle? Replacement is not an option, I already have my 4 link welded on the casing. Also I'm putting a 352FE with a 4 speed. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,759
Likes: 70
From: Elk River, MN
The 8.8" came in rations all the way from 2.26 to 5.14. I would recommend something like the 3.08 or maybe 3.27 ratio depending on your transmission. Is your 4th gear 1:1 or an overdrive? I would probably recommend that a shop do the gear swap so it is set up correctly.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,093
Likes: 653
From: Brentwood, TN
Lots of ring and pinion gearsets available on CL or other sites for not much $$$. Interesting that you got a rearend with 4:10 gears, the last one I pulled out of a Explorer XLT was 3:73. You have a good rearend there and as ranger pat posted, lots of ratios available.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 9,723
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From: Wentzville, MO
You might ask your how hard question here https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum69/ If you have the gears replaced it’ll run you in the $500 up range. Might get some idea of what it involves on U Tube too.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,685
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From: Northville, MI
Or replace your transmission with one that has overdrive. I have the same rear axle with the same ratio but I installed a 4R70W which has a 30% overdrive gear (most OD trans do). The 4.10:1 is very nice around town from a stop. And makes a significant difference in lowering engine RPMs at higher speeds . . . so you get the best of both worlds. I don't know where you are live in PA but you will like the lower 4.10:1 ratio axle when starting out on hills if you live in hilly Central or Western PA.
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Cross-Country
Joined: May 2018
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Thanks
Thanks all for your help. I live in central PA were the hills can be steep north of us but not as bad as western PA. Any long drives to shows or anything I'm going trailer it. This is just a round town and cruiser. 55-60 mph would probably be the fastest I go.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 556
Likes: 1
From: Prescott, AZ
Replacing differential gears requires considerable skill and is best left to those with experience. There are plenty of parts kits and YouTube videos that demonstrate the process but I concluded it is not suitable for a one-time job by a novice. 4x4 shops that do a lot of off-road upgrades may be a place you can check for a quote.
I have a Ford 9-inch in my ’56. Besides being one of the best rear axles ever made, it uses a 3rd member that is easily replaced.
Good luck with your project.
I have a Ford 9-inch in my ’56. Besides being one of the best rear axles ever made, it uses a 3rd member that is easily replaced.
Good luck with your project.
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FTE Legend
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From: northwestern Ontario
Can't understand why guys build trucks to trailer them, the fun is in driving them and people like them with the odd road scare too...
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Cross-Country
Joined: May 2018
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I'm not going drive the truck around on a trailer all time time, just when I take it on long trips further away. If "Road Scares" are your thing, that's fine. I'm not building a rat rod. Thanks everyone else for your advise and help, it's much appreciated.
FTE Legend
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: northwestern Ontario
Neither one of mine are rat rods either...lol
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: AKRON ohio
sorry you feel his response was nonsense. Best of luck finding the answers elsewhere
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