towing performance
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towing performance
I am trying to get the most out of my 4.6 L engine (TOWING WISE). I have a Diablo chip with a towing program ... which works awesome. If I want to further improve my towing performance, what options do I have????
Other options I am considering is/are: K&N air filter, upgraded exhaust system, changing the differential, any other suggestions.
I am working on a limited budget so I'd like to do stuff that maximizes the money spent!
In not much of a mechanic but adding more air flow (via a filter)should mean more exhaust ... so w/o upgrading the exhaust system, I'll be producing more exhaust that my truck won't get rid of ... right?!?!
By the way, I am running a 3.08 rear-end.
Other options I am considering is/are: K&N air filter, upgraded exhaust system, changing the differential, any other suggestions.
I am working on a limited budget so I'd like to do stuff that maximizes the money spent!
In not much of a mechanic but adding more air flow (via a filter)should mean more exhaust ... so w/o upgrading the exhaust system, I'll be producing more exhaust that my truck won't get rid of ... right?!?!
By the way, I am running a 3.08 rear-end.
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From: Chicago Area
towing performance
First thought is that a 3.08 is an awfully high (numerically low) ratio for a tow vehicle. I would be inclined to go with at least a 3.55. Otherwise, you can't get the rpm's up enough for most modifications to do you much good. But, understand, this will cost you significant gas mileage when you are not towing (which is probably most of the time).
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From: Hotter than Hell Dallas,
towing performance
Great gas mileage once your on the highway and up to speed but you use what you saved just trying to get out of the gas station with 3.08's unless you got a Granny gear in your tranny or a 5 speed and staying in 1st for awhile
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towing performance
Okay, changing rear ends will help my towing ... I still have a few questions:
1) What is the difference between a 3.08 and a 3.73 differential? Somewhat simple terms please!
2) What am I looking at (price-wise and labour) to change rear-ends? Is it costly? Is it labour intense or pretty straight forward?
3) I understand I will get worse gas mileage ... how much lower?
1) What is the difference between a 3.08 and a 3.73 differential? Somewhat simple terms please!
2) What am I looking at (price-wise and labour) to change rear-ends? Is it costly? Is it labour intense or pretty straight forward?
3) I understand I will get worse gas mileage ... how much lower?
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From: Chicago Area
towing performance
The drive shaft goes around 3.73 times for each turn of the axle on a 373. It goes around only 3.08 times on a 308. Obviously, the engine's job is easier with the 373, but it is also sucking in more air and fuel because it's going faster.
The job is not difficult, but finding somebody who really knows how to do it may be. Depending on the availability of that individual in your area, the price could vary greatly. I really could not give you an estimate. I would suggest you start with a recognized shop that works for drag racers.
Neither could I estimate the change in mileage. Your engine would be turning 21% faster at a given speed, but that doesn't mean your mileage would be 21% less. Could be more, could be less, depending on conditions.
The job is not difficult, but finding somebody who really knows how to do it may be. Depending on the availability of that individual in your area, the price could vary greatly. I really could not give you an estimate. I would suggest you start with a recognized shop that works for drag racers.
Neither could I estimate the change in mileage. Your engine would be turning 21% faster at a given speed, but that doesn't mean your mileage would be 21% less. Could be more, could be less, depending on conditions.
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From: Hotter than Hell Dallas,
towing performance
I agree there, if you have never done it or like me thats done it 1000 times and takes me 4 or 5 times to get it right without any high pitch sounds. I wouldnt suggest doing it esp if its a daily driver. You can check with someone like www.moser.com they might have a complete unit all you have to do is take the drive shaft off and bolt the new in and put your brakes on. I agree with Mrbsss goto your dragway or find some racers and ask them. Might ask around here if anyone knows of someone close by to you. And why I agree Mrbss about the drag racers is because we usually change rearends after 1 or 2 seasons depending on the number of passes on them. Losing a engine, tranny, rearend during a pass is not a fun pass
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From: Hotter than Hell Dallas,
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towing performance
I have a 3.73 ratio with a 5.4 I get about 13 mpg not towing and when I do tow I get about 6-7 mpg but it tows like a beast, other than the mileage I barely notice the 6000 lb boat behind me. I chaged gear ratios for towing once before in my old chevy z71, you have to remember that if its 4x4 you have to do both difs. It cost me $1200 for both of them together. and I actually got better mileage after the chage, I went from 342 to 373
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