Notices
1999 - 2016 Super Duty 1999 to 2016 Ford F250, F350, F450 and F550 Super Duty with diesel V8 and gas V8 and V10 engines
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Real Truck

Gear ratio

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 27, 2020 | 08:54 PM
  #1  
BiggBlack02's Avatar
BiggBlack02
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Gear ratio

2001 F250 5.4 4x4 I’m about to put an 8 inch lift and run 37s, 38s when I go mudding (37s as my “daily” driver and the 38s for having fun) I plan on building a crate long block 5.4 in a few years, but my question is, what would be the optimal gear ratio for 37s/38s on a 8 inch lift? I don’t currently tow anything but, the most I plan on towing with my 5.4 is a smaller boat and possibly a pop-up camper. So, I guess I’m looking for a gear ratio that’s perfect for the 37s and 38s and for daily driving on top of fun on the weekends
 
Reply
Old Mar 27, 2020 | 10:19 PM
  #2  
Bently_Coop's Avatar
Bently_Coop
Lead Driver
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 85
From: Kent Station, WA
With 35's quite a bit of 99-04 Gas guys go with a 4.30 effective ratio. Usually a 4.56 or 4.88. What is you factory ratio? 3.73 or 4.10? I'd say a 4.88 or 5.13.

Check out 4lo.com for calculators.

Why rebuild the longblock? Do you have headers, engine tuned up?
 
Reply
Old Mar 27, 2020 | 10:34 PM
  #3  
BiggBlack02's Avatar
BiggBlack02
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Bently_Coop
id have to get back to you on the factory ratio, I’m unsure what it has to be honest but, I’ll probably go with the 5.13 and be done with it. As for the long block build, my current 5.4 has the original exhaust manifolds on it (with the famous broken studs) I don’t exactly have the space, tools, or right know how to extract the studs and put headers on myself, so the cost to have a shop do it (I unfortunately don’t have anyone that can help either) plus the tune-up and other parts it needs replaced (needs an intake manifold as well and possibly heads) it would be cheaper in the long run for me to build a crate long block (roughly $3500ish when all is said and done) and that’s a fresh motor with all of the ford quirks worked out of it, with zero miles. I’ll save the original 5.4 but, I just feel like building a crate engine would be best in the long run (I could be wrong haha)
 
Reply
Old Mar 28, 2020 | 05:23 AM
  #4  
WE3ZS's Avatar
WE3ZS
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,050
Likes: 1,549
From: Media PA
Club FTE Gold Member
For 37"/38"s and seeking "optimal gear ratio" you will want to go with those 5.13s.
 
Reply
Old Mar 28, 2020 | 09:50 PM
  #5  
z31freakify's Avatar
z31freakify
Hotshot
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 11,267
Likes: 1,649
From: Las Cruces New Mexico
5.13 and its the lowest you can go in gears in the Sterling iirc. If its auto make sure you add to the list a 6.0 transcooler and do some trans upgrades as well like VB, and a good torque converter.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
shlby123
Modular V8 (4.6L, 5.4L)
5
Feb 6, 2014 12:09 PM
Swany89b
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
9
Dec 4, 2013 09:17 PM
oldfisherman
2009 - 2014 F150
21
May 9, 2010 01:14 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:01 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-1
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-3
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE