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Regearing a 2017 4x4 - Question

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Old Jun 3, 2021 | 09:50 AM
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Regearing a 2017 4x4 - Question

Thanks in advance your input...I have a 2017 4x4 with 3:31 gears from factory.

I would like to gear down to 4:30 or lower.

Question 1: Do I NEED to regear front as well if I intend to disconnect front driveshaft ? I have NEVER used 4WD and don't like the idea of spending $$$$ on front gears if I don't have to at this point. I was quoted $1,200 parts and labor for front, and $1,600 for rear. Oil and shop supplies additional.

Question 2: If I do need to do the front as well, is there a limit to the diameter of the gears I install? Maybe its just me, but the front diff looks smaller than the rear diff, and I'm wondering if can go as low as 4:30 or lower up front.

I was told I need to do front and rear even if I remove the front driveshaft because of numerous sensors etc... Any truth to this statement?
 
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Old Jun 3, 2021 | 10:08 AM
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Well if you don't have a front driveshaft you can get away with what you intend, albeit not correct. A truck with 3.31 gears was a light duty F150 in 2017, hopefully this gear swap is to compensate for tire diameter and not to increase payload or towing. Which engine does this truck have? The 4.30 gears are not available in the Super 8.8 configuration if that's the rear axle you have.
 
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Old Jun 3, 2021 | 10:20 AM
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Originally Posted by ford390gashog
Well if you don't have a front driveshaft you can get away with what you intend, albeit not correct. A truck with 3.31 gears was a light duty F150 in 2017, hopefully this gear swap is to compensate for tire diameters and not to increase payload or towing. Which engine does this truck have? The 4.30 gears are not available in the Super 8.8 configuration if that's the rear axle you have.
Yes, the lower gear ratio would accomodate larger tire diameters and enhance overall driveability of the 5.0 around town. I do some towing, but never over 7K. Typically in the 3K - 5K range.

The sticker on the rear axle says S872A if that means anything to you. I could post a pic of the rear diff if that would help...

Also, the truck did come with a towing package, so I think the 3:31 gears were just there cuz thats what dealers order...
 
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Old Jun 3, 2021 | 10:29 AM
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Don't do anything halfway. Do it right or don't do it at all. What size tires are you looking to get?

Link to a recent thread

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post19910310
 
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Old Jun 3, 2021 | 10:52 AM
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Well a 5.0 got the 8.8 Super so 4.30 isn't a option. There was also a 9.75 available that year that does have 4.30 gears as a option. Your choices for gears are limited. You can get 4.56.
 
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Old Jun 3, 2021 | 11:08 AM
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Originally Posted by JKBrad
Don't do anything halfway. Do it right or don't do it at all. What size tires are you looking to get?

Link to a recent thread

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post19910310
I agree with this, for several reasons. I mean, if you INTEND to do the front gears as well at some point, but can't afford both at once, then I get removing the front driveshaft and running for a while, you shouldn't hurt anything.

BUT.

If you ever do end up needing 4WD, without a front driveshaft you can't, and with mismatched gears you had better be in some VERY loose stuff and hope you don't come across a solid surface or you'll break something.

If you decide to sell the truck, you will either need to do gears in the front and reinstall the driveshaft, OR put the old gears back in the rear and reinstall the driveshaft. Very, very few people would be willing to buy a half-completed truck.
 
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Old Jun 3, 2021 | 11:33 AM
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I get the whole "do it right or not at all" mentality. That is my standard M.O. But I'm not at all worried about resale or having 4WD at this point. And certainly not worried about it enough to warrant spending $1,200 for nothing.

If I find myself in a position that requires 4wd, it will be on the farm along the treeline where 2' - 3' snow drifts are common. If I get stuck, all I need to do is walk to the barn and fire up a tractor or other vehicle to drag it out.

So far, I gather that I have a super 8.8 and 4:56 gears are my best option, and that it is possible to disconnect the front diff without fear of electronic repercussions. If so, thats what I want to do.

 
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Old Jun 3, 2021 | 11:39 AM
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That would be correct you can proceed with the swap as you planned.
 
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Old Jun 3, 2021 | 04:00 PM
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Swerving suggestion: Pull that driveshaft and run it a while before the gear change. That way you will confirm the truck won't have some crisis over not hearing from the front axle......

 
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Old Jun 4, 2021 | 08:26 AM
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Originally Posted by 85e150
Swerving suggestion: Pull that driveshaft and run it a while before the gear change. That way you will confirm the truck won't have some crisis over not hearing from the front axle......
Thats a great idea. The plan was to pull it off anyway, so doing that first will settle my mind before doing the gears.
 
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