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Jun 16, 2025 | 07:46 AM

Gator SJMC

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4wd Low

Joined: Jun 2025

Posts: 14

Likes: 5

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Nice site. Hope to learn about the good ol American Ford. Almost 50 years old and this is my first Ford. Been a Cummins guy but found a absolute diamond of a truck. 2004 F250 XLT crew cab long bed 5 Speed with under 100k miles. Truck is mint inside and out. I kid you not it looks like brand new.

So the issue.... Its lifted 6 inches and has the larger tires 315/75R16 on 16x10 wheels. I assume its 3:73 gears but have no idea. I need gas milage back currently 8mpg and being a MANUAL I have to shift to almost 3500 -4000 rpm to get it moving. First gear and 2nd are dogs and OD has no power to pass on the highway.

Money is no option on this truck as its not going anywhere but in my collection.

So with that said I am looking on recommendations for gears ... I have searched but all info was for Auto Trans not Manual. I do not tow at all with this truck. If I ever did it would be a small trailer. I want better power and gas milage if possible. Up for any recommendation performance or trans wise also.

Jun 16, 2025 | 08:20 AM

Gator SJMC

Thread Starter

4wd Low

Joined: Jun 2025

Posts: 14

Likes: 5

Jun 16, 2025 | 09:36 AM

crashz

Mountain Pass

Joined: Apr 2024

Posts: 221

Likes: 84

Nice looking rig! I assume its the 5.4 gas engine, cause I don't see the Powerstroke badge and most V10 guys are quick to point out they have the V10.

If your not hauling or towing much but want some better acceleration, the 4.30 gears are common factory options. You should check the axle code to see what you have now. You could have 3.55s

The ZF transmission is a good one (I think yours is a 6 speed like mine, 5 regular gears and a Low). They are strong, but the cases can crack under abuse. I replaced a section of my case and upgraded my clutch to a South Bend unit with a Ford pre-bled hydraulic kit.

Jun 16, 2025 | 09:39 AM

Gator SJMC

Thread Starter

4wd Low

Joined: Jun 2025

Posts: 14

Likes: 5

Yes its a gasser

Will check to see what it has for gears. Not sure how to locate that info but will google.

I see most recommend 4:56 but not showing much info on a stick shift.

Jun 16, 2025 | 09:54 AM

Gator SJMC

Thread Starter

4wd Low

Joined: Jun 2025

Posts: 14

Likes: 5

According to the door tag Axle is C2 ? And came with 265/75/16's
C2 says 4:10 limited slip?

So where do I go from here LOL Leaning 4:88s

If its true and the C2 is a 4:10 they are a dog for sure

Last edited by Gator SJMC; Jun 16, 2025 at 10:25 AM.

Jun 16, 2025 | 10:39 AM

Pickupmanx2

Lead Driver

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 5,641

Likes: 968

From: Near Yosemite CA

Great looking truck! AND a manual to boot!! Awesome score! I have a '00 Ex with same size tires and the 5.4, I went to 4.88's, and then to 5.13's (long story, driveshaft left the chat, bent pinion shaft) I am pleased with the change, mine's an auto, I wish it was a manual, to bad they didn't make the Ex's with them!

Originally with the 4.88's and 35's I avg. 14-15 on our long road trip last summer, doing the same trip in Aug. so we'll see what the 5.13's deliver, even if same, it feels sooo much better power wise, which the lil'5.4 is lacking in these big beasts.

So, all that said to say I would go 4.88's if not 5.13's, I even debated 5.38's and almost wish I would have. Also, add a Trac-lock, very pleased with mine.

Jun 16, 2025 | 02:35 PM

apache84

Laughing Gas

Joined: Feb 2014

Posts: 811

Likes: 292

From: KY

ZI see you said "Cummins guy" not dodge guy. No offence but the last 3 ram diesels I owned were piles of xxxx. As the neighbor used to say, good engine, to bad for the box it came in. So do a 5.9 swap on that new beauty and be done with it.