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4wd Low
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 14
Likes: 5
Converted to the DARKSIDE
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.
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.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 225
Likes: 85
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.
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.
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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
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.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,698
Likes: 1,019
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.
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.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 817
Likes: 297
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.
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4wd Low
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