Drive Train Questions
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 0
Likes: 24
New User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: live in Colorado, school is in New York
Originally Posted by mark a.
Personaly I'd hold out for a 3/4 ton if your planning to run tires that big. A 6" lift will work, but it'll look like it needs more. I ended up putting a 3" body lift on mine also.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 8,238
Likes: 3
From: Oregon
Brad, it all depends on how you use your truck. If you keep to the road, then your drivetrain can handle the 38s, although it will cause your components such as breaks, balljoints, etc. to wear quicker. If you actually plan to wheel this truck off-road, then you will be breaking axles, plan and simple. 38" Swampers are a great strain even on 3/4 axles when used in serious off-roading. There are many, many threads on this very topic in the off-road forum if you wish to search for them.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,922
Likes: 153
binbuilder : I think a 3" body lift would be fine for 31" tires. I put a Energy Suspension polyurethane bushing kit on also. After a week I retightened all the bolts.It rides good and doesn't make any weird noises.
Trending Topics
Banned
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,457
Likes: 0
From: Grande Prairie, AB
I gots a 78 1/2 ton with 360.
I got new 39.5 swampers on there. Took er out yesterday for a test, tried goin up a really steep but short sandy hill. Heard a snap, could still turn the wheels but every half turn would make a funny noise. I took off the drive shaft and drove home with the front end.
Took out the axle shafts, they are fine. Took out the guts, and the ring gear is broke, not the gear itself but the plate that bolts to it, whatever it is. Few peices floating around in there.
But yeah, like everyone says, unless you enjoy workin on this stuff and dont mind breakin stuff (like me) then go 3/4 or 1 ton style.
I always thought that the axle shafts would be the first to break, maybe mine was already stressed and just needed a bit of torque to blow er.
I got new 39.5 swampers on there. Took er out yesterday for a test, tried goin up a really steep but short sandy hill. Heard a snap, could still turn the wheels but every half turn would make a funny noise. I took off the drive shaft and drove home with the front end.
Took out the axle shafts, they are fine. Took out the guts, and the ring gear is broke, not the gear itself but the plate that bolts to it, whatever it is. Few peices floating around in there.
But yeah, like everyone says, unless you enjoy workin on this stuff and dont mind breakin stuff (like me) then go 3/4 or 1 ton style.
I always thought that the axle shafts would be the first to break, maybe mine was already stressed and just needed a bit of torque to blow er.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote