Gear Ratios
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2005
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Gear Ratios
Hey all
<O
I had a question about my gear ratios on my truck. Is it common for a 95 f150 (4.9/300) to be running 1500rpm at 50mph? and only be able to max out at 85?? 1500 is about idling right? So here is what I'm thinking. the 4.9/300 is a towing engine basically, so the gear ratios are high to support the heavy loads right? well what if I tried to change the gear ratios to a lower setting? if so is it easy and cheap to do? maybe this is a stupid question, but thanks for your help.<O></O>
<O
I had a question about my gear ratios on my truck. Is it common for a 95 f150 (4.9/300) to be running 1500rpm at 50mph? and only be able to max out at 85?? 1500 is about idling right? So here is what I'm thinking. the 4.9/300 is a towing engine basically, so the gear ratios are high to support the heavy loads right? well what if I tried to change the gear ratios to a lower setting? if so is it easy and cheap to do? maybe this is a stupid question, but thanks for your help.<O
></O>
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
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from you description it sounds like you have either 2.73(code 12) or 3.08(code 18) gears. i think my '94 300 I-6 idles at around 900 rpms. the main reason these gear ratios are so high (numerically low) is for highway crusing fuel economy. lower gears (numerically higher) such as 3.55 and 4.10 were avalible for towing heavier loads.
im not sure how much it costs to put lower gears in, someone else on here should know though.
im not sure how much it costs to put lower gears in, someone else on here should know though.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
If it's a 4x4, you have to change both front and rear. $1500 is too much even for two axles. Expect about $600 an axle for parts and labor.
Another route is to swap the rear axle out with a junkyard unit. Downside is that you don't know it was used/abused.
Another route is to swap the rear axle out with a junkyard unit. Downside is that you don't know it was used/abused.
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2006
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My '91 2WD 5-SPD had 2.73 gears which is just stupid for a truck, imho. I swapped in a set of 3.55's and a limited slip differential that I picked up used on Ebay - reused the bearings and borrowed some tools, still cost me a little over $200 over half of which was for basic install kit and synthetic 75-140 gear oil. First time cracking open a differential and I spent 2 days fiddling around with it, but it works great now and I'm very pleased with the 3.55's and the used TracLok is working like a charm, too. Good Luck with yours, I believe you'll be happier with "stronger" gears.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Akron, OH
Originally Posted by Tom.Lapham
My '91 2WD 5-SPD had 2.73 gears which is just stupid for a truck, imho. I swapped in a set of 3.55's and a limited slip differential that I picked up used on Ebay
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
Probably not as much as you think, unless he did a lot of highway driving with the 2.73's. They only really shine on the highway. In stop and go, you have to get on it so hard to get it moving that you end up burning almost as much gas.
And yes, 2.73's in a truck was not one of Ford's most shining ideas.
And yes, 2.73's in a truck was not one of Ford's most shining ideas.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
From: Akron, OH
Andy,
I agree; these gears are best suited for highway; which isn't too bad for me since I end up driving about 200 or 300 miles a week, mostly highway. It is a pain to go up hills and stop and go at lights--it accelerates at about the same rate as a semi.
I usually see 19-20mpg at 65mph. If its all city it can drop to 16 or 17.
I agree; these gears are best suited for highway; which isn't too bad for me since I end up driving about 200 or 300 miles a week, mostly highway. It is a pain to go up hills and stop and go at lights--it accelerates at about the same rate as a semi.
I usually see 19-20mpg at 65mph. If its all city it can drop to 16 or 17.