Changing gear ratio
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4wd High
Joined: Dec 2005
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Changing gear ratio
I presently have a 97 F250 7.3L PSD with 3.55 rear end. I have just bought a new fifth wheel, and am seriously thinking about changing to a 4.10 rear end to increase towing capacity. I have a few questions. 1. How much can I expect to spend ? 2. Can most any shop do this, or do I need a "specialist"? 3. Will the changeover make a lot of difference in towing ability for a fifth wheel? Thanks.
Senior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 356
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From: Dinwiddie, Virginia
You could spend around $1200-1400.
I would use a "specialist", not really but it is a art to setting up gears so they last, so experience and reputation does matter when choosing a shop.
Just going from 3.73 to 4.10 is not a big change at all, most would say it would be little improvement noticed. Going up two steps to a 4.30 would be what you would consider, but that would be too much, in my opinion. That PSD and 3.73 should be getting the job done and keeps most people happy. The problem is that 4.10 may be the perfect gear for you, but would the expense of the change be worth such a small change. A change made that you would surly notice is to go to the 4.30, but that may be over board with fuel milage and non-towing needs. Didn't mean to make your choose hard, hope this helps.
I would use a "specialist", not really but it is a art to setting up gears so they last, so experience and reputation does matter when choosing a shop.
Just going from 3.73 to 4.10 is not a big change at all, most would say it would be little improvement noticed. Going up two steps to a 4.30 would be what you would consider, but that would be too much, in my opinion. That PSD and 3.73 should be getting the job done and keeps most people happy. The problem is that 4.10 may be the perfect gear for you, but would the expense of the change be worth such a small change. A change made that you would surly notice is to go to the 4.30, but that may be over board with fuel milage and non-towing needs. Didn't mean to make your choose hard, hope this helps.
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Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Stephensville WI
The change will make a huge difference in towing. You'l be able to pull hills and accelerate so much easier. Fuel mileage when not towing may go down a bit, but not as much as you might think.
Just as an example, my 2007 F-250 with a 5.4L V-8 is rated at 9200 pounds towing with the 3.73 gearing. Just by changing to 4.10 gears the towing capacity goes up to 11,000 pounds.
Just as an example, my 2007 F-250 with a 5.4L V-8 is rated at 9200 pounds towing with the 3.73 gearing. Just by changing to 4.10 gears the towing capacity goes up to 11,000 pounds.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 392
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From: Lamesa,Texas
Just a thought. You might look into a gear vendors overdrive. This would allow you to split the gears giving you 8 instead of 4. I have a 97 F-250 3.55 and know you just need a gear between your 3rd and overdrive. Just a thought but you might want to give the guys at gear vendors a call and discuss the options. Also the gear vendors has a nice page on their website that gives final drive ratios for you transmission with several different rear ends. The chart also shows what ratios a gear vendors would give you. This should help you figure out rpms and what ratio you think you need. Good luck. I think this option would give you the towing power you want without loosing any fuel economy unloaded.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Round Rock, TX
sorry to state the obvious, but Dennis if you have a 4wd (not sure which you have) remember the front diff has to be re-geared as well ..
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Senior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 356
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From: Dinwiddie, Virginia
evl150, thinks for pointing out the mistake I made!! I assumed or read 3.73 was his current gear, but it is 3.55. That makes going to a 4.10 a two step up change and would be perfect!!! Yes, a 3.55 is a little weak for a real work truck, you would notice big improvments with the 4.10.
My price estimates above included the front and back gears.
My price estimates above included the front and back gears.
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Thread Starter
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4wd High
Joined: Dec 2005
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Thanks very much for all the responses. Sounds like going to the 4.10 would be a good thing in my situation. I am honestly not all that concerned about mileage when not towing, because pulling the fiver is about all I use the truck for except to drive it often enough to keep the batteries charged and fluids circulating, etc. I have called a local truck shop and am going to take it by there to get an estimate. Thanks again.
