456 gearing
Senior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: Gallipolis, Ohio
Looks like a popular subject here! I'm just gonna throw a question in the ring. I have a 79 Bronco, Getting ready for a set of 38 Boggers, (38X11.00X15), 400 motor and auto trans, Ford 9" and Dana 44, I am hoping that 4.88 gears(and full lockers) will be fine. Motor upgrades are of course in the immediate future(cam, carb, intake, possibly headers). Keep in mind that this is strictly OFF-ROAD. No title, just a mud ****. So fuel mileage is not a concern here.
Currently, it has 3.50 gear on 33's stock motor, and it spins the tires from a stand still. But bigger means lower!!
Any suggestions here as well???
Currently, it has 3.50 gear on 33's stock motor, and it spins the tires from a stand still. But bigger means lower!!
Any suggestions here as well???
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 446
Likes: 4
From: Grayling, MI
Originally Posted by Ford400Man
Looks like a popular subject here! I'm just gonna throw a question in the ring. I have a 79 Bronco, Getting ready for a set of 38 Boggers, (38X11.00X15), 400 motor and auto trans, Ford 9" and Dana 44, I am hoping that 4.88 gears(and full lockers) will be fine. Motor upgrades are of course in the immediate future(cam, carb, intake, possibly headers). Keep in mind that this is strictly OFF-ROAD. No title, just a mud ****. So fuel mileage is not a concern here.
Currently, it has 3.50 gear on 33's stock motor, and it spins the tires from a stand still. But bigger means lower!!
Any suggestions here as well???
Currently, it has 3.50 gear on 33's stock motor, and it spins the tires from a stand still. But bigger means lower!!
Any suggestions here as well???
Steve
Senior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: Gallipolis, Ohio
Yep, Mud boggs, and trail is all it will see. Power will be 1500-6000 approximately, with the motor upgrades. Also thinking about a stall to get the revs up. But the truck won't see any black-top, except for loading and unloading on a trailer.
Originally, I had in mind 4.56 min on the gears, but am now leaning towards the 4.88s.
I have a mini spool in the rear now, but with the 5.13s, would I have to change the carrier in the rear? I know I will in the front any how, just thought I could adjust it with the bearing retainers.
Originally, I had in mind 4.56 min on the gears, but am now leaning towards the 4.88s.
I have a mini spool in the rear now, but with the 5.13s, would I have to change the carrier in the rear? I know I will in the front any how, just thought I could adjust it with the bearing retainers.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 446
Likes: 4
From: Grayling, MI
The 9 inch doesn't need the carrier changed as far as I know. You are correct about the 44 needing a new carrier, unless you can find the thick gears in the ratio you want. Just something to keep in mind about running 38's with the Dana 44. You will most likely need to upgrade the axle shafts and axle joints. Especially if you run Boggers all around. I am not sure what the stock 31 spline 9 inch shafts will hold up to either. You can upgrade that to 35 spline with just a carrier change. If you like the mini-spool you can get a 35 spline full spool for under $200. Call some of the drivetrain parts suppliers that sponsor FTE and tell them what you want to do and see what they tell you.
I was in a local mud bog last summer with my 78 F150 and I blew the driver side shaft apart at the axle joint and right at the splines. Wasn't pretty. This was a stock shaft and 297X joints. I am running a limited slip in the front turning 36" Irok's. My 9 inch has held up so far though. It is all stock shafts with a full spool.
Steve
I was in a local mud bog last summer with my 78 F150 and I blew the driver side shaft apart at the axle joint and right at the splines. Wasn't pretty. This was a stock shaft and 297X joints. I am running a limited slip in the front turning 36" Irok's. My 9 inch has held up so far though. It is all stock shafts with a full spool.
Steve
Senior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: Gallipolis, Ohio
Thanks for the advice, I have in mind an axle shaft upgrade, but plenty of spares till I get the money up. But now that you mentioned it,,, I may go ahead and opt for the 35 splines when I change ratios this winter. I work construction and work slows so tax time is my best bet, but I am going to drop about $1200 in tires and rims then,, so nickel and dime till them. Just put on the suspension lift Thursday, thinking of a body lift but wanting to keep center low, so sawz-all is an option here as well.
Any other advice for bullet proofing the drive line is welcome!
Any other advice for bullet proofing the drive line is welcome!
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
Fourwheelparts.com also has a tire size/gear ratio table. As a former transmission tech and a constant driver of lifted vehicles I would definately recommend at least checking out the charts. Personally I always go I ratio higher than whatever would return me to stock. That way you get a little more performance and don't suffer major gas mileage issues. Just my Two Cents
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,542
Likes: 5
From: Louisiana
The 9" would be pretty maxed out with 38s, and the D44 will be just passed it's max. IF you plan on beating on it hard, a stock D44 w/ 35s might hold up to it, but not 38s. Some chromoly axle shafts should handle the 38s without much of a problem though. I wouldn't worry about the rear other than re gearing.
For a strickly off road truck, 4.88s would be a minimum with 38s(more me anyway). 5.13s would almost be a little to much, but not out of the question.
I know If I were going to buy tires again, I'd look used! People use the tires for a couple mud runs on their competion rigs, then decide they want to run in a different class and can't use them anymore, and still have 95% + thread at a fraction of the cost.... Same for wheels, a used wheel might not look great, but it won't cost much, and a brand new wheel after a mud run or two will look used anyway(not worth the extra cash to me).
For a strickly off road truck, 4.88s would be a minimum with 38s(more me anyway). 5.13s would almost be a little to much, but not out of the question.
I know If I were going to buy tires again, I'd look used! People use the tires for a couple mud runs on their competion rigs, then decide they want to run in a different class and can't use them anymore, and still have 95% + thread at a fraction of the cost.... Same for wheels, a used wheel might not look great, but it won't cost much, and a brand new wheel after a mud run or two will look used anyway(not worth the extra cash to me).
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Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Eldorado Ca. USA
To add to the used tire bit, another reason they get rid of 95% Tread tires are that new tires get better traction with the sharp edges of the new tire. I second buying used tires. You can expect to pay at least half of what they cost new for 50-80 tread tires, and get even better deals if you are in the right place at teh right time.
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