new gears for towing
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
new gears for towing
I'm planning to start hauling a 10K lb 30ft 5th wheel and clearly need new gears. I have a 2003 F250 V10 CC 4x4 lariat with a 4" lift and 35" tires making my stock 3.73 gears effectively 3.41. I'm shopping both for gears and a shop in the Sacramento, CA area. The truck is not my daily driver and will split its time between towing and 100mile trips to Truckee in the winter. Most destinations I'm planning to visit have significant stretches of 6-7% grade road. I think the 4.56 gears would probably serve me best as they would result in an effective ratio of 4.17. Sound thinking or am I off base? Also, isn't it idiotic to even consider not regearing?
matt
'03 F250 V10 CC Lariat 4x4 short box, Toyo Open Country A/T 315/75R16, 3.73 gears, about to roll 100K, no mods yet but programmer and K&N intake on their way.
matt
'03 F250 V10 CC Lariat 4x4 short box, Toyo Open Country A/T 315/75R16, 3.73 gears, about to roll 100K, no mods yet but programmer and K&N intake on their way.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
I'd like to think I'll be loading up the whole family and trailer at least once every month or two on average. I'll estimate about 70% of the time it'll be pulling a load. We opt for the truck over an AWD Toyota Sienna van when the Pacific storms hit and we head up the hill to Truckee near Lake Tahoe. Otherwise, the truck will likely only be used for short trips around town to Home Depot and such.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 10,101
Likes: 40
From: Pa
Heres a link to the FTE Gear/Tire size calculator.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/calculat...re_sizes/a-td/
Regearing is a very smart move in my book. With 10k lbs in tow I would try to get at close to 4:30s as possible.
4.56s will put you at a 4.17 gearing with 35's
4.88s will put you at a 4.46 gearing with 35's
Since your truck is pretty much a dedicated tow rig I'd lean towards the 4:88s.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/calculat...re_sizes/a-td/
Regearing is a very smart move in my book. With 10k lbs in tow I would try to get at close to 4:30s as possible.
4.56s will put you at a 4.17 gearing with 35's
4.88s will put you at a 4.46 gearing with 35's
Since your truck is pretty much a dedicated tow rig I'd lean towards the 4:88s.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Trending Topics
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,844
Likes: 6
From: Albuquerque
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
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
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 259
Likes: 3
From: SPARKS NEVADA
Originally Posted by kappysworld
Thanks, I can wait either... I have 170 mile towing trip scheduled the week after I get the gears.... we shall see how it does
I think...can't remember the exact number...must be getting old. But I've towed over the Sierra from Reno to the Gold country all the time. What a difference the gears made. I can easily maintain 60mph going up to Donner pass.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,844
Likes: 6
From: Albuquerque
break-in proceedure
Originally Posted by kappysworld
Thanks, I can wait either... I have 170 mile towing trip scheduled the week after I get the gears.... we shall see how it does
Originally Posted by Randy's Ring & Pinion
What is the break-in proceedure for a new set of gears?
All new gear sets require a break-in period to prevent damage from overheating. After driving the first 15 or 20 miles it is best to let the differential cool before proceeding. I recommend at least 500 miles before towing. I also recommend towing for very short distances (less than 15 miles) and letting the differential cool before continuing during the first 45 towing miles. This may seem unnecessary but I have seen many differentials damaged from being loaded before the gear set was broken in.
I also recommend changing the gear oil after the first 500 miles. This will remove any metal particles or phosphorus coating that has come from the new gear set.
All new gear sets require a break-in period to prevent damage from overheating. After driving the first 15 or 20 miles it is best to let the differential cool before proceeding. I recommend at least 500 miles before towing. I also recommend towing for very short distances (less than 15 miles) and letting the differential cool before continuing during the first 45 towing miles. This may seem unnecessary but I have seen many differentials damaged from being loaded before the gear set was broken in.
I also recommend changing the gear oil after the first 500 miles. This will remove any metal particles or phosphorus coating that has come from the new gear set.
biz
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 284
Likes: 0
From: Simi Valley, CA
Thanks I have heard the same thing the gear shop said about 200 miles... I guess I will do a hole bunch of errands and misc. trips so i can get the break in miles before I go on my long haul....I can t wait just found a rear end shop that will do it for 1100 complete.. The were recommened by a few of the shops.......