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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 08:01 PM
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Why would they do that?

As some of you know I have a 1995 F350 with an E4OD tranny and a 460 engine. The truck is really strong and powerful, but...I have 3.55 gearing, and to me, I dont quite understand this, and maybe someone can explain to me this, but why would Ford put 3.55's in an F350? Is it to help keep it moving once it got moving, or what? I have no complains of the 3.55's, I would have never known thats what i had until i looked recently when I wanted to get bigger tires, I found out I only had 3.55s and I really dont want to put big rims and tires on this thing if i only got 3.55s. Anyway why would they put small gears in a big truck? Atleast 4.10s right?
 
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 08:40 PM
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Why wouldn't you sell a truck to a buyer who wanted such gearing?

Not sure what the "standard" gearing was, but certainly there are people who are going to be doing some flatland highway running to whom these gears would appeal.

At 65 with 30 inch tires and .78 OD its less than 400 rpm diff. (if that's what you have tire/ratio wise)

http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/gearing.htm

You can plug in your numbers there if you like, especially if you are considering taller tires and a regear.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2008 | 11:52 AM
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it would be for gas milage if your going to put bigger tires on your going to have to do what most others do and regear or live with it
 
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Old Mar 8, 2008 | 12:01 PM
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Higher mechanical gearing is physically stronger than lower gearing, and this gearing ratio that you have will give you better MPG. All auto makers have to have an overall MPG number they have to meet (an average of combined models).
 
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Old Mar 8, 2008 | 12:09 PM
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Yeah I hear u guys. I get like 12-14MPG when i'm 60 mph or faster. But stop and go traffic is horrific, maybe somehting like 6-8MPG when I am being nice to it. Its okay tho, I like the 3.55's, just in terms of off the line racing, I bet it could be better. but my top end is nuts
 
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Old Mar 9, 2008 | 01:32 AM
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When I switched to 4:10's my city mpg improved, but dropped on the freeway. I swapped in the 5spd to fix that. Now I cruise 65mph at 2400rpm instead of 3000rpm.
 
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Old Mar 9, 2008 | 11:50 AM
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so you have a 5 speed with a 4.10's? Thats a pretty mean combo. I think when this E4OD dies I will throw in a ZF5 or whatever its called and the 4.10's
 
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Old Mar 9, 2008 | 10:30 PM
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Originally Posted by khadma
Higher mechanical gearing is physically stronger than lower gearing, and this gearing ratio that you have will give you better MPG. All auto makers have to have an overall MPG number they have to meet (an average of combined models).
If that is so, then why do the larger trucks even have much lower gearing?
Then think about a tractor, they really have low gear ratios.
Yes some improvement in MPG, because the engine is turning slower.
 
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Old Mar 9, 2008 | 11:12 PM
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Originally Posted by icrman
If that is so, then why do the larger trucks even have much lower gearing?
Then think about a tractor, they really have low gear ratios.
Yes some improvement in MPG, because the engine is turning slower.
I am refering to the running gear in the same class, 1/2 to 1 ton, for instance.
The lower gearing has a "weaker" ring and pinion.
The information I gave was general, I just thought I would pass on what infomation I learned years ago.
I am not saying 4.10s and lower are more prone to failure. It is the physical characteristics of the R&P that are the "weak" points. (The pinion gets smaller in physical size).
Like I mentioned - Just general knowledge I want to pass on.
 
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Old Mar 10, 2008 | 08:32 AM
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Originally Posted by khadma
Higher mechanical gearing is physically stronger than lower gearing, and this gearing ratio that you have will give you better MPG. All auto makers have to have an overall MPG number they have to meet (an average of combined models).

Is this why the new 2008 Expedition (Non-EL) with the Standard 3.31 rear axle with Optional HD Tow is rated at 9,200lbs and the Optional 3.73 rear axle is only rated for 9,050lbs?
 
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