front/rear gears
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 35
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From: McLeansville USA
front/rear gears
I have a '99 F-150 4x4 4.6 ltr 5 spd with the non-locking 3.55 gears. I noticed quite a difference when I went from the 235/75 tires to 265/75 tires. I play in the mud & on the trails, as well as pull a trailer on a pretty regular basis. I know I need more gear, either 3.73 or 4.10. Now although I'm not TOTALLY new to this job (have done rears on a couple of older 4x2 trucks in the past), this is my first 4x4 I wanted to re-gear myself. My question is this: Is the front any different than the rear? I'm also wanting to put in some type of limited slip or locker also. Can I just buy 2 of each and get started, or do I have to get different for the front and back (I do know the gearing has to be same for front & back)? 1 final question: What my spline count 28 or 31 spline? I would think being a truck it's 31, but I can't seem to find out anywhere I've looked. I thank you for any replies, comments, or ideas.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 807
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From: -
front/rear gears
If you have true IFS front (not TTB) then a front gear swap will be a BIG headache. You will have remove everything up front almost so you can get the front diff out and on to the workbench. The TTB's are awesome to do cuz the whole center section just unbolts from the TTB arm. Other than that if you have done gear swaps out back before you know what needs to be done once the diff is out. While it is out and on the bench and you have all the front end IFS stuff laying on the garage floor it would be an opportune time to put that 6" lift kit you know you need.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: McLeansville USA
front/rear gears
It's all stock. I believe it's the IFS but I'm not sure what the TTB is. I have the torsion bar front suspension, not springs: coil or leaf. That's for the quick reply!! It's greatly appreciated!!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 807
Likes: 1
From: -
front/rear gears
The TTB style is what ford calls the "twin traction beam" design. It is IFS but not quite. They look more like scissors than IFS. In my opinion they ride/drive better than straight axles (although almost as strong) and are stronger than true IFS. The TTB still uses axle shafts and axle stubs with u-joints while true IFS use CV shafts and typically do not have locking hubs (manual or auto). To remove the diff from IFS is alot more difficult because it is usually tied to the frame via some bracketing. And the A-arms can be a pain to remove and re-install just to drop the diff. I am not sure if you can swap the front gears without removing the diff assem, but if you can I would bet good money that it would be infinitely more difficult. Call some gear swap places and just ax em whats involved and they should be more than willing to describe the procedure for ya. Good Luck!
