Well after alot of thought and looking at numerous diesel ex's., I contacted a shop to change out my 3.73 gears in my V10 excursion. It is an experienced shop that specializes in ford superduty trucks. He reccommends 4.10, I asked for 4.30 and he thinks that it will be to big. Should I stick with my request for 4.30 or consider the 4.10?

Thanks, Dan

 

Not much difference.

 

Tire height will be a determining factor. Are you staying with stock or going larger?

Are you re-gearing to spin the motor up? Details.

 

planning to use factory tire height, trying to make towing easier.

 

The lower you go the more it will affect your MPG and overall wear. I woul go with the 4.11

 

Not worth the expense going to 4.10s. Get the 4.30s. I used to belive that 4.10s were the optimal gear choice for the V10 for everyday use and occasional towing. But if the goal is to make towing easier, the 4.30s are the better choice.

FWIW, when I had my 20's on it made an effective ratio of around 4.20. I took them off yesterday and now have stock wheels and tires with 4.30s. The truck is really a beast now.

IMHO, you'll have less "wear" due to being able to tow in a higher (numerically) gear in most situations.

 

Yep, better for the engine, etc, if you do a lot of towing.

 

I don't tow alot, but when I do it is either 1000 miles down 95 or through the mountains of WV. The 3.73 just are not getting it done. The truck has done it, no break downs, but it is a matter of time if I do not do something. So I got the estimate for the new gears sets, 4.10 or 4.30, same price, $2000 - $2200 complete. All ford parts, new everything. How does that sound?

 

I have an Ex with 4.30's. It is absolutely perfect especially when towing. Even not towing, it moves effortlessly. I would not even consider 4.10's from 3.73's. You will be disappointed for the money. 4.30's for me.

 

Sounds like a lot of money for me. Plus the extra gas they will suck up. They used to be a third of that.

 

Ford may sell, but does not make gears for the Dana 50.

The OEM suppliers are Dana-Spicer & American Axle Manufacturing for the 50 & 10.5 respectively.

 

Yes, That is what I ment, What ford puts in is what I am having put in.

 

I tow almost exclusively with my Ex so take this input in that vain.

I used to have 3.73's with stock 265/75/R16E tires. I towed a 7500# TT thru the Rockies with it...it got me there an back...although it was interesting at times going up a couple of the passes when I lost momentum...first and second gear are spaced way too far apart (IMO) for a V10 with 3.73's especially when you are over 8000' in elevation and sucking thin air with no turbo or supercharger!

When I bought a new 9000# loaded TT I knew I would once again be visiting the Rockies (which I did last summer)...I also remembered my experiences with the 3.73's...

I had my gears changed in the early spring of 2007...man what a difference...the V10 LOVES this gearing with STOCK tires...and I still have stock tires...

I can tow mostly in OD and 3rd gear for many of the longer/steeper grades...

The Rockies still required 2nd gear but that was when I was over 10,000' on Vail and Loveland passes...not my everyday grade

So...if I were to recommend anything...go with what has been recommended...4.30's hands down with stock tires.

I've towed over 20,000 miles in a little over 3 summers...I'm just starting my third with the 4.30's...you will not regret the deeper gearing...

2000-2200 seems high to me too...but it all depends on your area too...

The parts alone will cost you ~$1000 for the gears and install kits with bushings/etc...so maybe for your area that isn't too bad...don't know.

As long as you are comfortable with the shop and feel they will do a good job for you...that should be important to you...getting a cheaper price may mean a cheaper job...but paying more doesn't guarantee quality either...so get some referrences if you haven't yet.

Good luck,
Joe.

 

Thanks X Hemi guy, this shop is the highest est. but also has the most experience and comes highly recommended by their piers. Glad to hear another indorsement for the 4.30. Hope it works as good for me as it did for you.

 

Sounds high to me too. I got the rear diff done in my Durango last year for $750 total. (2wd) That was at a reputable powertrain shop.