Did not know where to post this question so here goes:

I have a 1998 F150 XL 4x4 with a 4.6L V8 and a 5spd (with 152,000 miles). I have 265 70 16 tires on it, other than that it is stock. The truck runs well, but seems to just not have the pep that I thought it would have in a v8 (past car was a 1996 Impala SS, which had plenty of pep).

I had the dealer run the Vin # and it appears that the truck has a 3.08 rear. Not knowing a heck of a lot about gearing, I was wondering if upgrading the gears in the rear to 3.55's or 3.73 is worth while......what are the pros and cons of this upgrade.

Any thoughts or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Stephen

 

You might like the results as far as acceleration, but expect gas milage to go down and you will also have to do the front or you will not be able to use 4x4.

 

I see, will the decrease in gas mileage be drastic or maybe 1-2 mpg? The way it stands now, if I am going say 70 in 5th gear and hit a hill, I will most likely have to downshift to 4th in order to maintain 65 up the hill......

 

Any suggestions on which would be the best gearing to go with?

~S

 

I wouldn't be surprised if the milage drop was at least 1-2mpg.
As far as which to get, I have had both 3.55 and 3.73 with a 5.4, although the 3.73 is with my 04 and feels similar to my old 01 with the 3.55. The 04 is a good bit heavier. As long as you are not carrying a lot of heavy loads, I think the 3.55 would be sufficient. Know anyone that has the same setup, except for the rear? Even 2wd would give you an idea.

 

I have an automatic. With 265's (what I had from the factory) it was OK. But with a 4.6 and a 5 speed with that many miles, I think I would opt for the 3.73. Keep in mind its a 4x4, so its going to cost you about $1500.

 

Thanks for the information (from both of you). The 3.73's sound good. All I am looking for is a bit more pep around town......I really do not do a lot of highway driving anymore (in fact I will only put on about 12,000 miles this year) that would necessitate such a low gear ratio.

 

BTW, KickinBlue4x4, which wheels are on your truck?

 

Eagle 187's. If I did it all over again I would go with pro-comp wheels... The chrome ones, they look exactly the same, cant remember the model # though... These are a pain in the a$$ to keep polished.

 

I am waiting the delivery of a set of Eagle 058's. They are also polished, but after reading several posting, perhaps I should have gone with chrome wheels also.

What do you use to keep yours polished?