will i be able to tell a difference if i go from 3.55 to 3.73? i would like some low end improvement without compromising top end. i think the 4.10 will hurt my top end. is that a true statement?. Also, whenever i do the gears i am going to install Powertrax no slip unit.
thank you for any info.

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Black 99 xlt sc flairside,4.6 2w.d.,jardine catback,
superchip,
RS9000 shocks,
lowered 2" front and back,svt rims,265/60/18 avs yokohamas,
Ford 9mm sparkplug wires.
Snug Lid.2 KC daylighters.


FUTURE MODS: LS AND 4.10 GEARS.

 

Changing .25 or so is not real noticeable; .50 or so really starts to show a change. Either gear will get you toward your goal of low-end performance. Alot of people recommend .50 or more, since it requires a complete tear down, and tire changes can modify ratio easier. A gear change/tear down is the time to get the LS if it is a complete diff. The Powertrax Lock-Rite can be installed without diff removal. 4.10s still provide plenty of top end unless you want to run at very high speeds, especially if you ever get bigger tires.

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2000 F-150 XL,RC,LB,5.4,4R70W,3.55LS,
Class III tow/Payload #3/Convenience pkgs.,
4-wheel disc/ABS,Chestnut/Parchment 40/60,
Ford bedliner & gas/wheel/spare locks,
3" cold air box modification, Superchip,
Dynomax ultra-flow welded 3" cat-back,
3" exit Y-pipe, Hellwig rear anti-sway bar.

 

20 years ago 4.10 and even 4.56 or greater were common -- and were pretty annoying when not towing.

Thanks to that marvelous overdrive gear added a dozen years ago - 4.10's are pleasant performance-enhancers -- and can really put that engine 'oomph' to the ground.

I agree with MM about making the modification noticeable if you're gonna do it at all.

I barely notice the difference between my 3.73 and a 3.55 in my '97 -- partly due to also going from P255/70R15 with the 3.55 to LT245/70R16 with the 3.73 (means about half of the gear change was used up with tire growth). I'd like a 4.10 with my set-up (2000 RPM at 70 in OD; 2900 RPM in DD at 70).

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Y2K™ Jim

Toreador Red, Keyless XLT SC SB 5.4L E4x4 4wDisc/ABS, 3.73LS, Skid, HD 7700# Towing, LT-245's on Chrome, Tube-Steps, Captain's, 6CD, Tonneau, named: "Nick"

 

Y2K -

Hey I have a 97 4.6L F150 2WD with 3.55 in the rear. I have 305/70/16's...for tires on her...what will or can I expect if I go to 4.10? I like Veloci do not want to loose my top end since in CA we run in the 70-90 depending on the freeways .i.e CA - Autoban 15 Freeway to vegas...lol

Oh yea my truck is an automatic for trany

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1997 F150 4.6L, Flare side,American Racing Baja 16X8's, Goodyear Wrangler's LT305/70/16's ATS, Flowmaster 50 series, 3" cat,3.5 Suspension Lift kit, Tinted Windows, Superchip, Rancho 5000's

 

The OD/4th has adequate top end, 4.10s are not a problem for those speeds. If you focus on top speed w/ gas mileage considered, deterioration should be expected. Next, you will not feel the full effect of this ratio since you have a taller tire. I have had many cars with no OD and similar ratios, no problem on the highway, and the low end is great. Good luck !

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2000 F-150 XL,RC,LB,5.4,4R70W,3.55LS,
Class III tow/Payload #3/Convenience pkgs.,
4-wheel disc/ABS,Chestnut/Parchment 40/60,
Ford bedliner & gas/wheel/spare locks,
3" cold air box modification, Superchip,
Dynomax ultra-flow welded 3" cat-back,
3" exit Y-pipe, Hellwig rear anti-sway bar.