I have a 2001 F-150 2wd with a Fabtech 7.5" lift kit and 2" lift hangers. I am currently running 20's with about a 31" tire. The truck kicks in and out of o/d as or is. I am installing a set of black 26" wheels and plan to change my ring an pinion. I think I have a 3.55 and was wondering if a 3.73 would be enough to offset the lift and wheels or should I go with a 3.90?

 

What size tires are you going to run with those 26's? Gear depends on tire size not lift height.

 

Its a 35" tire. The has made a big difference because of the wind drag. I want to install a gear where the truck isn't struggling to keep up. But I figured because wheel weight will be heavier than tire weight I would to compensate for like 38's. BTW I had 38's for a while and I couldn't drive with the o/d on.

 

Normally 4.56's would be good for 35's but with the extra wheel weight I'd almost say 4.88's.

 

3.73s would be a waste of money. You would hardly notice a difference. 4.56 would be preferable.

 

this. and can i get some pics?

 

Hi.

There is much more in play than just static wheel and tire weights.

There is also rotational inertia ( mass being concentrated farther from the wheel center ), and increased rolling resistance - which includes factors such as: tire tread design, inflation pressures, rubber compound and tread width.

Spring rates will be off, as will shock damping calibrations.

Lastly - there is the increase in leverage due to the larger radius of the wheel/tire assembly - which will drastically reduce your braking effectiveness, hence increase stopping distances. Most folks do not factor in a brake upgrade when going larger - but they should.

BTW - I agree that yer already-poor aeros (it's a truck) get even worse with a lift at speed.

You are a candidate for 4.56's, at least. Perhaps even 4.88's +.

A custom-tuned programmer would beneficial to recoup some torque and correct for tire size and gear ratio so your speed is accurate and your shift points are correct.

 

If you have a 4.2 or 4.6, I'd almost say 5.13's with 38's.

 

That's why I came to ya'll. I knew you guys would be the ones to ask. I don't plan on setting any land speed records. I just want to be able to set cruise at 70 or 75 and not feel like I'm killing the truck. Oh btw my truck has the 5.4. If you click on my name you can see the way the truck looks now. I hope to start prepping for paint soon. Also, I do plan on installing a big brake kit from SSB.

 

ive never seen that front end conversion done before. it looks like 04-08 but yet its different

 

It looks like an expy front clip from around that year range.

 

i was thinking that after i replied. i just figured it wasnt an f150 because the grill isnt part of the hood and the fogs looked a little small. very interesting swap

 

Its an 05 Expy front clip. I'm not through with it yet. Its a work in progress.

 

make sure and post pics along the way! id like to see the final product!

 

With a 5.4, 4.56's are fine.