I have a 2000 F150 with a 3.08 rear end (like penguin149 I too got at good deal). I had a 1998 f150 3.55LS flareside which i liked very much. I had no problems in the ice and snow up here in Canada with the limited slip rear end. With the new truck, I recently had to be pushed by a few guys as without the limited slip, I was stuck on some ice even though i have 255 70R 16 winter tires with steel studs and approx. 400 pounds of weight in the box.

What is involved with changing to a 3.55 with LS. I dont do any serious towing so the 3.55 would probably be fine.

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Wayne MacDonald
2000 F150 XLT
SuperCab, Green & Silver
3.08 Gear Ratio

 

My 97 came with a 3.08 open rear end,the first thing I did was put in a ls.I bought it used for $150 and took about 1 hour to put it in,make sure you get extra shims.The gears I had done in a drivetrain shop at a later date for approximatly $450 for 3.73's.The new gears made it more fun to drive!


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97 F150 Flareside Ext Cab
XLT,4.6 Auto,DK Toreador Red,Ford Signature Atlas rims
275/60 17 Yokohama AVS ST
3:73 LS,K&N Fipk
Superchip,Flowmaster Force II,Ford 9mm wires
Bosch Platinium +4
MAAP step bars ss
glowing logo



[This message has been edited by DG13 (edited 01-18-2001).]

 

i am looking into getting a limited slip for a 3.55 rear where is a good place to get one

 

nat16- let us know what kind of rear you're working with?...8.8 or 9.75?

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2000 F-150 XL, RC, LB, 5.4L, 4R70W, 3.55LS,
Class III tow, Payload #3, & Convenience pkgs.,
4-wheel disc/ABS, Chestnut/Parchment 40/60,
Ford bedliner w/Paintsaver & gas/wheel/spare locks,
K&N F.I.P.K. w/Outwears pre-filter, Superchip,
Dynomax ultra-flow welded 3" cat-back w/ 3" Y-pipe,
Hellwig front & rear anti-sway bars, Rancho RS 9000s,
Mobil 1, K&N oil filter.

 

it s the 9.75 inch rear

 

There are several for the 8.8" but the only LS that I've been able to locate for the 9.75" is the Ford OEM unit.

 

I will have to check and see if I actually have a 3.31 rear end or a 3.08. At any rate, I will probably add a LS rear end before next winter. Is there a size limit for the gear size that I can use? Would I notice a big difference going to a 3.55ls or should I consider a 3.73ls or a 4.10ls. I don't do a great deal of hauling but I do notice a power loss with the size of my new truck and the fact that it is automatic.


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Wayne MacDonald
2000 F150 XLT
SuperCab, Green & Silver
3.08 Gear Ratio

 

wmacdonald-You can check your door tag axle code, or crawl under and get the actual ratio off of the rear cover tag. If you are interested in a LS, gear change is the time to install it, as the axle has to be tore down to that level anyway. Depending on what gear you find out that you have, .25 or so is not very noticeable; .50 and up is. You may also want to consider, at this time, if you prefer a different future tire size. This way you can adjust for it now also. Everyone has differing opinions/needs; my truck (when floored w/3:55s) tops 2nd out at 75mph, and buries the speedo in 3rd. 3:55 would be my minimum choice; there is plenty of top end for 4:10s, and 3:73s are very nice if you don't tow/race/or prefer max quickness (these will also help in highway mileage). You will not be "limited" to install these ratios; 4:30s,4:56,etc. is available. Good Luck!!

[This message has been edited by max mitchell (edited 01-24-2001).]