I'm looking at new trucks and I need to choose the axle ratio. The truck will be a 4x4 with 17" wheels. What gears are best for the 4.6L and the 5.4L? Standard is the 3.31 on either engine. I currently have 4.6L/3.55 in my truck and they seem fine. My heaviest towing is a few trikes or quads.

I know the off-road pkg comes with 3.55 but I wasn't going to get this option. It just doesn't seem worth the money.

TIA,
REDBUCK50

 

"Best" could be different depending on need. Personally, I'd get the lowest (highest number) gear that I could get my hands on. The factory overdrive provides plenty of top end with any available gear. So, what you get is better towing, quickness, and general low end grunt. Few people are trying to go the opposite way in gearing. This also helps if you have/want taller tires. The factory gears and LS are a bargain. Good Luck !!

 

DEFINITELY get at least the 3.55's. I know Ford's gear selection is limited but get the most you can. My '99 came with 3.55's and I'd like have 3.73's. The 5.4's have alot of torque but there's no substitue for gears.

 

Thanks for the info. It been a while since I really thought about gearing. Late 80's when I put 4.88's in my Toyota.

REDBUCK50

 

they came stock with my truck and i hate em. now granted i have 35" tires now but they still suck. getting 4.10's this week

 

Gearing is critical. Spend the little bit of extra $ and the 3.55 with limited slip. You can get it without having to buy the whole pkg.

 

Oh yeah, 2fords hit it right on the head.

The little extra that the dealer charges for the gears and limited slip is an absolute bargain!

Getting both those options later on would cost a bundle and would still never be "factory installed".