Newbie to Board and towing.

I have a 97 F150 XLT Reg Cab, 4.6 auto , towing package(tranny cooler and 1.4 radiator) and 3.08 rear. I have purchased a 21' 5th wheel camper (4405 uvw). I pulled the camper approx. 100 miles to home and onr weekend camping, the truck pulls fine with the exception of slow takeoff and it slows climbing hills. I have not pushed the truck hard since I am new to towing. I have been told that I need the 3.55 rear. I don't want to damage the truck or void the warranty but is this really needed? The trailer does not push the truck around. I checked with a few Ford dealers in my area (Southeast Alabama) and got different prices from each ranging from $500.00 to $800.00. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated (trading trucks is not an option). Ford Trucks are the trucks.

 

Mockingbird;
This change worked very well for my 4.2L 5-speed. To get a better idea of how your truck will run before actually doing a swap, multiply your rpm's at any given speed (say 60 mph for example) by 115%. If you feel that the resulting rpm would not feel too high (it shouldn't) and that the power increase at the new rpm would feel useful (it should) then the change might be worthwhile. Another trick to try would be to go to a dealership and test drive a truck similar to yours but equipped with the 3.55 ratio. That would answer all of your questions. Good luck with your decision. GlennMc.

 

How many times a year do you tow? If it's only once or twice, I'd just get a bigger tranny cooler, or do more fluid changes. If it's more, then do the gears. The difference in gas mileage will not be that much and your tranny will be much happier. I'm sure you have riden a 10 speed. It's much easier on the legs when you start in 2nd compared to 5th or higher.

 

Greetings, fellow Monroevillian!!

I have a '98 extended cab that came with the trailer towing package and 3.08 gears (go figure!) I changed to 3.73 gears early this year and my towing experiences are much better! It's more fun to drive not towing, too. Better takeoff, more power and my 4.6L is in its powerband range when towing at interstate speeds (60 - 65 mph; around 2800 RPMs. I got the Ford MotorSport gears at Xtreme Performance in Mobile for $215 and had them installed for $150. The gear oil was $65 (I'd order Amsoil if I had to do it again - less expensive and probably better, too) This was the best modification I've done to my truck, by far! Cat-back exhaust would be the second.

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98 F150XLT, 4.6L, 2WD, Ext Cab,

• White w/ tan leather (aftermarket)
• 3.73 gears
• Gibson Swept-side exhaust
• Rack N Rail ladder rack
• Autometer Z-series Transmission Temp gauge
• Roadmaster Active Suspension

 

hi Mockingbird

I just had my gears changed from 3.55 to 4.56 because i run 35" tires and i am very pleased with the results. My advice for you is to shop around and find the best price before you just let anyone do it though.



[This message has been edited by Bigern6697 (edited 06-30-2001).]

 

I recently changed my rearend to 3:55 from 3:08 gears for towing. I did it to save strain on the tranny and Ford recommends not towing more than 2000 pounds with 4.6, auto, and 3:08 gears. I am happy with the swap. It cost me $600 for Olympic Offroad to do it for me. The only problem so far is getting the speedometer recalibrated. I am hearing that it can not be done.

 

I once had a blazer that could not pull a greasy rag out of a cows a$$ and it had huge gears but a lousy 305 engine. I have the 4.6 5speed and have pulled often at 1900 rpm (65miles an hour) and a 1500 lb. trailer behind me,, NO PROBLEM (3.08 gears) and 21 miles to the gal.

 

My trailer weighs 4500 pounds without all our camping stuff. If it weighed less than 2000 pounds I would have left the stock 3:08 gears in it.

 

Hey, I'm pulling a 4500 LB. 22' 5th wheel with a 5.0 liter ,AOD, 3:55 gears and she pulls right along. Shift kit helps alot on take-off. Tranny cooler, oil-cooler and alot of ford truck.................

 

I say go with the 3.55 gears you'll be glad you did as you will have better take offs get up to speed quicker plus when towing it will feel alot easyer.

 

all that is needed to recalibrate the speedometer for any tire size or gear change in the 97 and 98 f150s is a reduction gear that goes in the tailshaft of your transmission. on the 99 up models they have to change the progam in your computer to adjust for the gears.

 

i forgot to day that the reduction gear can be bought at any for dealership for around 20 bucks.