Just wondering, I am planning on getting the 4" Rancho and some 35's, but ive been reading posts about power issues. Does anyone with this setup have any problems. Just want to know if I'm going to have to regear from my 373's. I was also planning on gettinfg a custom tune done for my Edge which I probably should have done a long time ago considering I'm running a S&D CIA and a Magnaflow exaust on a level 2 canned tune.

 

I've got the rancho 4 and run close to a 35s (BFG AT/KO 285/65/R20) in the winter on my stock rims (also ran the 35s in the winter with my 2" leveling kit)... but i have been thinking i need to regear; mine is only the 3.55 stock gears. Planning on going to 4.56 gears since I never plan to have tires larger than 35s. Only reason i've tollerated it this long, is the Gryphon w/custom 87 tune.

 

What do you run in the summer?

 

yes you should prolly regear for the long run but you will be fine for awhile. Many guys on here run 35s with stock gears. and from the info ive gathered some custom tunes would be great

 

I've been running my stock 3.73 gears for about 2 years with no issues.

It's more a matter of will you want new gears, not need new gears.

- NCSU

 

About a 33in tire for now (Mickey Thompson Baja ATZ 305/55/R20) from when I had the 2in leveling kit on it. Either of the two setups are heavier than the stock wheel/tire setup by at least 20lbs each which is another reason I think I should regear to save on the trans and engine in the long run. I have got away with it for a couple years now but really think its time, and probably should have just did it last summer when the rancho 4 was installed.

It may have been a different story if I had 3.73s stock since I don't tow/haul heavy loads a lot nor far if I do but since I have the 3.55s I can tell it more than most members that are still running stock gears.

 

Yeah like I had said my best friend is a Ford tech, so doing the gears isnt a big deal. I dont think they even run that much. Is the 456's the consensus for the best gears to use and with those will I be crazy high in rpms on the highway. Wheres the best place to buy new gears?

 

Is yours a 4x2 or 4x4?

If 4x2, look into 4.30. Those would probably match up well with 35s.

If 4x4 the best bet is probably the 4.56s. Nobody makes a 4.30 reverse cut for the fronts.

- NCSU

 

My understanding from what I've read from other members is that if you're going to stick with 35s then stay with 4.56 but if you are ever going to go to 37s then you'd want to go to a 4.88. 4.88 with 35s will give you high rpms at freeway speeds.

I've been looking at yukon gears, from what i've gathered they are some of the best.

A few members said they have got a good price from calling the guys at diffsonly.com but I couldn't tell you for sure since I haven't ordered mine up yet (members will chime in to help you with that though).

Depending on the miles on your truck you're going to want to get a master install kit too.

This is a pretty good chart to give you an idea on gears/rpms:

 

It's up to you. I say get the lift and see how you like it. I don't think you will notice it to bad. I have 3.73's with my 37's and it's definitely sluggish But it's fine, I have the Mustang for when I want some speed. I can't really use cruise control because the transmission would shifting but you learn how to drive with it. As far as effecting towing, mine did just fine towing my 3700 lb mustang plus 2000 lb trailer up a big hill. I just took it easy and left it in drive.

 

Hahaha, I had the same argument with my wife!!
Kitchenboy, I got your email and responded to you...those of us with 3.73's are doing quite fine with 35's. The install will cost about the same as the two sets of gears and master install kits, but if you have a buddy who can do it for case of beer, then you're looking at about $600( +/-) in parts. I would take the advice below and get your lift, wheels and tires on and go drive that thing. You can always get the new gears sometime down the road...if ever.

 

Luckily mine just pretends that the random boxes that show up at the front door with my name on them aren't really there.

- NCSU

 

I just send the boxes to my neighbors house.

 

Yeah I got my gears from diffsonly.com from Wayne good guy to work with and a good price

 

Yeah not so lucky here!! But the shipping guy at work is pretty suspicious!!