Changing differential gears

[TeachTexas]

Would like to hear from those that have actually changed their rear-end ratios.
Did you get any improvement?
Was it worth it?
Any pitfalls?

[MC9]

A few years ago I changed my E-150 from 3:55 to 4:10. I think they should come from the factory like that. It didn't downshift on hills and I actually got better mileage. At the time it was about $400.00.

[A32Deuce]

There is a lot to calculate what ratio to use, not just throw a gear at it. You could make a change and windup worse then you have. Tire size has an effect along with transmission ratios plus engine torque. 3:55-4:10 May just do your combo.

[keegantimber]

I did it to an older 2003 Dodge Ram albeit in good shape. Went from 3.92 to 4.56 with 20 inch wheels....for towing only. Would I do it again...no. However I did use it for three years. Helped with towing,and towing with this ratio was much easier on the transmission.
Fuel mileage towing was a bit worse.
And bear in mind if your tow vehicle is four wheel drive you must change both front and rear differentials to be the same...or remove the front driveshaft.
I have since upgraded to a 2500 Diesel....which I should have done in the first place (funds were tight at that time).

[ponce9ms]

I installed 4:10 from 3:55 in f150 with 5.4 motor
Best move for the money, is my daily driver abeit short commute.
Pulls hills well runs 60 mph at 2750 rpm all day in O/D about 2100rpm.


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[TeachTexas]

Got the new gears installed. Went with a 4.11.
Made a 2k round trip and noticed a great improvement.
Gas mileage went up about 2 mpg and it no longer went to hunting gears on small inclines.
Very happy with results

[ponce9ms]

Glad to hear that
For me and the amount of towing we do.
Didn't make sense to upgrade to a new rig would be nice just didn't pencil out for us, in fact it really was the tipping factor in getting a new TT
Happy with choice in Oregon

[vsandy]

Sounds like a great result. Thanks for the update.

Vince in NC

[sellis1053]

Originally Posted by TeachTexas

Got the new gears installed. Went with a 4.11.
Made a 2k round trip and noticed a great improvement.
Gas mileage went up about 2 mpg and it no longer went to hunting gears on small inclines.
Very happy with results

Did you have it done at a dealership or transmission shop?

[TeachTexas]

Originally Posted by sellis1053

Did you have it done at a dealership or transmission shop?

At a friends garage

[str8t six]

what truck did you do this to?

[bshort]

Last gear swap I made was the 5.4 F150 as well. 3.55 to 4.10. Night and day difference. So much more enjoyable to drive.

[TitanMike]

It would be really be nice if they built a 2-speed differential for light trucks much like those used in the larger ones. One for running around with an unloaded truck and the other for when towing.

[A32Deuce]

Gear Venders over/under drive! Best of both worlds. They are built tough.

[D W]

Originally Posted by A32Deuce

Gear Venders over/under drive! Best of both worlds. They are built tough.

Had one of those units in my '84 Scottsdale K20 behind a 4 spd w/ 4.10 gears. Easy install and it made that 6.2L sing like a church choir through the RPM band. Could get 14 mpg towing a 5,000 lb TT, and almost 20 without. They are spendy though. I originally looked a Doug Nash unit which was about $500 cheaper, but they didn't offer an adapter for my transfer case at the time.

[A32Deuce]

Had a friend that had one in his 34 Ford. High go motor. Used it for cruising and drag racing! Built tough. I have thought about one for my class C.

[TeachTexas]

Originally Posted by str8t six

what truck did you do this to?

06 Durango HEMI