figuring out my gear ratio for towing.... | Ford Explorer Forums - Serious Explorations

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figuring out my gear ratio for towing....

2000EB4x4inGA

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Joined
March 20, 2003
Messages
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City, State
Atlanta Georgia
Year, Model & Trim Level
1997 Limited 4x4
I have a 2000 eddie bauer explorer with a SOHC. I think this means i have a transmission begining with 55 or some such. I also see that in OD my X turns about 2500 rpms at 70. Which gear ratio does my rear end have and alternately how can i verify so i can make sure. I get about 18-19 in city driving and about 21-22 on the highway with my X and it is a 4x4 left in the auto mode. I am pretty happy with the gas mileage overall but i think i need to clean the MAF as it has a little idle hunt when stopped and sometimes has a little rougher start than i think it should. It was 70k on it btw.

Thanks in advance Brian
 



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If you look at the sticker on the driver side door jam you'll find the Axle code, you can then come back here and use the search function to find out which axle you have.
 






Your tranny is a 5R55E

For your gear ratio, either look at the axle code on your driver's door sticker, or tell us your RPMs at 65 mph with OD turned off.
 






it said 42 which i think is a conventional 3.45 gear ratio what would that equate to at 65 with OD shut off? is it as as a ratio MPH / RPM = etc...

How hard is it to switch to a Limited Slip? How badly does gas mileage suffer with 4.10s?
 






42 is open 4.10

You should probably search this site for info on limited slips.

To switch to a Ford factory unit (without changing the entire axle), you'd need a new carrier and LS unit professionally installed. The same for other LS units which require a new carrier. There are some units that don't require a carrier change, but they'd still need to be professionally installed.

I have a limited slip by Eaton which is very good and I've never had any problems with it. It is a great unit both on and offroad.
 






And you should be running about 3000 RPMs at 65 mph with OD off.
 






Alos, it isn't a good idea to tow in ODif it is more than a few hundred pounds, you'll burn out the over drive and possible damage the trans as it will not cool properly.

Though that may have been remedied with that trans. I know that I can't tow heavy object in OD because my trans fluid boils (and I have the aux. cooler).

Just my .02
 






Alright so i already have 4.10s...hmmm.....alrigth i would have thought this thing would be snappier with 4.10 and my gas mileage worse. Interesting...thanks for the info guys.

How would i know if i have an aux cooler or was that something you added? Was there a package from ford?
 






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