Gear ratios

[Big Bear Bob]

I have a LSD 373 rear end in my XLT, and have read several posts where people seemed to prefer 410 etc. I have 31x10.50 15 BFG AT/KO's on my truck and really do not have an idea what effect gear ratios have on the truck, or it's performance.

Any guidence would be appreciated thanks.
Bob

 

[Jason_25]

How often do you offroad your truck? When you go offroad is it hilly or rocky?

On the street, do you feel like your truck has enough power?

 

[MrShorty]

The gear ratio is the number of revolutions of the driveshaft to turn the wheels one rotation. A higher number means it is easier for the engine to turn the wheels, but a higher RPM is required to acheive a certain vehicle speed. A higher number will give you better acceleration from a stop, lower crawl speeds, and a lower top speed (not including the effect of any other speed limiters).
A lower number means it is harder for the engine to turn the wheels, but a lower RPM is required to achieve a given vehicle speed. Lower numbers give you slower acceleration, but a higher top speed, and more efficiency at highway speeds.
I hope this helps. Like Jason said, any decision to change your current gear ratio depends on your driving needs and wants.

 

[jimbo74]

the 3.73 i have in my truck spins my 31s just fine...... personally i wouldnt upgrade to a 4.10 if i ever planned on anything bigger than a 31.....

 

[leenjen]

you're lucky. i'm stuck with 3.27s. it's great for gas mileage, but i cant put bigger than stock tires on.
someday, i'll do a 4.10 gear swap.

 

[mosinman]

Not sure if the switch from 3.73 to 4.10 would be worth the hassle. The hIgher the ratio, the faster your engine will spin at any given speed. This gives you more grunt down low, but higher rpms and lower mpg on the highway. I would definitely consider it if I had a 3.27. I have the 4.10 and SOHC. GREAT combo! Oops! just reread the posts and It seems I have repeated what others have stated.

 

[Adam Berger]

Thats all great guys, but who sells these gears?

 

[mosinman]

This is a job for the pros. Try a
trans shop or ask the Ford dealer.