gearing or shifting question...

[wolftamer22]

Hi all I'm new here and i have a question regarding the engine power of my 2000 ex sport 5spd 4.0 ohv.

So for the 2+ years ive owned my ex, ive never been really able to keep up with traffic, and I've done quite a bit to it over the past couple of years, ( new lifters, push rods, rockers, cylinder heads, valves, and valve springs. ) and that really hasn't made a noticable difference in power (had the infamous lifter tick), so my ex also has 3.08 gears and 30" bfg all terrain t/a ko2s, would gearing help me accelerate from a stop? And when i go up wheeling (colorado resident) i have issues climbing up moutain roads and maintaining 40mph, so what im asking is do i just need to keep my rpms up before i shift or do i put gears in? I also shift at the 2500-3000rpm range, and if i should put gears in, what ratio to you guys reccomend? I would like to keep highway driving and towing a factor as well. Thanks for any input in advance!

 

[koda2000]

Your diff gearing, large tires (and having the 4.0L OHV engine) are your problems. Switching to a set of 4:10's will make a big difference in your acceleration.

 

[2TimingTom]

Also, in the mean time, check to see if your throttle body cable has stretched. You might not be opening the throttle as much as you think you are.

Take the intake tube off the throttle body, have an assistant push the gas pedal all the way down (or I use a jack stand). If the throttle plate isn't open all the way, add some zip ties or lead fishing weights or something to the throttle cable on top of the gas pedal.

But yes, 3.08 gears are only good for highway cruising across flat ground with no head wind and not towing.

 

[wolftamer22]

Your diff gearing, large tires (and having the 4.0L OHV engine) are your problems. Switching to a set of 4:10's will make a big difference in your acceleration.

ok, am I able to keep my highwayablility? safely cruise at 75 mph, im planning to go to moab over the summer..

 

[wolftamer22]

Also, in the mean time, check to see if your throttle body cable has stretched. You might not be opening the throttle as much as you think you are.

Take the intake tube off the throttle body, have an assistant push the gas pedal all the way down (or I use a jack stand). If the throttle plate isn't open all the way, add some zip ties or lead fishing weights or something to the throttle cable on top of the gas pedal.

But yes, 3.08 gears are only good for highway cruising across flat ground with no head wind and not towing.

will do a check today, the plate should be perpendicular to the throttle body at WOT, correct?

 

[2TimingTom]

Since you are local to me, there's a guy out in Parker that regeared my Explorer. I went from 3.55 to 4.56. If you are going to keep the 30" tires and not go too much bigger, then 4.10s are fine.

Check him out:
http://denver.craigslist.org/pts/5941874681.html

 

[2TimingTom]

will do a check today, the plate should be perpendicular to the throttle body at WOT, correct?

Correct.

 

[wolftamer22]

Since you are local to me, there's a guy out in Parker that regeared my Explorer. I went from 3.55 to 4.56. If you are going to keep the 30" tires and not go too much bigger, then 4.10s are fine.

Check him out:
http://denver.craigslist.org/pts/5941874681.html

sweet thank you! will look into it! I plan on 33s when I am done with it, but that is a while into the future haha!

 

[koda2000]

I have 4:10's and 30" tires on my SOHC Sport Trac. Highway driving at 75 MPH is no problem and 0-60 I think it will give my V8's a run for their money. The OHV has less horse power than the SOHC, but the 4:10 gearing will make a big difference.