Swapping Gears

[renlo]

I'm new to this site and new to modifying my explorer. I have a 2005 X 4WD and wanting to swap out the gears to help with towing. I have no idea what gears to make and how much this might cost.

Currently I'm towing around 3000lbs and wanting to tow more weight and plan on towing over 4500 lbs in the near future. I have 3.55's on it right now. I'm running 265/75/16's right now. Should I go to 3.73 or 4.10. Also, is it possible to only swap out the rear since I don't use my 4WD til I save up for the front.

 

[jrford]

i think you still have the 5spd and V8? Similar to mine, i was thinking of buying a camper.

When i checked on a regear to 3.73's and also add a truetrac posi it was $1500. Not sure if it included programming the ECU. This only gave me 200rpm difference, but with 3.73's the X is rated for 7k lbs. You have to do both front and rear, no choice.

The X stock has calibrations for 3.55's and 3.73's, i don't think there is one for 4.10's, so that means you might need a custom tune which add a couple of hundred more.

From what i've read, only, there isn't much difference going from 3.55's to 3.73's its not until you jump to 4.10's can you FEEL the difference.

Solution, with my V8 i just turn the OD off the couple of times i tow something heavy. But if you have the V6 that might change things. . . .

 

[renlo]

Forgot to mention i have a V6. Thanks for the info

 

[MT-EX]

I know this thread is a couple months dead but.... I have the same vehicle as renlo and i was also thinking of going to 4.10's. im also runnin 265/75-16's, renlo how does your v6 run while towing 3000 lbs with the bigger tires and stock gears??

 

[jrford]

i was also thinking of going to 4.10's.

if you have 2wd it should be OK but there are no (or very hard to find) Dana35's Front Diffs Ring/Pinons that are 4.10's. I've only heard of 3.73's as the max for the fronts.