I have a 2001 screw 2wd with the 5.4 v8 and 3.73 gears. I have a 3 inch lift and 33s. I am doing another 3 inches over the summer and running 35s or the biggest one I can fit. Should I regear and if so to what? Also what can I clear with 6 inches of lift? The search function normally helps me find awnsers to my questions but not this time.

 

Do you pull anything? I have a 97 4x4 ext cab with the 4.6 im saving up for 4.88, im running 285/70/17" tires now but may jump up to 35"s and a small lift on down the road. Do pull a boat to. Either 4.56 or 4.88 should suffice.

 

Since you have a 2wd I would go 4.30 and not look back. That is considered the best pair for 35s. 4.56 is too much gear imho and 4.88s will have you turning ridiculous rpms.

 

I tow very seldom I have towed my boat 4 wheelers during hunting season and then a medium size tractor here and there

 

Went from 3.08 to 4.11, running 285/75r16 (32.8") it is day and night. For rpm 4.30 should also work...

 

How did stock 3.73 gearing treat you with 33s? I'm at 3.73 stock and want to go up to 33s, I know I probably should regear, but was it that bad without regearing? 2000 2wd scab f150. Occasional hauling of about 300-500lbs and towing maybe once or twice a year if my bosses truck dies or is unavailable (or mine is more available)

 

I towed 4500#-5000# with 3.73 gears and 285/70-17 tires ('99 4WD SCAB). One trip was towing my Mustang cross-country 1400 miles. The only time I wished for a steeper ratio was when I got here to the mountains. Otherwise, it managed just fine. I now have 3.55's with the same tire, and beg for more gear even when not loaded down. 4.10's are on my list (because I won't spend that kind of money to go just one step).

Andy

 

Were the 3.73s in your white truck?

 

Yes, with the Trac-Lok (which will likely find its way into the '03). I'd just swap front and rear diffs complete, but not with 270K on them.

 

I got a 5.4 3.73 and wanna go up to 33s and eventually 35s so I'm considering a regear to 4.10. I saw on another post that someone was doing the same thing and even posted prices and products they were considering for the gears, including the differential itself. my question is this, is it necessary to replace the entire differential when regearing? Why not use the original one? I've never done a regear nor do I personally know someone who has. Is the differential itself a one time use thing like a gasket, or is it that they probably just wanted a better one with Limited slip?