Hey all,
I have a '00 xlt f150 4x4 ext cab short box, currently with the (way too small) stock tires that are 245/75/16 (about 30inch). I will very shortly be replacing them with 285/75/16s (33), and i was wondering if my 4.6L V8 will have any trouble pushing the extra rubber.

What I'm getting at, is will I need to regear my rear end?? anyone with experience in running these tires will help, the tires will be bfg ATs.
Thanks,
Tanner

 

you don't have to regear with 33's. I have 3:55's with 33's I will tell you that you will notice the difference if you don't regear. 3:73's would be better if you don't want to regear. I am waiting on my 35's before I regear to 4:56's.

Regearing will always help when you upgrade tires but it ain't cheap.

 

What do you have now? If you don't know, post up the axle code on your door jam sticker and we can tell you.

Adrianspeeder

 

You guys should be honest with him. For 33s a regearing isn't needed.

 

Silver05 is right, unless he has 3.08's or something. If he has 3.55's, he'll be fine. I wouldn't go through the trouble for a little extra that a 3.73 gives, but maybe a 4.10. If your regearing, do it for a lot, not minor, but technically the guys are right about going bigger, bigger tire should equal bigger gear, just here it isn't a worry.

 

Hey guys,
I just checked my manual (my door panel didn't mention it), and it says I have a 3.55 ratio lim-slip axel. According to my original documents when the previous owner bought it, it was an add on.

Anyways, so with a 3.55 gear ratio and tires that'll be 33x10.5 AT's I should be fine hey??

thanks for the help guys
Tanner

 

3.55s are fine with 33s.

Your door jam sticker has a code underneith AXLE and it should be H9 for a 3.55LS.

Adrianspeeder

 

Hello Tanner_F150,

You don't need to re-gear but if you want good low end power you should, especially if you tow, haul or off-road. The main disadvantage is cost $1300-$1400 because you have both front and rear axles. With gears 4.56 or less there is only a minimal mileage difference. I have 2000 4x4 with a 5.4 with 285/70-17 (33") tires and I went from 3.55 gears to 4.10's and get better performance then I did with the original tires and gears. If I had to do it again I would even put on 4.56 gears.

 

yeah a regear would help but it is not a must with going with a 33 just depends on money and future plans.