So I have a 3.73 that I have yet to install and the more I drive around town the more I think I want 4.10s. Here is a week in the life of my truck:

7:45 a.m. Drive kid to day care (3 miles away and two lights with morning traffic retards).
8:00 a.m. driving to office, 8 miles from day care, all on the free way 65-70.
Lunch......somewhere close
5:00 Go straight home 6.8 miles to door, all highway.

Saturday and Sunday, drive the family around an get groceries, go to home depot, etc.....

So we pretty much drive this beast everywhere. Around town sucks!!!!!

I want to know:
1. Is the 0-60 that much different going from 3.08 to 4.10
2. Is the vehicle more repsonsive on the highway?
3. Does the vehicle hold overdrive any better at highway speeds? (Mine slips out on pansy little grades like overpasses in a head wind)
4. How is the truck around town?
5. How is the back end in the rain?
6. What are your rpms with 30 inch tires (275/65/16)
7. Do you regret it?

 

1.) YES

2.) Somewhat, yes. Your biggest change will be going from 0-anything. From a dead stop is where you'll feel the difference.

3.) Yes

4.) Would get you better MPG around town driving, and be easier on the engine/trans.

5.) Same as it is now. unless you install a locker, or other traction aid, your rear will do the same it does now in the rain. You might be able to let a wheel loose easier, but that would require you giving it gas.

6.) No clue. What speed ??

7.) If your not going any bigger in tire size, I'd think the 4.10 would make ya happy and be perfect for you. If other mods are in the works, then might want to hold off.


** you already have the 3.73's and that would be a dramatic improvement over what you have, but I am afraid it wouldn't be enough to put the smile on your face and make you feel justified for the purchase. If you can return it with zero loss on your pocket, I would highly consider it. Good luck to ya bud !

 

I can swap them at no cost as I have yet to open the box.
I looked at my book marked gear calculator and it shows about 2300 rpm at 70.
I am really thinking this is the way to go. Thanks Mercedes for the insight. I did do the search function but there was way too much to glean through.

 

No worries, I'm not one of the "search" ****'s !


2300 sounds a little high, I don't think you'll be turning that fast. Which engine do you have ? Maybe the v6 would

 

4.6 liter
I turn between 1700 and 1800 at 70 right now with 30 inch tires and 3.08.
Sounds cool but it really sucks when you need to accelerate.

 

Guess I coulda read the sig huh ??? I amaze myself sometimes :o

Right now, I have 3.73 w/ 35" tires and the 4.6L motor. I turn about 2k going 70 or so. I try to keep her around 60 as much as I can, keeping me closer to 1700 - 1800 ish (depending on terrain)

Do you tow at all ? haul heavy loads ?

 

Does your truck use the 4r75 vs. my 4r70 and are there any gear differences?
That's cool to know that you are turning 2k at 70 with 35's. I definately feel much better about 4.10's now. I just read the end of "project bulletproof" and Jackal seems pretty tickled with his 4.10s (but he does drive a 5spd).
Thanks again!

 

nope, i'm running the good ole 4r70W . I also got the 4.6 . Its those 5.4 3V guys who got the newer tranny. I don't think they changed the ratio much, just "improved" its load capacity. Could be wrong, haven't played with one... yet !

Crash Lucky13 (Josh) has a bad *** Boss 5.4 and can haul ***. he loves his 4.10's. Although, says when racing, its hard to keep traction from a stop ! Also, Ford did come with the 4.10 gears in the Heavy Duty package (7 lug).

 

In the 97-03 body style I have seen a few f-150s with f-250 badges and seven lug rims. The leaf spriongs look a little beefier too.
Thank for the info again. I am still dealing with the tranny too. She doesn't slip, but downshifting can be a PITA on the highway when you want to pass. Occasionally it will slam into gear if you floor it. I avoid this at all costs. 3.73s are being exchanged and 4.10s should be here by next week, When I get back from business I want those bad boys in, however I don't want to toast my tranny before my new one comes in (OEM replacement).

 

MAlexander, I'm running 4.10's with a 4.6L

However, I'm running SVT wheels. I do like the response. I really couldnt be happier!

Maybe a blower would make me happier but the 4.10's are nice and well worth every penny.

 

Are the SVT wheels 18s? I know what they look like on the lightnings. How is your ride with the wheels and what profile of tire are you running?

I cant wait for the 4.10s!!!!!!! Then the whole 500 mile break in period, that will take a few weeks, patience..... I know.

 

running 265/70/17's with the 4.6 and manual trans. spinning around 2200 rpm in 5th, thats where these 4.6's love to run.

 

Good to know. I appreciate you taking the time to post. I really want to get the most out of my baby. I bet it's pretty quick too!
I would be curious to know some 0-60 times.

 

Heck yeah! I'm runnin 4.10:1 in my truck. 4.6/ 4x4 / ext. cab. great for in town trips and very peppy!

 

Goin from 3.08 to 4.10 will be a huge change. Your truck will seem unreal. The get up and go will be great and midrange pull will be amazing. With 275-60's you will be able to blow them off, and in the rain it will be lots of fun, my 3.55's are awesome, a 25-30mph kick and it's sideways. Gears are the cheapest way to go fast without having all the expensive goodies, and makes it a great sleeper for all your buddies who think its just stock.