I called an SVT dealer today inquiring about the 3.73 gears which are available for the new Lightning (stock is 3.55). The parts guy I was talking to asked me to get the number off the tag bolted to the rear end housing so he would know the proper ring & pinion set to order.

When I called the parts guy back with the number, he told me that the service manager had suggested that I not change the rear end ratio for the following reasons:

1) "It will cost $1,200-$1,300".
2) "It won't make much difference anyway".
3) "It might really mess things up cause we aren't sure if we can adjust the computer to correct the speedometer".
4) "The easiest way to lower the gear ratio is get smaller tires".

After hanging up in disbelief, I called Bankston in Frisco and they apparently have no problem changing the rear end ratios including adjusting the computer. This is the first Ford I have ever owned and I am totally amazed at the disparity in these two dealers. Is this normal?

 

ahhhh, YEP, Dealer are independent of Ford, and well, YOU CAN TELL...

 

Hey Sixpipes,
I bought my 3.73 gears from the ford dealer in Baton Rouge La and paid $200 for them. Had them put on here in Lafayette for about $450. The speedo looks to be off about 5 mile per hour (not sure because I am not real concerned about that little bit)

Any gear change will put more bottom-in on your truck. I turn about 2,300 rpm at 75 or so. I'm not real sure about those numbers because I am typing cold.

My feeling is-you can never go wrong with a gear change. As far wheel spin, it will be there if you want it, but my best time yet showed a 1.98 60' time with 13.1 in the 1/4. You can run with this gear with a little work.

Sorry about not getting the number right, if it is important to you I will getin the truck and check it for you.
Alvin

 

dogleg -

Gears from Bankston are $242. I'm going to take my truck in to have the intercooler checked while they do the gear change. I'm like you, if the speedo is off, I just have to figure by how much so I don't get myself in trouble. I'll probably correct the difference by larger diameter street tires.
Thanks for the info.

 

Damn, mine runs at 2250 at 70 mph, with the stock gear in it... That shouldn't happen, are you sure about that number?

 

The dealers have an electronic tool they can hook up to the PCM and tell it you have a 3.73 gear. There are only 2 selections available, 3.73 and 3.55. 4.10 gears are not selectable and can create inaccuracies on the speedo.

The Wyldman

 

Steve -

I've heard from more than one source that the Lightning tachometers (and other instrumentation as well) are notoriously inconsistant. I wouldn't put too much faith in the tach readout.

 

sixpipes, running bigger tires will just cancel the effect of the gear change.

 

alphadoggy -

You're absolutely correct. However, when I get to the track and put on some MT's, voila! Instant gear change. I really only want the effect for the strip.

 

Does anyone who did the gear change have any solid , consistant numbers in the difference in E/T AND MPH.

 

Could someone please post the ford part numbers for the 3.73 gears you ordered.

Thanks...Alex

 

Part # YL3Z4209DA - $ 180.75 Retail
Best I can tell from my receipt, very faded.

 

Has anyone who drives their L on a daily basis changed their gears,and if so what(if any) are the long term negatives on the truck? I don't drive my L everyday,but damn near close to it and I don't want the ill effects.Not that I'll be changing in the near future,just wondering.
Hitman

 

I have had mine now for about 7500 miles, only thing I notice is my gas mileage is a lot lower than the board reported averages. I get 10.8 - 11.2 on 93 octang. I drive my truck everyday and not hard on the street. The only improvement ever noticed was the 60' times dropped from just at 2.0 to 1.9 and a little under. 1/4 mile improvement was only .2 / .3 for 4 different runs when compared to the stock gear. I still think that a gear change is the best move, either 3:73 or 4:10. The boys with 4:10 gears are showing more time improvements. Just to low for me as everyday driver.

 

Wow, sounds like for about $1500 bucks one could get his truck in to the high 12s! I know sounds easier said than done. But .5 for chip and filter ($500), and another .2-.3 for 3.73 gears ($1000), thats about .7 - .8 seconds of the stock time, for a 4600(?) lb truck! Some of you guys are getting 13.8 13.7 stock right? When I get back to Alaska I'm gonna do the quarter mile there, Cold mornings, and almost at sealevel. I beleive it was snowing there yesterday.

[This message has been edited by Tundra (edited 04-05-2000).]