Rear end gear ratio question

[Tanner_F150]

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

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[Quackaddict]

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.

[adrianspeeder]

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

[Silver05]

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

[BLUE20004X4]

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.

[Tanner_F150]

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

[adrianspeeder]

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

[rkjerue]

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.

[Quackaddict]

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