I've decided to run my 97 SCAB 4X4 4.6L until the wheels fall off. Among other exterior bits I need to upgrade the gearing. Right now I'm running 265/70/R17s with 3.55s and an open rear. From what I've read/searched I'm looking to upgrade to 4.10s with a Traction-Lok setup. I get off road during hunting seasons, but not much else. I don't plan on going bigger with tires. So would this be a good setup. Would it hurt to go to 4.56s? If I don't receive any negative outcome with 4.56s I kind of thinking might as well in case I do go bigger or when it comes time to sell it's a feature the buyer might want.

Thanks

 

3.55 open to a 4.10 trac lok, wow, you will notice a huge difference. That tire is stock is it not? All things being equal that is a 14% increase in gear and your rpms will reflect that when cruising. I doubt you will notice much of a difference in gas mileage but that depends on how far you commute. It will definitely feel better thats for sure. 4.56s would be overkill for that tire size imo w/ limited off-roading. You wont be dissapointed and that trac-lok will be grippy as he!!. Expensive job though cause you'll be doing front and rear diffs. GL

 

The wheels/tires are off an 03. Not sure if that size was an option in 97, but yes factory size regardless. I'm trying to source the ring and pinion for the front differential. Any direction there? I was planning on using Ford Racing parts because I can easily get ahold of them. I'll be doing the job myself. I've replaced ring and pinions on many rears, but going to a whole new setup will be new territory for me. I see Ford Racing sells install kits with bearings etc. Worth it? Any other advice?

 

diffsonly.com, Wayne Hartwig will give pricing but you will have to either call or email him for exactly what you need.

http://www.diffsonly.com/svom4209g41...-10-ratio-oem/

Rear diff, he should have that in reverse cut also I think. Definitely get the full install kits as well. If its easy to get ford racing parts whats so hard about reverse cut? Diffsonly carries multiple brands pretty cheap.

 

i also got my gears from wayne. i have yukon gears, but im sure ford racing are well made also. definitely get the master install kits for your gears.

as for the front gears, it is a reverse cut 8.8" housing. thats what you need.

i have no idea what ParnAZ is saying about getting the rear in reverse cut, it must be a typo.

 

Prob meant for the front axle.

 

haha yes didnt notice the typo...not alot of time this morning b4 work.

 

I'm not aware of any 4.10 or 4.11 reverse cut gear for the 8.8 front end.

 

Randys Ring and Pinion is also a good place, just to throw another option out there.

This is pretty much the exact same plan I have for my 97 F150. Poor little V6 was ok with the original 235.70.16s but after putting on 265/75s it cant get out of its own way to save its own ****. 4.10s and TL are the plans also.

4.56 is going to be way too much gear for that size of tire. Stick with 4.10s.

rus...there are a boatload of 410 reverse cuts out there for the 8.8.....finding 4.30 reverse cuts for the 8.8 though...now thats a different story
Whole reason I never regeared the 06 in my sig when I had it. 4.10s wasnt enough of a jump from 3.73s, and I really didnt want 4.56s with 33" tires. 4.30s would have been perfect


And yes, get the master install kit. Being a 97 it probably has some miles on it, not to mention the bearings in these things have never been known to be great. New bearings and a boatload of shims plus more....should all be in a master install kit

 

Just an update on this thread. This past weekend after saving and buying and saving and buying, I installed 4.10 gears front and rear with the Trac-Lok carrier in the rear. I replaced the speedometer driven gear with a Red 21 tooth. My MPH is reading about 1-2 MPH faster which I can live with. However, I don't ever think I'll be able to live without these gears! I'm very pleased with my choice to upgrade. I'd recommend to anyone that shares the same on/off road style as me. I haven't had a chance to use the 4wd yet, but I don't expect any problems there.

For future reference/searches. I used all Ford Racing parts in the rear. And American Gear from Randy's in the front. No whine or excessive noise anywhere.

 

i did 4.56 ford racing gears and love them in my 8.8