Dealer Responsabilities
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Joined: May 2004
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From: California
Dealer Responsabilities
When I bought the truck, the dealer had already had the lift kit, tires and wheels installed. It has 3.73 LS and it just seems to be the wrong gearing for these 35's. The transmission seems to be shifting erratically. Constantly downshifting on the slightest incline or too early into OD on the highway, etc. Using differernt websites for calculation, I come up with 4.56's should be installed. My local shop says about $1500. Would I have any ligitimate grip with the dealer telling them they should have done it as it was the proper thing to do or should I suck it up and pay to have it done? My concerns mostly are premature trans wear and fuel economy is not where it can be.
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Elverson, PA
LuckyCharm13,
If it was clear based on the paperwork that it had 3.73 gears, then it's your issue, not the dealers.
Unfortunately, there are two items that many people overlook or ignore when they put tires that large on a truck:
1) larger gears, and
2) larger brakes
You didn't indicate that the dealer added larger brakes. Larger tires mean increased rotational inertia. I wouldn't feel comfortable driving around on 35's with the stock brakes.
Done right, it looks great...but it adds up fast...$$$$
John
If it was clear based on the paperwork that it had 3.73 gears, then it's your issue, not the dealers.
Unfortunately, there are two items that many people overlook or ignore when they put tires that large on a truck:
1) larger gears, and
2) larger brakes
You didn't indicate that the dealer added larger brakes. Larger tires mean increased rotational inertia. I wouldn't feel comfortable driving around on 35's with the stock brakes.
Done right, it looks great...but it adds up fast...$$$$
John
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,061
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From: Detroit Rock City
There's no such thing as 'fuel economy" on a lifted truck with 35" tires. Without a gear change it is going to act as you've stated, but a gear change is not necessary and is probably something you should have looked at before purchasing the vehicle if you wanted the dealer to be responsible. I'd say it's your baby now. Put in the 4.56's. It'll be a whole lot better.
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Joined: May 2004
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From: California
Originally posted by JohnAndDar
LuckyCharm13,
If it was clear based on the paperwork that it had 3.73 gears, then it's your issue, not the dealers.
Unfortunately, there are two items that many people overlook or ignore when they put tires that large on a truck:
1) larger gears, and
2) larger brakes
You didn't indicate that the dealer added larger brakes. Larger tires mean increased rotational inertia. I wouldn't feel comfortable driving around on 35's with the stock brakes.
Done right, it looks great...but it adds up fast...$$$$
John
LuckyCharm13,
If it was clear based on the paperwork that it had 3.73 gears, then it's your issue, not the dealers.
Unfortunately, there are two items that many people overlook or ignore when they put tires that large on a truck:
1) larger gears, and
2) larger brakes
You didn't indicate that the dealer added larger brakes. Larger tires mean increased rotational inertia. I wouldn't feel comfortable driving around on 35's with the stock brakes.
Done right, it looks great...but it adds up fast...$$$$
John
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From: California
Originally posted by RED WING NUT
There's no such thing as 'fuel economy" on a lifted truck with 35" tires. Without a gear change it is going to act as you've stated, but a gear change is not necessary and is probably something you should have looked at before purchasing the vehicle if you wanted the dealer to be responsible. I'd say it's your baby now. Put in the 4.56's. It'll be a whole lot better.
There's no such thing as 'fuel economy" on a lifted truck with 35" tires. Without a gear change it is going to act as you've stated, but a gear change is not necessary and is probably something you should have looked at before purchasing the vehicle if you wanted the dealer to be responsible. I'd say it's your baby now. Put in the 4.56's. It'll be a whole lot better.
My comment about fuel economy was more of a sarcasim that I did not relay to well. Please don't think I bought this truck as a commuter vehicle. I have only had it a month and been through mud, snow and a three day trek across the mojave desert. Although, the 4.56's should do a little good on the highway anyway.
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 539
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From: NS, Canada
What does it cost you to ask the dealer and point out what you found in how the truck acts...Tell your worry about warranty on your tranmission...It should be shifing right and the dealer should look at that issue at the least...Don't change anything on the truck before you see your ford dealer ...That's my opinion...