Stock gears to 4.10's
 

For those that have made the switch from stock gears (I believe 3.73's) to 4.10's (I think '03-04 came stock with 4.10's) did you notice a big difference in performance?

Also, with gas prices as such, how about with gas mileage?

i believe 99-00's came with 3.55's and 01-04's came with 3.73's......not a huge amount of poeple have 4.10's dues to traction issues

Not on a Lightning, but I went from 3.55LS to 4.1 LS and it was certainly a noticeable improvement. If you are anywhere near a point with traction issues out of the box don't go any more aggressive than 4.1, as I can see it greatly compounding the problem.

i had some definite traction problems, but got some lakewoods and i'm good to go. i didn't notice a real drop in MPG (i actually gained a tad bit driving around town.)

difference in performance??? hell yeah!

Thanks for the correction. You are right my 2000 has 3.55's. Given that is the case, I would imagine a big difference with 4.10. I have the 4# lower and a tune from JDM. Traction is definately already an issue.

I have a pinion seal leak right now, and I am not sure if I have some worn bearings. If so, since it will all have to be taken apart, I was thinking of upgrading to a true-trac rear end and was giving thought to swapping the gears while I am in there. Sounds like 4.10's would move me in the wrong direction though.

--Chris

I wouldnt do it if I was you. There are certain vehicles that came from the factory with the wrong gears (the last style Stang GT is a perfect example), and those vehicles will benefit greatly by moving up to 3.73's or 4.10's (MASSIVE HP AND ET IMPROVEMENT). However in the Lightinings case unless you have a built motor with major head and cam work (or a 4v) that can take advantage of the higher RPM all you would be doing is making it better for seat of the pants but doing nothing for ET. AMOF at some point you would actually have to take gear away if you were racing it on the 1320

Def move up to 3.73's if you have the chance (my 00 has been switched to 3.73's) Then get a good tune with some nice transmission tweaks and you'll love it.

Ad Rob said - be careful

Over the years MANY people switched to 410s and many switched back or wished they hadnt

Im sure some love them - but the consensus as I remember it was against it