I'm stuck with the 3.31 gear set in my 4.6L 4x4, and wishing i could get more power off the line and maybe in the near future put a bigger tires on.

So I think gear change is the answer, could anybody tell me what this would cost. I guess you'd have to change both sets front and back.

 

Going by previous posts, a double gear change can run from U$1100 to U$1600.
My single rear end gear change was U$750 out the door with Ford performance gears, all new bearings, seals and consumable stuff.


Fritz

 

If you don't have a LS, it's also a good time to throw one in for a nominal cost. The rear end is already torn down to the proper level for this addition.

 

Wow. I wish I could get one axle changed for $750. I've been looking here in Orlando and I'm looking at $1200 plus to go from 3.31 to 3.73.

 

That's the highest price that I've ever heard in my life for one axle.

 

$1633 out the door for 4.56 front & rear, new bearings, etc... Finished in less than a day. Near Houston, TX.

Definitely do the gear swap, you'll be pleased with the results!

Mike

 

I changed the rear end gearing for my 1999 F250 from 3.73 to 4.10 to help with pulling a 5th wheel. It cost about $1,200 including new bearings. The performance improved noticably both with and without the trailer. Gas milage has stayed about the same 12-13 w/o trailer, 7-8 with. It was definately worth the $.

 

Thanks for the input. I dont have a LS and real do want one, so thats a good point. I was wondering how much that cost is actually gears, and not labour. I've been looking on ebay at gears and there seems to be some decent deals. Here is one example.

Ebay link #1

By the way...nice truck packager.

 

Ooops, I forgot to mention that my quotes included adding LS. So a single 9.75" axle upgraded from 3.31 open to 3.73 LS is $1200+ here in Orlando.

 

On my swap, labor was $300 for the back and $450 for the front. If I remember right, I think the gearsets run about about $250 rear, $350 front? For me, $750 in labor was a cheap price to pay to have it set up right the first time and back in a day. I would have loved to try it myself, but I don't have all the tools or the time.

What tire size did you have stock, and what size would you like to go to? Reason I ask is that 3.73s may be on the tall side if you put bigger tires on. I increased tire size about 10% and have 28% in my gears and, although performance is good, I'd be unhappy with anything taller. I have not seen any decrease in gas mileage (well, a little bit but between gears and exhaust you can guess why)

If you go with a tire size % change similar to mine, I'd recommend 4.10s. You'll realize, like I did, that unless you are trying to set a land speed record in your F-150, you can't have too much gear!

Mike

P.S. Thanks for the compliment!

 

so can anyone give me a ball park on a do it at home 4.11 gearing front and rear?

 

If you have to ask, then it's almost certain that you do not possess the tools or expertise to do the job successfully. I tried it on a truck once, thought I did a great job until the spider gears spit out through the rear cover a year later. There's guys a lot more experienced than you and me that won't try this job at home.

 

thats where my dad comes in, his 35 years in maintenence and tinkering with his own cars, i figure he'd be able to help me. and all i asked is how much and you flipped me crap about lack of experience, well thank you too.

 

I am not 'flipping you crap'. I simply gave you an answer you didn't want to hear. I've been tinkering on all of my own cars and trucks for 24 years. I was also working at my father's service station earlier than that, pumping gas, checking oil, bugging the mechanics, etc.
Why not ask your dad if he has the ability to do the preload. If he gives you a funny look, then you might consider taking it to a shop. Otherwise you might end up spitting gears out the rear cover like I did. I'm just trying to save you the expense of doing it twice. I already paid, you can learn from my mistake or pretend like I'm 'flipping you crap'.

 

I'm running stock tires on 16's 245/70R16 I think...
I would like to go up 2 inches in size. Dont want a lift yet, so they have to fit.

3.73's should be good enough for that size right?