My wifes '99 Explorer has the 4.0L SOHC with 4.10 LS (std. on Limited with tow pkg.) It smokes off the line and gets 19 mpg at 50% city, 50% hwy. So why can't we get the 3.73 in the F150, especially with ORP and 17" wheels?

The 4.0L cruises at 70 doing 2300rpm and no shifting.
My 4.6L cruises at 70 doing 1800rpm w/less mileage and shifts up and down. GO figure.

I guess the Explorer 4.10 gears are too light for an F150?

This is why I'll opt for the 5.4L in my next truck, a SCrew.

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Mine: FOR SALE SOON...1997 F150, XLT, SC, Oxford white/maroon 60/40 cloth, 4x4 ORP, 4.6L, 3.55LS, 17" ORP wheels w/GY AT/S LT265/70/17, auto, 6 CD,Towing package, alarm, Rhino grill guard w/PICCA lights, dual exhaust. Bought new June '96

Wife: '99Explorer Limited,pearl white/tan leather,4.0L,4:10LS,CD,sunroof,towing pkg.,alarm. Bought new Sept. 1999

Next: 2001 F150 XLT SuperCrew, 5.4L, 4x4,3:55LS,tow pkg. etc.......

 

Greetings!

Ford claims that the removal of the 3.73 gear ratio for the '00 models "improves fuel economy with no reduction in performance". Figure that one out. The difference between 3.55 and 3.73 isn't huge, but every bit counts IMHO. I think it is a way that Ford can continue to market fuel economy in these big trucks to please the EPA, etc. The 3.73 is only available with the 7700# towing option for '00. Best bet is to get a truck the the 3.55 and an open diff and swap the gears out for a set of 4.10's and wait for Auburn, Dana or PowerTrax to release an aftermarket posi/locker for the 9.75" diff. The OEM limited slip isn't that great and the open diff is easier to work with if you opt for the aftermarket parts. Unfortunately, NO ONE makes a posi or locker for the 9.75 diff yet. The LockRight unit sounds promising and is supposed to be a home install as the carrier does not need to be removed. They keep saying that they will release one, but nothing yet. Only problem with the aftermarket route is that it will cost BIG MONEY, especially for 4x4 where the front diff must be changed as well. Expect to pay around $2000 for the gears and a posi/locker unit. No Ford dealer on the planet will touch the install however, so look for a GOOD gear shop...

My .02 cents....

Steve


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2000 4X4 Lariat SuperCab
5.4 Triton
Two-tone black on silver
All options except LS differential

MODS so far:

-Westin step bars (powder coated matte black)
-Lund bug shield
-Gentex electrochromatic rear view mirror
-Cabin filtration kit
-Superchip
-Stull Billet Grill
-Flowmaster Force II catback (series 50 SUV with duals out the rear)
-Line-X bedliner

MODS to come:

-K&N or AirAid FIPK kit
-Mickey Thompson Challenger 16" wheels with 295/75 BFG AT KO's
-4.10 gears (still thinking about this one ...anyone have any input?)
-LS diff or locker of some sort once they are available..
-A.R.E. LSII or Ford HarleyDavidson tonneau cover

1995 Eddie Bauer Bronco
1988 Mustang GT

 

Steve, thanks for your comments. I didn't know my 3.55LS could not be changed to a 3.73LS easily (or at all). I am planning on buying a SuperCrew and was going for the LS - only gear available is 3.55. Are you saying that if I want to convert to 3.73 I should opt for the non-LS axle? I plan on ordering one so I need to know which route is best.

[This message has been edited by Dewayne Fuller (edited 03-08-2000).]