so after searching and not finding an answer ill start my own thread. i have a 00 2wd reg cab short bed with the 4.2l v6. it has a 5.5" lift and runs 33's with heavy steel wheels. this thing was slugish with stock wheels, tires and height,now its downright sad. to maintain speed on the highway the tranny is constantly searching for gears and it needs a ton of throtle on hills. i drive about 80% city 20% freeway so i cant go too low since its my dd. i have 3.55's now.
Im thinking i need atleast 4.10s but was wondering if 4.56s would be too low. keep in mind i have a underpowered motor pushing a higher and much heavier truck now. i have also heard on here that yukon and ford racing are the two best options for ring and pinions, sound about right?

 

either 4.30 or 4.56's

remeber since you are a 2wd 4.30's are and option for you. I know for a fact they make them for the 8.8 31 spline axles.

But thats up to you, i know there was a guy on v6f150 that did 4.56's and 33's and he said his RPMs are way the crap up there on the highway. The 4.56's will give you better offroad performance and acceleration and alittle more gear incase you ever decided to go up to 35's

dont waste your time on 4.10's

 

4.56's

 

i forgot about 4.30s. those might be a good compromise. im on the freeway enough that i dont think i can go to 4.56s.

 

after researching and talking to some of the v6 guys i think 4.10s would be the best option. to get back to stock ratio i need 3.90s so with the extra weight and to get a little more performance 4.10s will be great.

 

4.10's is pointless man. Its a waste of money.

Why upgrade back to stock ratio? Are you happy with your lowend? Im not, i wasnt happy with the Lowend with stock tires.

Then you are gonna have the 33's offroad. The stock ratio will be OK for a street driven truck but then you get offroad and are back to being under powered and under geared.

Id really think this though much more, especially if you plan to offroad.

PM MERCTECH, ask him im sure he will say ditch the 4.10's

 

well my truck is about 80% street driven and my dd. 4.10s would be good, im just worried that 4.30s will be too low for the freeway driving i do. im not set on it, ill keep researching. ive wheeled and talked alot with merctech so ill definatley get his input

 

I dont want to see you do 4.10's and not like it. Or eventually go to a bigger tire and then be under geared again.

I really think 4.30's would work great with 33s they are PERFECT for 35s but with the v6 and heavy steel wheels id want MORE gearing than stock.

4.10's i think would be good on a stock truck that performs minor towing duties, but stays on the street. but with your playing offroad, big tires, heavy wheels. Id say got 4.30s

Let me know what you decide

 

you have a valid point, and id hate to spend that much money and want lower gears, so ill put some more thought into it. gota save some money anyways. are you running stock gears with your 36's?