I have a 98 f150 4x4 5.4l with 3.73 lsd and would like to have new gears in the rear. I tow a trailer pretty often and have 33" tires on mostly stock suspension, just a little beefed up for hauling.

I was thinking of going with 4.10 gears but will that be enough, should I go 4.56?

Also, will this help my truck from having to down shift all the time?

Its embarrassing how much it drops a gear while driving with or without a trailer.

 

4.56 would be good for towing with 33s. Mine shifts down way too much when climbing on the way to Tahoe or to the Ranch, it really is rough on the transmission. I have 35s and am having 4.88s put in within the next 2 weeks or so.

 

3.73 to 4.10 won't make enough of a difference to make it worth it, considering you will be spending at least $1500. Go for the 4.56's.

 

What do you mean I will be spending 1,500? Would this not be all I needed?

http://www.americantrucks.com/motive...456-gears.html

Or would I need more?

 

Gotta do the front too if you have 4wd........................

 

right but that is still only 450 after shipping prob.

 

That's right. But, with a 98 model, you should change out the bearings while you are at it. If you have traction lok in the rear, some new clutches would be a good idea while you are at it and then the labor if someone else does it for you. Add it all up and $1500 would be close. The lubricant for the rear is $50 or so.

I you know how to do it properly yourself, you could just inspect the bearings and put the gears in. It's not a beginner job. If you've never done it before, it may be cheaper in the long run to pay someone else to do it.

 

Well all parts considered I wouldn't see it getting past $600 maybe 650 and I wouldn't be doing it myself but I'm on better than good terms with my mechanic so I'd say I could have it done front and rear for no more than 900. I also know a few good ol' country boys who I might be able to sucker in for a case of beer and 100 bucks. But that could cost me more in the long run.

Thanks guys for all the input, it has helped me out a bunch since I set my summer budget for my truck at $700 and had that in there as part of that. I now will just do shocks and leaf springs, at least until I get some more change in my pocket