I'm about to drive my lifted 98 f-150 from Washinton State to Texas (getting reassigned) with a 16' car trailer and a 92 mustang on it. Currently I have a 6" lift and 35" tires. The question is will I get better gas milage on the drive with the current stock 3.55 gears that are in it or would 4.10's or 4.56's. I'm thinking if I help my gas milage enough I might be able to make the money back from the gearing.

 

35's with 3.55 is pretty tall gearing, especially if you arre going to tow.
On the other hand re-gearing will be about $400 if you do it yourself and around $1000 for a shop. My thought- that's alot of gas! But the 4.10"s or 4.56"s will both tow much better.

 

I have a guy that will install them for 200 (he like military) so it doesn't look too bad cost wise.

 

That's a good price.
My son and I just got done doing the rear of his 85 Bronco. Best price we could find for the ring and pinion plus bearings was about $280 for new. He needed the clutch pack for the trac-loc so parts were about $320.We did the set-up ourselves.
If you are just swapping the 3rd member from a donor truck then that's real easy.
Got the parts from summit racing and they were delivered in about 2-3 days.
The lower gears will be better on the trans too.
Gool luck soldier and thanks for your service.

 

Just a thought: If your truck is a 2wd, then I think 4.30's are available, since they only come in regular cut and not reverse cut for the 4x4's. 4.30's would probably be a better match for 35's than 4.10's or 4.56.

Just something to consider

- Erik

 

I hear 4.56's are about perfect to get back to stock once 35's are put on. personally tho, the 97/98 models are a little underpowered imo, especially with the 4.6. So since mines a 97 4.6, im doing 4.88's this summer to get ready for the 35" install. That'll bring it back...plus some....

So imo...if i were you...i'd do 4.56's if your gonna. I think anything higher will just be a waste bc you won't see too much of a difference i don't think.

 

regear. your gonna wanna do it later if you dont and install for about 200+ gears is a great price. im looking around 600 installed

and 4.56 is what ive been told would be the best option for towing and 35"s

 

Awesome advice guys. What are people getting for milage wise with the lower gears. i know my milage to a big nose dive with the lift kit and bigger tires. I'm hoping that regearing will bring it back up some. I'm getting 10-12 now on a 4x4 and 5.4 engine

 

Your gas mileage shouldn't suffer much one way or the other if you just lock it out of overdrive with your 3.55's. It certainly wouldn't pay for a set of gears.

 

Got ya. Thanks