I tow my Ranger 520vx bass boat from time to time. It's a heavy boat. I have been wondering about regearing for this. I don't drive my truck that much, no more commuting with it, so what gears would be best for this to take stress from the engine and tranny? How much would a certain gear affect mileage? I get average 17.5 mpg with the stock 3.55 gears commuting and probably around 13 or less towing the boat, all on my 22" wheels and 305/40-22 tires (31.6" tall).

I'm new to this regearing, so be gentle.

Pic of the boat...

 

The only one worth going to is 4.10 Will since 3.73 really isn't worth the jump. Plus with your 22's that might get you some power back. You will see a mpg drop on the highway because of the higher cruising rpms. Usually around town you see a bit of an increase due to more pep and less struggling to get the truck moving but the highway mpg's are a hit you'd take for the better take off power.

 

I daily an 89 tow tune, the power is impressive. Are you running one or a performance tune?

 

I'm stock now but have an Edge evolution with PHP custom 87 and 93 perf tunes and the edge towing tune.

Also have LT's, high flow cats, k&n drop in filter, airaid MIT.

 

how far do you tow? i dont think it would really be worth it honestly. your truck should be rated to tow atleast 7000 pounds.

but if you just want to do it, i would choose 4.10's

 

Save your money. Load the tow tune and lock out overdrive.

 

4.10's for sure

 

4.10s will make for more spirited driving with the trailer off as well

 

if it's going to be towing more than anything I'd get the 4.30's, the reason I suggested the 4.10's was because I figured you'd still be commuting with it

 

I will be commuting some. But will the .20 difference between the two make much of a noticeable difference on the highway? I'd figure the fuel economy commuting will drop with the 4.10's compared to the 3.55's but the difference between the 4.10 and 4.30 economy not so much. 4.30's would be better with a blower though. That's always in the back of my mind...

 

Lower gear will help in the city, you can hit OD sooner, like 35mph instead of 40+

Lower gearing helps city and hurts highway

 

I hear you, Patrick.

Quote from a SC/TC thread...

Since my tires are 31.6" I'm thinking 4.30's would be best.

 

 

That is not exactly a large tire. I would think 4.30 would be a bit much. 4.10 would be my choice.

 

4.30's are about the equivilent to what im running with my setup. the gears would be great in the city, but highway mileage would suffer.