I have a 2001 Screw 4x4, 4.6, 3.55 LS. It came stock w/ 16" rimes and I changed them to 17". Since I bought the ride a purchased a #6000lb. boat/trailer. I had a tough time towing so I got a K&N, cat-back and chip. It helped ALOT but I know i'm right at my towing capacity and am wondering if I should do more to the truck. ie. new gear ( front and rear? any idea on cost? ) headers, go back to 16" rimes ( looks silly on a 4x4 ). Any ideas?

Thanks, Greg

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2001 SuperCrew, 4.6, 3.55LS leer shell w/ rack, complete tow and off road pkg. K&N, catback,

 

Just mentioning the change in rims is not enough information from which anyone can help -- because you didn't mention the net change in tire diameter. Working with gear ratios is simple -- since it's just a matter of working with, er, RATIOs.

If you changed from a high aspect ratio 16 inch tire to a low aspect ratio 17 inch tire -- and the overall tire diameter stayed the same -- you changed nothing.

Note that if you were to have changed from an LT265/75R16 Goodyear Wrangler AT/S to a LT265/70R17 you would have gained/lost NOTHING, as they both measure 31.7" in diameter (ref: http://www.goodyear.com/us/tires/tir...LAT_SSize.html ).

So...

...you can have those nice wheels and not harm your effective gear ratio by smartly-sizing tires.

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Y2K™ 7700 4x4
Jim - N8JG@Hotmail.com

Toreador Red, Keyless XLT SC SB 5.4L E4x4 4wDisc/ABS, 3.73LS, Skid, HD 7700# Towing, LT-245's on Chrome, Tube-Steps, Captain's, 6CD, Tonneau, named: "Nick"

 

jgorka,

It came stock with Ford's 16" polished aluminum rims with General tires 255/70/16 and I put Ford's 17" aluminum rimes with 265/70/17 tires. I have found out that it will cost around $1,100.00 to change the gears to 4:10's, so I probably will not re-gear. I just am curious about how much it changed my ratio. Any other power enhancing ideas?

Thanks, Greg

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2001 SuperCrew, 4.6, 3.55LS leer shell w/ rack, complete tow and off road pkg. K&N, catback,

 

N0X

How much different in size are those tires (%)?



[This message has been edited by jgorka (edited 12-03-2000).]

 

If you're really worried about pushing the limit, it's time to upgrade to a Super Duty. I pull a 5600 lb boat in the summertime with no prob. When I had my 97 with a 4.6, it always felt like it needed more oomph, but I shouldn't have that problem with the 5.4. :-) If I want to go fast, I'll take the car. :-)
-Joe-


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98 Explorer (Lemon Law Case in Progress)

'00 F-150, X-cab, 4x4, Lariat, Off-road, Trailer Tow, Holandia Sunroof, built 11/99 picked up 10/00!
List of planned mods: Clear corners and tails, CB wiring, Stainless brush guard, at least 1 set of KCs (probably more!), custom radar detector mount, color matched trailer hitch with stainless steel ball, torsion bar tweak, bug deflector, spray in liner, and a tonneau of some sort...

93 Probe GT teal, OE rims painted to match, bone stock drivetrain.

 

Joe,

Its not that i'm in a great need of more power, even though its always nice, I just want to make sure the drive train can handle it. The 17" tires stand around 1 1/3" taller than the stock rimes and tires that came with the truck. Any other 'bang for your buck' power ideas? I have - chip, catback & K&N.
Greg

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2001 SuperCrew, 4.6, 3.55LS leer shell w/ rack, complete tow and off road pkg. K&N, catback,