Just wanted a few opinions on axle ratios. Right now I have a 96' F-150 with the 302, 5 spd and 3.08 ratio axle. When I first got it the thing was as slow as the seven year itch (Had to downshift on speed bumps). And is still pretty sluggish. Plus the reverse in the 5sp is geared way too high for my axle ratio... (backing a loaded trailer uphill and still having a clutch when you're done is near impossible...Ford really screwed this up). I've done a few mods (FIPK, exhaust, chip) but I still need the icing on the cake (gears).
Here's the questions. I would like 3.73's. But Ford never offered them the year of my truck. Only 2.73's(why??), 3.08's, 3.23's, and 3.55's were offered in 96'.
How does the 3.55 perform?? I could pick up a whole axle assembly (salvage yard) and do the swap myself if I wanted 3.55's, saving me money (I think).
If I wanted 3.73's i'd have to find a shop to put the gears in. Pretty costly, and I don't know how much I want someone fooling around in there.
Sooo...All of you with the 302 and 3.55's how does your truck perform. Much downshifting?? Lots of pep?? Are 3.73's worth it??
Thanks,
-Hank

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1996 F-150 (3/96-old style)XLT, 302, 5sp. Toreador Red CC, Tow Pkg, Optional Payload Pkg, HD susp., Flowmaster 40 series, "Duals",
Raven Cap, Bumper Guards, Hood Ornament, Unity Lights, Jet Chip, K&N, B&M Shift ****, Hidden Hitch w/ Ford Motorsports Cover,...etc.