I have been browsing on here for awhile now and I have read alot about gears. I have a couple of questions as I am thinking of making some changes to my own gears. I have an 08 2WD STX Regular Cab.

Where do I find out what size gears I have?
A friend who is into trucks told me to get a locker. What is this? Is this the same as limited slip? I like the idea of limited slip.
I would love to get more get up and go out of my truck but I don't think rear gears is the way to go since I have no intention of lifting it.

Opinions?

 

2 ways to find out your OEM gear ratio - crawl under your truck and look at the rear diff cover. There will be a 'tag' bolted to the cover (a metal strip with info on it). This info will tell you your gear ratio. 2nd option is to call a Ford dealer or give me your complete VIN # and I can run it through the Ford Oasis program and tell you what ratio and if it has a limited-slip option or not (easiest option).

Gears will be somewhat expensive to do but since you are 2wd it will help keep costs down since you won't have to regear the front. Have you thought about a programmer? Like the Gryphon from Power Hungry Performance? Or a basic Edge Evolution if you don't plan on any other performance modifications? Or Xcal3? Any decent tuner will help the 'get-up-and-go' issue at a fraction of the cost of re-gearing. Just something to consider first. Or do both if funds will allow!!

Just my .02

 

Thank you, that was very helpful. I have been leaning towards the Xcal 3 and a custom tune but I have to have the exhaust and intake put on first. I kind of figured gears would be alot of money but how about LS? If mine doesn't have it, is it expensive to buy? Hard to install?

 

Pay the shop doing the work to install the LS. A good unit is about 500 bucks. The tag referenced earlier will tell you if you have a LS in the axle already.

A limited slip limits the slipping of the axles. If one wheel loses traction, the differential switches all power to the other wheel until traction is restored.

A locker locks the two axles together so the wheels turn together. You only really need this if you are going to off-road.

 

Outstanding! Thanks guys for all the help. I will call my dealer and have them look it up.

 

So based on what you sent me about my VIN, is LS even an option for me to consider? Can it be added or do I need a different rear end?

 

It can definetly be added....but for a price. Like tnsilverfx4 said - a good unit will be around $500 plus labor to install it. While you have it apart you could upgrade to 4.10 gear ratio or whatever ratio you decide. A LS rear end is not a must - only aids in traction - like hooking up off the line or in off-road or slick situations. On dry pavement, once you are in motion you shouldn't have to worry about traction so much under hard acceleration.

 

What will the 4.10's get me? I think I want the LS more for when my wife has to drive. I now how to handle a truck for the most part and I don't do the mudding thing. Slippery is about all I will encounter but I like the idea of that extra protection. Especially since my wife might eventually drive it. I got my Wife an 08 Escape the same day I got my truck but I know she will eventually have to drive my truck. I do NOT look forward to that day since she ran into our house with her new Escape less than 24 hours after getting the damn thing. She came in last night and said I think I hit your truck. I don't WANT to be divorced but she is pushing it.

 

One last question, what is a good brand for the LS?

 

4.10 gears will give you off the line acceleration, more towing power, and a peppier feel. Drawbacks are mpg's on the highway will take a hit.

What engine/ stock gears/ tires do you have on it now?

As far as a good unit, Detroit Trutrac makes a great LS and is probably one of the best around. I have an Auburn E-locker that functions as a limited slip and i think they make an excellent product. Eaton makes a LS as well that is very highly regarded. If you are going to keep the truck on the street I would even consider Ford's LS unit. It will burnout on you if you abuse it off-road, but if you are keeping the truck on the street, it would be a cost-effective option.

If you are considering gears and/or a new differential, buy them and have them installed at the same time. I'm kicking myself for not getting a detroit locker installed when my rear end was in pieces. You will save money getting done at the same time.

 

Hmm. I think I need my milage to not go down, incase gas hits 900.00 a gallon. LOL.

I really like the idea of an LS though. Might have to look around and see if I can find one for not so much money. I am sure I could put it in as I helped a friend rebuild the diff on a 4wd a few years back. Well, I watched. LOL He is a certified mechanic so I get free labor and learning for a case of beer. I get to share the beer too. Heck, I might even make a how-to out of it.

 

One more question. How do you measure the rear diff? The sites I am finding want to know if I have an 8 inch or the 9.?? inch diff? I don't mind measuring it but is it bolt to bolt of the cover?

 

Look at the tag on the rear axle.
you could also tell me you engine size, package ( stx, fx4, etc.) and I can tell you what is in the rear. Its either a 31 spline 8.8 or a 34 spline 9.75.

If you are unsure about the gears, Manualf150 on here has 4.10's and loves them.

 

I think I will keep my 3.55's but my truck is an 08 STX. I will include my signature on this post. It has everything about it I think.

 

not trying to be rude, but how can you buy a vehicle and be that naieve about everything? First of all. If you bought it new, all this info is on the sticker on the windshield. thats what all the writing is before the bold number which is the price. secondly, its in the book in your glove box, the "owners manual" i believe its called. sarcasm is thick right about here. so if you know this little about your truck, dont do anything to it. just drive it.