I want to switch out the gears in my rear diff. I have a 99' Reg cab, 4.2L V-6 with a 3.08 rear end.

The truck is still under warrenty, so I would fell better with a Ford ring & pinion. Even if I use a ford product and use a certified dealer, it is obvious that they will still give me flak if anything were to happen prior to the warrenty expiring. Anyway, back to the questions.

Where can I get a set of FMS 3.55 ring & pinion (sp) inexpensively?

What else do I need to get, to perform the switch? Somebody mentioned a rear diff rebuild kit, would this be recomended?

Is this going to affect my spedo/odometer (sp)? If so, what do I need to do/get to fix that?

as always, all comments/questions are welcome,
mearnh

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Do a quick search on this web -- there's a fellow that has two sets of 3.55 (used) for sale.

 

If you are going to let Ford do it, they will be able to examine your rear end bearings/seals/shims/etc. to see what you actually need to replace (it is a 99 vehicle, and buying less will save you more). They can recalibrate your speedometer. I don't know anyone who sells FMC gears "real cheap"; Ask how much they want where you are getting it done for the gears and install, then post these amounts here (so you can get more input). Welcome to F-150 online, the people here are very knowledgeable and helpful.

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2000 F-150 XL,RC,LB,5.4,4R70W,3.55LS,
4-wheel disc/ABS,Chestnut/Parchment,
Ford bedliner & gas/wheel/spare locks,
3" cold air box modification,Superchip,
Dynomax ultra-flow welded 3" cat-back.

 

Heck, I've got my 2 sets of factory 3.55 gears I'll sell. Don't even know how much they are worth.

On another note, not sure what kind of problems changing your gears would cause, but if you took it in for warranty problems...how in the world is the dealer going to know you changed them? I doubt he's going to get in the pumpkin and look.



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hytek1dr@yahoo.com
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Freeway/7515/

 

If you want a used set, they are out there. If ya want new gears, definately get Ford gears. Pick up a Mustang rag and search for the best price.

 

I definatly want new gears. The trucks is less than a year old and it needs to last me awhile.

2000 F150 4X4-
You hit the nail on the head. I was looking trough some truck mags, "TRUCKIN" to be exact, and I couldn't find one ad for FORD ring & pinion sets. Whats up with that? Look in MM&FF and there are a ton of ads for 8.8 R&P sets. My only concern, are they really compatible???? Are R&P sets advertised in car mags, applicable to Trucks??????

I don't see why not, but you never know. My guess would be yes. After all, an 8.8 rear end ither in a mustang or truck, "should" be the same. At least you would think that.

Anybody know for sure???

Thanks for the info,
mearnh

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1999 Reg cab flare side
4.2L V-6 w/3.08 rear end
Toreador Red

Bone stock for now,
air silencer removed...don't know that this helped any.
tinted windows...don't make it go any faster.
K&N filter...maybe it breaths better, I can't tell.

 

The gears are the same. Only the carriers are different. Mustang and Ranger use 28 spline axles and F-150s use 31 spline.
$180 is about the going price for FMS gears at Summit or Jeg's.

 

StrangeRanger is right on. The Ford brand 8.8 gears are a real bargain compared to their 9" gears also. They are also competitive with the other aftermarket companies, and they won't frown when you bring them in for a 99 still in warranty.

------------------
2000 F-150 XL,RC,LB,5.4,4R70W,3.55LS,
4-wheel disc/ABS,Chestnut/Parchment,
Ford bedliner & gas/wheel/spare locks,
3" cold air box modification,Superchip,
Dynomax ultra-flow welded 3" cat-back.

 

I'm definatly going to switch to 3.55 at the very minimum. But, the more I think about this, I'm really looking into the 3.55LS. It would really be nice to have the limited slip.

Now for the million dollar question, and no, I don't have a million bucks if you get it right.
What would be required to obtain the Limited Slip capability??????

Do I have to buy the new R&P and a seperate 31 spline Auburn diff unit seperatly???? or what?

I'm really in new territory now, so any info would be greatly appriciated.

Thanks,
mearnh

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1999 Reg cab flare side
4.2L V-6 w/3.08 rear end
Toreador Red

Bone stock for now,
air silencer removed...don't know that this helped any.
tinted windows...don't make it go any faster.
K&N filter...maybe it breaths better, I can't tell.

 

To go to LS, yes, you do change out your diff. This must be removed for a gear change anyway, so if you want/can afford it, now's the time (it's cheaper to kill 2 birds with one stone here). If you still want Ford to do it, a good place to start is to purchase a "Ford Motorsport" catalog. It has all the 8.8 gear ratios ($199), and several applicable diffs ranging from $299-579. $299 = Ford Track-lok. I would personally upgrade to the Auburn unit because it uses cone-type clutches, whereas the Track-lok uses plate-type clutches. It costs $340, only $40 more, and a better product. You will not need to buy a more expensive/higher torque rated diff for your app, $300-340 will do just fine. It won't cost much if any more to install this because you remove the old diff to change gears anyway, and use the same type of installation procedures and products. I hope this helps some.

------------------
2000 F-150 XL,RC,LB,5.4,4R70W,3.55LS,
4-wheel disc/ABS,Chestnut/Parchment,
Ford bedliner & gas/wheel/spare locks,
3" cold air box modification,Superchip,
Dynomax ultra-flow welded 3" cat-back.

 

Max-
That helps a ton, thanks.

Let me get this straight,
$200 for the R&P
$340 for the new diff
~$300 labor

ummmmmmm, I guess they (folks from the dealership) weren't to far off when they told me it would be about $1,000.

gona have to think about this real hard.

keep the info comming,
every little bit helps,
Thanks,
mearnh

 

mearnh,
I will sell you my ford OEM 3.55 ring and pinion for $100.00 this includes $25.00 Pri. shipping and handleing. I have the 8.8 and swapped to the 4.10's. Pics and more details here;
http://www.zing.com/album/?albumlist=0&tstart=0&tpics=21&tshowall=1&tnewon ly=1&id=4294285863&tcols=3

F's&B's

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1998 (50th anniversary series) Solid Pacific Green Metallic F-150 XLT Supercab, 4.2L, Automatic (4R70W), 2WD, Limited Slip, 8.8 axle, Tow Pkg, 6' bed, Rear slider

Accessories added:

Performance:
Superchip / 4.10 gears / K&N air filter / Outerwear’s pre-filter / Dynomax Super Turbo muffler

Suspension:
Edelbrock IAS shocks / Hellwig rear sway bar

Other "stuff":
Color keyed outer grill / Stull polished grills / (4) 3A Racing 55 watt driving lights / (2) **** Cepek 150 watt driving lights, all controlled by SPDT switches / Clear corners / Fiberglass hood / Signal mirrors / Driver side grab handle / White face gauges / Husky floor liners / Carr side steps / 3" rear seat lift / Black Max soft Tonneau cover / 3" body lift / OEM Chrome differential cover / Smart Park 2000 / Lighted Ford logo / (2) KC HiLight 55 watt back-up lights / Viper 550 alarm (remote start) / OEM fender flares / Lift lips / BFG AT's 265/75/16 tires / Custom painted OEM air dam, tailgate handle, F-150 emblems, slotted taillight covers, all plastic shields under the hood, and stone guards / 23 tooth speed-O gear.......

Contact me at;
lmaox10@hotmail.com



[This message has been edited by franks&beans (edited 06-22-2000).]

 

Your welcome. $1000 is a little steep, try to ask around more in your area. There is a product that can be installed easily that can convert your rear to posi, but does not allow for a gear change. It is called Power Trax. It installs by just removing your rear cover and a few parts switched. Since you don't remove your axles/driveshaft/diff, it is real fast, easy to do yourself, requires no installation kit, and only costs $300 total. I know the gear ratio change is your main priority, so just FYI.

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2000 F-150 XL,RC,LB,5.4,4R70W,3.55LS,
4-wheel disc/ABS,Chestnut/Parchment,
Ford bedliner & gas/wheel/spare locks,
3" cold air box modification,Superchip,
Dynomax ultra-flow welded 3" cat-back.