Howdy yall...I'm looking for a way to get some low-end torque for cheap- I'm not really interested in quick 0-60 times, or top-end...I want the power for the beach where traction is a problem and you need that low-end grunting torque...Most people have told me to save up and regear to 4.56 or at least 4.10s but I'm hoping theres a cheaper way (regearing a 4x4 gets close to $1300). A lot of superchip talk is going on, but I don't usually run Premium, so would I notice much difference...is the shifting helpful too? Just looking for something else to spend money on to make the truck better and better! Thanks yall
-Brandon

97 F150 4x4 XCab Red
3.55LS
4.6L V8
35x12.5x16.5 BFG Mud
16.5x9.75 Eagle 589
3" body lift
2" torsion bar adjustment
lots of stereo
true dual exhaust (like lightning)
total investment about $3700

 

Maybe an air intake setup would help. But really, the gears are what you need. It would be like a whole different truck with the 35's on there. But you're right, it's ALOT of money for gears.

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2000 F150 XLT 4x4 Short Bed. Amazon Green, 5.4L, SuperCab, ORP, Tow Package, Sliding Rear Window, Electronic Shift, Keyless Entry, LT265-70-17 Tires, Clarion Pro Audio, Herculiner Bedliner, Air Silencer Removed.

1994 SVT Mustang Cobra. #1032 of 6009. Black coupe with black leather int., 3.73 rear, Bassani Exhaust, Aluminum D/S, Bridgestone RE-71 255-45-ZR17

My Home Page

 

I think gears are the way to go. You could spend twice the money on other mods and not get the same result. I've regeared every truck I've lifted (3), and the right gears turn it into an entirely different machine. Remember what it felt like with the stocker tires? The right gears will give you that feeling again. Just a thought: gears are not that difficult to set up. You just need the tools, someone with experience, and the ability to have your truck down for a couple of days. They can be done in about 2-3 hours per diff, but not by a novice. Many 4x4 clubs have wrench-a-thons, where everyone gets together and works on someone's truck. Gears are always popular b/c so many people want to learn how to do them. With any luck searching the local clubs, you'll find someone who's done them before and has all of the tools (a press being the main thing). This could turn a $1300 job into a $500 job. It'll be the best $500 you ever spent on your truck as far as performance goes.

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1998 EXPY EB 4X4 - STOCK
1975 JEEP CJ-5 - ANYTHING BUT

 

Most people on this site will say the same thing, so you may as well hear it from me first. The Superchip is the best bang for the
buck. You will soon forget the extra you pay for premimum gas once you feel the difference in power.

For a very cheap mod, I routed a 3" piece of flexible tubing from the lower fender through the fender well to the K&N open filter for a custom "ram air" intake. The cost is $5. The difference can be felt but it's small compared to the chip.

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'99 F150 XLT,Wedgewood Blue, 4.6 V8, SC, Penda liner, K&N FIPK, Superchip, Gibson 3" stainless single, Edelbrock IAS shocks

 

I'll have to agree with the majority, here. With you large tires, your effective rear end ratio is about 3.04 right now. Gears are the only way you will regain your low end power.

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2000 F150 XLT 4X4 Off Road 5.4L Reg. Cab 3.55

Performance Enhancemets:
K&N
WMS Velocity Tube
Gibson Sweptside

Audio Enhancements:
All of the above, plus
Sony C7000X HU
Cerwin-Vega SS2502 components(Front)
Blaupunkt PCxp573s(Rear)

Radio-delay mod

(For now)