I don't want to sound like a complete tool or anything, and I know we just don't have a completely endless supply of money, but I've got to make a recommendation.

Seems like quite a bit of questions here lately about going to 33" and 35" tires. If at all possible in any way, you should absolutely budget for gears at the same time you are budgeting for tires. Those that have done this will back me up... I hope. Yes, I learned the hard way also.

I will guarantee if you don't do gears, you may very well get used to the new feel of the truck, but when you finally change gears you will look back and regret not doing it at the same time. Going to taller tires with stock gears will kill your low end grunt, pulling power, and gas mileage. YES, gas mileage will go down...these are facts, not my opinion. Not to mention the flat out, all around fun factor of driving your truck with some pep to it.

If you're going to a 33" tire and have 3.73 gears, that's not too bad. I personally would still re-gear but this is not a crucial combo. If you have 3.55's, gears are mandatory. My recommendation based off my experiences...

33" = 4.10's
35" = 4.30's
37" = 4.56's

(Installing 4.10's with my 33" tire put my truck performance/rpm back to slightly lower than a stock tire dia and 3.73 gears)

 

I hope people read this cause there's always questions coming up on gear ratios when they plan on getting tires.

IMO I would go this way
33" = 4.10's
35" = 4.56's
37" = 4.88's

 

GREAT GEAR RATIO LINK!!http://www.oly4x4.com/gearratios.htm


Yeah i wish this thread would have been posted like a month earlier. That way i woulnd't have to be spending another 1000 on gears now. Where do you guys think is the best place to purchase gears from?

 

I agree with every word Galaxy said, except these ratios instead.

 

I replaced factory 275/55/20's with 305/55/20's (33x12) I tow a 6000 lb trailer on a regular basis, I honestly cannot tell any difference what so ever in power, acceleration, or gas mileage. My truck has 3.73 gears from the factory. In my case I think regearing would be a complete waste of money, thats just my opinion.

 

Yep, couldn't agree more. When I read about Jim Bob who got 39.5 inch tires, bling rims and a 10 inch lift without any gears I always wonder....

This is why I'm not lifted yet. I'm saving a bit longer to get 4.88s installed.

 

I think this way as well but even 4:88 would be fun on 35's that is if it is a true 35'

 

...

 

wish i saw this thread 10 min ago. I just posted one asking what ratio to go with when i put my 35's on. I was thinkin 4.11 but u guys are sayin higher. Glad i saw this.

 

No...we are sayin lower

 

I forgot that the higher the number the lower the ratio. I finally looked up to see what the ratio means too. ya learn somethin new every day.

 

so a 4x4 with the 3.73 and a 33" tire will still be o.k. for a onroad truck?
how bout the addition of catback/cai/edge programmer?

 

Taller and heavier tires not only play hell with your gearing, but also take their toll on your brakes and shock's.

 

That should be fine. You probably will not notice much change at all. Now if you go to a 35" tire, then you will notice a change!

 

good advice here.the look i was going for is a 35" tire so i will be having the truck regeared.i know the front is an 8.8 but does anyone know what the rear axle is on the 04-07 f150 4x4? ive found ford had both a 9.75 and 10.25