12v f150 rear end gearing question
 

1988 f150 running a 91 12v with the getrag, current rear end runs a 3.08:1 im wondering what would be the best final drive ratio, i was thinking of going to a 2.73:1, the engine has so much torque and the trans is geared so low that i could easily go to a higher gear, as it is now i can start out up a hill in second without giving it any fuel, so first gear is basically useless, so im thinking going with a higher gear would be better on the highway and keep the engine in its torque band, and still be fine in traffic due to the massive torque. what do yall think? im running 31 inch tires btw.

sooo, nobody knows?:humm:

What rear end are you running? What tire size?

Try some 33" tires on the rear and see if you find that acceptable.

I run 33" on one truck, 35" on the other. Both with 3.54 gears and Getrag. I find the 33" nicer for everyday driving as I can stay in 4th gear most of the time. With 35's I'm downshifting to 3rd a lot so as to avoid lugging the trans. I don't get on 60+mph roads much, so mileage at top speed isn't a priority.

HTH

3.08 31inch tires. 8.8 open 31 spline.

on my first gen i have 34" tires 3.55 gears and wish i had another gear all the time. but its never done bad on fuel highway or other wise. and i always pull out in 2nd gear unless im loaded really heavy. try swapping higher gears and see what it does.