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tsayyote
New Member
- Joined
- Jan 14, 2013
- Messages
- 27
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 0
- Location
- Anaheim, CA
- Vehicle Year
- 2002
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Engine Size
- 2.3L
- Transmission
- Manual
Hey guys, I think my rear axle is on its way out so I'm going to swap in another. Between 65-70mph I get a bad rumbling/vibration noise that sounds similar to driving on those lines that are cut into the side of the highway to let you know you're veering off the road.
I've got a '02 2.3L manual ext cab with axle code 87 (7.5 open 4.10). At highway speeds 70-75mph i'm at/above 3000rpm. I can't remember if these duratec 2.3's like to be at that rpm for mpg reasons, or not. I drive on Los Angeles freeways about 20 miles each way and its 50/50 chance of getting in very heavy traffic.
I'm wondering if I should stick with the 4.10 or entertain the thought of 3.73. I'd like to get a L/S rear too. I'm also thinking of swapping in the 8.8 from a ranger (I don't need discs right now, this is just my daily driver) or sticking with the 7.5 for weight reasons. Although, I don't know the weight difference between the 7.5/8.8 and if it would affect my mpg at all.
Any thoughts?
I've got a '02 2.3L manual ext cab with axle code 87 (7.5 open 4.10). At highway speeds 70-75mph i'm at/above 3000rpm. I can't remember if these duratec 2.3's like to be at that rpm for mpg reasons, or not. I drive on Los Angeles freeways about 20 miles each way and its 50/50 chance of getting in very heavy traffic.
I'm wondering if I should stick with the 4.10 or entertain the thought of 3.73. I'd like to get a L/S rear too. I'm also thinking of swapping in the 8.8 from a ranger (I don't need discs right now, this is just my daily driver) or sticking with the 7.5 for weight reasons. Although, I don't know the weight difference between the 7.5/8.8 and if it would affect my mpg at all.
Any thoughts?
