looking to change my gears again, what would be better for me?

[ZMan]

I'm looking to change my rearend gears again in my '92 2wd 4.0l Ranger. It came stock with 3.08s, I changed them to 3.73s and was really not happy with the results. I'm running stock height tires. I'm unhappy because it really didn't make a difference, only dropped .2 of a second from my 60ft time at the strip, and I lost nearly 2mpg in fuel economy, not to mention it really drops if I go above 65mph.

I don't want to go back to 3.08 because 15mph was the slowest I could go without feathering the clutch in first gear, thats really not fun in traffic.

So I have two choices, 3.27 and 3.55. What would be the better choice for ease of slow speed driving, and highway mileage? I'm leaning towards 3.27, but I want your guys opinions.

 

[Explorin94]

I agree the 3.27 would be your best bet. I have a 85 GT that originally had a 3.08 gear with a 7.5 rearend and upgraded to an 8.8 and a 3.27 gear from an automatic car. I actually gained MPG and it cruises better with that gear. In 5th at 70 MPH I am at 2200 RPM's. But then again I don't think you would notice that much of a difference going to a 3.55 either. I think you would still be in the same boat.

 

[86ford]

i would get a slightly taller tire because gears are stupid expensive and OR put the 308s in and get smaller tires. with the gear changes you have for options i honestly dont think you will find the happy median you are looking for.

86

 

[ZMan]

i would get a slightly taller tire because gears are stupid expensive and OR put the 308s in and get smaller tires. with the gear changes you have for options i honestly dont think you will find the happy median you are looking for.

86

Changing my tires would cost about the same (current tires are 245/50/17), especially if I got the gears used (got the 3.73s used). Also, I have a rebuilt l/s I plan to install so changing ratios at the same time would work out well. Another reason I don't want to change tires is because I like to keep my speedometer accurate and messing with tire sizes would only complicate things.

Thanks for the input so far.

 

[Totalled]

3.55s.. 3.27s would probably lug at highway speeds like the 3.08s.

3.55s would put you at about 2,700 @ 60 mph in 4th. 2,160 in 5th
3.27s would put you at about 2,480 @ 60 mph in 4th. 1,990 in 5th
3.08s would put you at about 2,340 @ 60 mph in 4th. 1,872 in 5th
(assuming .8 for 5th, can't remember exactly)
Since the torque peak is 2,200.. 3.55s should put you in the sweet spot for highway cruising.

 

[4x4junkie]

I agree, go 3.55.

I once had a '93 2WD with stock tires and that ratio, it had LOTS of get-up-&-go, and got a good 23-24 MPG as well.

I also 2nd the suggestion of the bigger tires as well. You'll be messing with the speedo anyway, no matter what you do (only on a '98 or newer would it not change with a gear swap), at least on yours, it's a 5-minute job replacing a $9 part.

 

[jeffro184]

i have a used set of 3.27 or 3.55. if you are interested

 

[Bent Bolt]

3.55 is about ideal for a 2wd.

 

[ZMan]

Thanks for the input guys. "Dishtowel" also sent me a spreadsheat that figures out rpms and mph with the selected gear ratio, that helped alot. I think I'm gonna go for the 3.55s.

i have a used set of 3.27 or 3.55. if you are interested

pm sent.

Also, does anyone know what color speedo gear I will need? I have a few laying around..