Potential axle swap

[fordwheelinman]

Recently, i have gained access to a set of explorer axles, 3.73 geared with a limited slip in the rear. Ive been wondering for sometime if upping the gear ratio in my current explorer would harm or help my mileage. Currently im running the stock 3.27 (according to tech library) ratios. If i swap out for the 3.73's, will i see much of a loss or improvement in my mileage? I get between 18-20 right now with it, i attribute most of that to the 5 speed instead of an auto (that one only managed 18 once in a full weekend of highway driving). I know if i decide to run the 31's this winter, my mileage will take a hit, but with only running them a month and a half top two and a half at the most, i dont want to loose a lot the other nine and a hlaf months. Any of you guys have any thoughts or experiences?

 

[mkpecor]

if it was my rig the 3.73's would have been the first thing i would do to it. you would like it alot better i know that. you probly wont see a differance in mpg.

 

[kunar]

i wouldnt be surprised if you got a little better mileage.

 

[Yellowsplash]

Agreed...with 31s, 3.73s would definitely be an improvement all around.