rearend advice

[goinforbroke]

Hello, I have a 94 B4000 2wd 4.0/5sp with 3.08 open (8.8 I think) rear. Would it hurt me to go to a little deeper (3.27 or 3.55) rear gears or, would they be too deep for my 3.72 first gear? Mileage isn't bad but, not all that stellar (about 20-22) so, I figured a little deeper gears wouldn't hurt. Also, my truck is horrible in the snow even with weight in the back and studded tires so, I am considering a locking diff swap. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
John

 

[daniel3507]

What tire size do you have? 20-22 is pretty good for a 4.0.

 

[Yellowsplash]

Tire size is needed to make this decision....I would say if your running a 26 or 27 inch tire, 3.55 with ford trac-lok LS would prolly suit you.

 

[goinforbroke]

I believe they are 215/70 14's so, about 26" tire height.

 

[4x4junkie]

3.55 would do great with those tires.

Also, you have a 3.40:1 first gear (4.0L)

 

[goinforbroke]

I really am more concerned about the locking diff. I really need it for the winter. Thanks for the advice. I'm sure a little more rear gear will make it a little snappier as well.

 

[daniel3507]

a good tire will make a huge difference as well. I have the same rear axle set up as you and am going with 4.10 gears. check out americanmuscle.com. they have free shipping on gears and install kits and also have some limited slips

 

[Nhaz]

I really am more concerned about the locking diff. I really need it for the winter. Thanks for the advice. I'm sure a little more rear gear will make it a little snappier as well.

Speaking from just this week alone. A Limited slip and a New set of real snow tires will make a Dramatic differance.

While the M+S tires are nice during warm months. I noticed that in the last week they tend to get on top of the snow and slip badly during braking. The pure snow tires did not. and braking was almost like pavement. ALMOST its still snow, you can still slide if you work at it =>