gear ratios

[forester]

my 69 is almost restored so I just picked up a 76 F250 (very clean) for a good price. I want to use this truck for pulling my two horse trailer and for long distance road driving (my 69 is a 300 w/T18 and 4:10 gears so it winds out @60mph) the trouble is the "new" truck has a 460 w/C6 and 3:07 gears. My question is what rear ratio is a good "middle of the road" towing and highway driving (mileage)compromise? I was thinking of going back to stock tires but that only buys me an inch reduction in tire height. I was thinking 3:54?

[Redcap]

3.54 or 3.73

[ima71 trucks are older]

horses are heavy,heavier with tack and other supplies. For towing them long distances I'd keep the 4.10's, run tall 85 series load range E tires and tow-em at 60.

[ToughOldFord]

There's only a 200 RPM difference between 3.73 and 4.10s, so the 3:54 is what you want for lower RPMs. However since you use the truck for hauling I'm with Ima on this, stay with the 4.10s.
Now, I was thinking why are you winding out @ 60? When I had the 4:10s in my '69 I was still cruising at 70-75. Are you sure about the 4.10s? Someone didn't put 4:56s in there at some time did they?

" I was thinking of going back to stock tires but that only buys me an inch reduction in tire height."

You have low profiles on it? That could be part of the problem right there, you want taller, not smaller.

[forester]

Thanks for the input. I created some confusion talking about two trucks at once. Its my 460. C6 w/ the 3:07 gears that I really am thinking of changing ratios in. I run 235/85 (load E) on all three of my fords as I like tall and skinny for traction all year. I tow a horse or two about once a month and as much firewood as it will hold in the fall. It actually tows fairly well but is a dog on the steep grades. Thanks again, great web site!

[averagef250]

3.54 is a good ratio with a 460 auto and stock tires.

[kid]

I put 235/R85-1s on the rear of my 250 to turn the revs way down from 3.73 to about 3.40 something.

My 350 has 4.10s and with 7.50/16s original style it buzzs hard at 75 and tops at 85.