gear ratio

[boots]

i have ae 9" rear and am wondering about my gear ratio. I see all sorts from 3.07 - 5.83. I want better acceleration, and can these new gears get me somewhat better gas milage? What should I go with?

Also seen ratios for the trans? What would get me the best performance here?

[GT-Racer]

depends on a lot of factors. if you run bigger tires, then you should get more gear to turn the motor the same RPM's. The higher the number the better the acceleration, but higher the rpms at cruisin speeds. Lower the number , harder to get started but runs along easier at speed.

[boots]

ahh ok, So im thinking of getting 3.89 with stock tires. And I may get 33's in the long run. Dont look like there will be a long run with gas prices though

[bwc302]

A lot of folks go in between to get the most of both performance and mileage... somewhere in the range of 3.50 is a fair trade off.

The lower numerically (higher gearded) 3.25 usually will get better mileage but less performance that a higher numerically (lower gear) 3.50.

Good luck

[oldhalftons]

with stock or 33" tires, 3.50's are a good balance of economy and acceleration

[fordloaf]

For a F100 i sould say around a 3.5. If you dont drive on the interstate then go with a 3.70. I have a 4.10, but it is a F250. If i never hauled stuff i would have prefered a 3.73 but even on the highway my 4.10 does fine at 80mph.

[willowbilly3]

The 350 is a good all around gear unless you are going real tall on the tires. Just remember that you need the carrier too if changing from a 3. to a 4. or lower.