So if you're running a bigger set of aftermarket tires or if you tow a lot with your '97 to
2014 F-150, and maybe, would like to get back some of that mileage lost around town, and
a little bit more acceleration off-the-line, you should definitely consider swapping out
to a set of 4.10 gears from the gang over at Ford Performance.
Now, these gears are designed to fit the 10 bolt 8.8 rear end, and will cost prospective
buyers right around 150 bucks per set.
Installation will not be for novice mechanics out there, and will get a three out of three
wrenches on the difficulty meter from me, with a little bit more detail to come later
in the video.
So if you're like a lot of truck owners, then chances are you've lifted your truck, and
installed some bigger rubber in the form of a 33, a 35, or maybe, even a set of 37-inch
tall tires.
Now, no doubt, this looks awesome, but depending on your factory gear ratio, the truck might
feel kinda like a dog with those bigger tires installed.
Now, most trucks from Ford will come with a set of 3.31s, 3.55s, or even a set of 3.73
gears, but that's typically gonna be the most aggressive ratio you'll see with the factory
trucks with the stock tires because they really don't need that shorter gear.
However, changing the tire size wouldn't really be the only reason to consider a numerically
higher gear ratio.
Maybe you tow a lot, and need the truck to pull a little bit better around town, get
off the line, and merge a little bit easier, and just want the truck to feel more responsive
overall.
Whatever the case, I would say the 4.10s, and even the set of 4.56s would be the two
most popular options truck owners consider when making the swap to a different ratio.
Now, depending on your plans, I would say the 4.10s that we have here would be the safest
bet for owners who want to improve your off-the-line acceleration, your around-town miles per gallon,
but at the same time, without totally killing your highway fuel economy.
As far as the gears themselves, well, it's Ford Performance, right?
So you know you're gonna be getting a quality part.
More specifically, you are gonna be looking at a forged steel construction along with
a CNC cut teeth, and then finally, that black oxide finish to help reduce or prevent any
corrosion or rust.
A big thing to keep in mind when making the swap is that if your truck is four-wheel drive,
then you will need to get a matching set of 4.10s for your front differential as well,
which obviously is gonna double the price, but it is necessary for proper installation
and operation.
And speaking of installation, it is always highly recommended to grab a new bearing,
and install kit, with any gear install, this one included, and that will typically give
you some new shims and bearings which is needed especially, if your truck has some higher
mileage on it.
But nevertheless, you should just do new bearings to begin with, as this is a rather in-depth
installation, and you don't wanna have to do the same job twice because you skimmed
out on bearings.
Also keep in mind, your speedometer will more than likely be off with the addition of the
bigger tires, and those newer gears, so a quick and easy way to fix this is by using
a tuner or programmer to account for the different gear ratio in addition to those larger tires
if equipped in order to correct your speedometer accuracy.
Now, if you haven't installed gears before, I don't know if I'd recommend starting out
with this set here as they're definitely isn't art form to getting them set up properly in
addition to getting them set up for a quiet operation.
You're also gonna be looking at a host of specialty tools here, including a press, a
beam type inch pound torque wrench, along with a mag base and dial indicator, just to
help you check your backlash in addition to your run out as well.
So that's why I'm going full three out of three wrenches on the difficulty meter here.
Now, if you've done gears before then you know what you're getting yourself into, and
can probably knock these things out, without even breaking a sweat, but time will definitely
depend on your experience, and if you need to do both the front and rear differentials
together.
Now, we do call this one about four hours on the site from start to finish per diff,
and I do think that's a pretty accurate guess.
So guys, wrapping things up here, if you're looking to increase the off-the-line performance,
and towing of your stock or lifted '97 to 2014 F-150, upgrading to a set of 4.10s from
Ford Performance would be an awesome choice.
You can grab your set right here at americantrucks.com.