Best Gear Ratio

[66Prowler]

I am working on installing new full width axles in my 66. I wanted to get some advice on what gear ratio would be the best. I use my bronco for trips to Mexico, the dunes, and AZ trails. “No Rocks” I have a 289 with 302 heads - C4 Auto - Dana 20 - 33” Tires. I currently have 4:10 and first gear seams really low?!? Any input would help, before I buy all new parts.


Thanks in advance!

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[br0nc0xrapt0r]

4.10 is actually not bad for 33"s but since you have a no rocks agenda perhaps 3.73 would be more up your ally.

ps. that's one great looking bronco.

 

[garberz]

I think most would agree, you already have the best gear ratio with your use and 33" tires. Nice looking Bronco.

 

[joshm28]

I really like that color

 

[sprdv1]

4.10 is actually not bad for 33"s but since you have a no rocks agenda perhaps 3.73 would be more up your ally.

ps. that's one great looking bronco.

2nd that opinion...

 

[Broncobowsher]

4.10, 33" tires and no overdrive. That is about the best there is. Maybe a touch overgeared, but not enough to justify changing it.

I never herd someone complain that first is too low, especialy with a automatic. Usually they complain about too many RPM on the highway (too low of a final gear) or too fast on the trail (not enough gear).

I would leave it alone.

 

[Bulletman]

From what I know,,,,,,and that is little,,,,,,,,,,,you've got a good ratio for your needs. I've got a 302, C4, 31's and from the limited amount I've driven it yet I ike the 410's.

 

[broncnaz]

I agree you have a good setup instead oof regearing the axles you might want to consider a OD tranny. Although you could probably find a D30 with 3.54 gears and swap out your rear center section easily. unless you already have a D44 thats been swapped in. I would rather have the 4.10 gearing. Seems like almost every trail here in AZ has some rocks. the 4.10 gears will keep that automatic alive longer.

 

[66Prowler]

Thanks Guys

 

[zeeman1]

I have the same 4.11 gear ratio on 35's and think it still revs too high on the freeway. I'd think the 3.73 would be a better fit for you with the 33's. Not worth changing though unless your doing gears anyway.

 

[fungus]

I'd keep the 4.10s. You'd have to weigh in what you do most of though. I'd say if you live in the dunes you might be a tad overgeared. I think you're setup perfect for trails and probably do just fine on the hwy w/ those gears and 33s. If you switch to 3.73s you might find yourself a tad undergeared for the trails but setup a little better for dunes and you'll be able to do 70 on the hwy no prob... You already have the 4.10s so that'll help you with the budget assuming your front gears will be compatible with the new full width front end (low pinion 44 gears will not work in a high pinion 44 w/ reverse rotation...). Your 9" gears should swap just fine.

I've been running my stock 3.50s for years on 33s and have kept up with the big boys (however wishing I had lower gears). Just put in the NP-435 which makes things better. Eventually I'll go to 4.27s or 4.56 w/ 35" tires but my goal is a great trail rig that can do 70 on the hwy to get there and back...

 

[66Prowler]

I'd keep the 4.10s. You'd have to weigh in what you do most of though. I'd say if you live in the dunes you might be a tad overgeared. I think you're setup perfect for trails and probably do just fine on the hwy w/ those gears and 33s. If you switch to 3.73s you might find yourself a tad undergeared for the trails but setup a little better for dunes and you'll be able to do 70 on the hwy no prob... You already have the 4.10s so that'll help you with the budget assuming your front gears will be compatible with the new full width front end (low pinion 44 gears will not work in a high pinion 44 w/ reverse rotation...). Your 9" gears should swap just fine.

I've been running my stock 3.50s for years on 33s and have kept up with the big boys (however wishing I had lower gears). Just put in the NP-435 which makes things better. Eventually I'll go to 4.27s or 4.56 w/ 35" tires but my goal is a great trail rig that can do 70 on the hwy to get there and back...

I was thinking just taking a chance with 4.27's

 

[fungus]

I was thinking just taking a chance with 4.27's

I wouldn't take that route in your case Prowler. You're not gaining much at all going from 4.10s to 4.27s except a huge parts bill. Plus that would even put you at higher RPM and slower top speed on the highway and dunes...

In my case, going from 3.50s to 4.27s, I gain quite a bit of gearing... That's if my buddy doesn't GIVE me his 4.56s he's running when I talk him into re-gearing his rig with 5.13s;D I don't do dunes though (hwy & trails only) and think I'd stick with the 3.50s if I was a sand crab...

For what it's worth,
Fungus