Gear opinions

[Authorizedcc]

I have a road queen that has 4.11:1 gears. I have a set of 3.00:1 would this be to high of gear for a road queen? I'm running 32" tires also and I'm in Florida.

 

[bbow]

I have some 3:50 I would consider trading for the 4:10. Ford 9" 28 spline rear and dana 44 up front.

 

[spap]

3.50s or taller tires. If you have any type of stock motor. 3.00 gears will make it very doggy u less you never get on the freeway . The bronco is a brick

 

[DirtDonk]

Agree. 3.00 is too tall/high for an EB with 32" tires for most people.
If you have an automatic trans, that helps a lot, but will still by slow off the line and probably (maybe?) out of your optimum power range for cruising the expressways and freeways. Not 100% sure though, as I didn't consult any charts or calculators for that statement. Just a guess SWAG.

The trade for 3.50's for your 4.11's would be a very good way to go I think. Benefits two people and I'm pretty sure that 3.00 car "freeway flyer" gear will be more than you bargained for.
And make sure that you can find a similar matching number for the front, or just remove the front driveshaft to avoid any bad things. By similar, I mean you don't usually find exact numbers between Dana and Ford differentials, but at least within a few shaves on the right side of the decimal point. Since it's a street rig, just disconnecting the driveshaft is the cheap solution. Just make sure to mention the discrepancy to any future owners!

Paul

 

[Authorizedcc]

Thanks for the suggestion guys, I was thinking the same thing. Also I wanted to thank the one smart ass also, there's always one in every crowd.

 

[broncnaz]

Maybe a prius/bronco there are already a couple of focus broncos out there. About the only time the 3-1 gear would benefit you would be at 75mph anything else and you would hate it. Stop and go driving would eat up clutches and build a lot of heat in a automatic leading to a early death. The 3.50 would be ok but those 4.11s are your better bet with your tires step up to 33in tires and you'll lower the RPM's a bit more on the hiway.

 

[bronconut73]

Maybe a prius/bronco there are already a couple of focus broncos out there. About the only time the 3-1 gear would benefit you would be at 75mph anything else and you would hate it. Stop and go driving would eat up clutches and build a lot of heat in a automatic leading to a early death. The 3.50 would be ok but those 4.11s are your better bet with your tires step up to 33in tires and you'll lower the RPM's a bit more on the hiway.

I agree with Naz.
Most of us would have loved ending up with 4.11 from jump street.
Consider stepping up to 33's.
The 32's you are running now may not be 32". Many manufacturers are a little off on actual tire height. So a step up to 33's may be more than an inch more height and may make more of a difference than you think.
Anyway.....if you are wanting to haul ass down the highway be careful in an eb or aanything as old, short, and tall. I did 85 in mine the other day just for a few minutes.....it isn't much fun....
Try to keep those gears. May be a tranny with overdrive is in your future like an AOD, 4R70W, or an NV 3550. If so you will want to keep those gears.

 

[Authorizedcc]

That's all I want to do is drop my RPMS a little bit while on the highway. My sweet spot right now is around 55mph I would like it around 65mph. I'm happy with the power I have with the 4.11's. Maybe trying the taller tire will give me what I'm looking for.

 

[Firedog67]

Ratio/Speed/Height/Trans/RPM
4:11 65 32 1:1 2805
4:11 55 32 1:1 2374

3:50 65 32 1:1 2389
3:50 55 32 1:1 2021

3:00 65 32 1:1 2048
3:00 55 32 1:1 1733

4:11 65 33 1:1 2793
4:11 55 33 1:1 2363


There are many websites that have calculators for RPM's
Hope this helps

 

[turbotim2]

Wouldn't you be happier with a Prius?

JFTR

My 66 Thunderbird had 3.00:1 gears in it and it went OK - the difference was shorter tires and a 428 pushing it. It was not quick off the line but could probably easily cruised at 120mph. Not really the ideal for a Bronco. A set of 3.50's would probably work well for you as the others here have suggested.

 

[Broncobowsher]

If you run the numbers a set of 3.92 or 3.73 gears would probably work better. There are several options. 3.00 is not a good choice. But the cost in doing a gear swap for such a minor change just doesn't have any value to it. A little taller tire is probably the best option at the moment.

 

[EB70]

I am relatively new to the forum, but I do have an EB that I drive regularly. It has a 302 with headers and runs good, 3-speed and 3.50 gears and 33's. It is almost too tall geared, but since I cruise with it, it is ok. I am not changing it out until I go bigger. Crawl ratio is a joke, but for driving it is ok. I have been getting 15 MPG so that is alright! Not bad at 55, but the sweet spot is 60 MPH. It does well there.

My recommendations would be step up in tire size, drive a little slower and enjoy it.

I WOULD NOT recommend 3.0's unless you are going to run 235's for the rest of your life!

 

[Fairlane514]

I had 3.50's with 33x12.50x15 and now I have 4.11's. With the 3.50, it was very slow and "doggy" off the line and pretty disappointing. With the 4.11's huge difference, much easier on the engine to take off and more in the power range of the cam.

I would run away from the 3.00……keep the 4.10 and go taller tire.

 

[okie4570]

Thanks for the suggestion guys, I was thinking the same thing. Also I wanted to thank the one smart ass also, there's always one in every crowd.

Don't sweat it, 99.9% of his posts are like that.

I like my 4.11 and 33's

 

[Authorizedcc]

Oh I'm not sweating it, actually I'm glad he introduced himself early. That way I know what category to put him in. But I've decided to keep my current set up, I'm not in that big of hurry

 

[dave67fd]

I had 32's with the 3:50 and 3 speed stick and didn't care for it. Not as bad with the auto though.

 

[Timmy390]

Don't fear the gear.......

No way I would ever run 3.00 gears. Heck the stock 3.50's and 32's had my rig bogging down on an ant hill. The 4.11's woke it up.

If I had it to do over.....4.30's or even lower would be my choice. I do live in a AR and we have hills here.....hoping the 351W swap will makeup for not going 4.30's

Tim