Gear ratio recommendation

[fordguy]

ivI agree, give what ya got a try and then dial it in the way you like it.


RPM calculators are good only to give a really basic ballpark rpm # as there are, as many of us are mentioning, many variables that make for a workable and comfortable rpm like Thom mentioned.

Engine torque, multiple OD gear selections, tire rolling resistance (believe it or not- Toyo's take more HP to roll and many of us don't run at full psi rating on the tire), wind aerodynamics of vehicle (everytime you lift it the aerodynamics are affected and gas mileage suffers, local or highway driving, exhaust note, vehicle weight and of course HILLS in your driving area. Living anywhere East of the Rockies makes gear selection different than living west of the Rockies (generally) since where I live I can't leave home (espcially coming back) going 3 of 4 different directions without a 1,000-2200+ foot elevation gain for miles.
This translates to do you mind going up hills in a gear lower than the typical 1:1 ratio of direct drive and having the engine spin a bit more - which has always been the standard until cars now with multiple OD gear selections.

Just tossing some factors out there as to why some on-line calculator is at best, a basic guide.

Ballpark