Lift kit question

[74bronk]

So what is the highest lift to run with on stock gears?

 

[661buster1963]

I’m not sure lift height and gear ratio are functions of each other. Tire size and gear are, plus there 3 rather different stock gears, so “stock gear “ needs a little definition. You need a few more numbers bro.

 

[savage]

I think 33's are close to the limit with stock gearing, I have 33x12.50x15 and my gear 3:50. Your lift question has nothing to do with gearing, it's more for tire size.

 

[chuckji]

What buster said. And, what engine, what transmission?

 

[74bronk]

I think 33's are close to the limit with stock gearing, I have 33x12.50x15 and my gear 3:50. Your lift question has nothing to do with gearing, it's more for tire size.

Sorry i meant to mention tire size.... currently i have a 5.5” lift (that is blocked up” in the rear �&#56900 from previous owner. Stock gears, C4 automatic, I believe they are 3.5. It currently has 35’s tires on... it looks great but the ride is awful, especially when you hit an incline or hill. Im looking to improve drive ability and less wear and tear on drive train but still have a nice stance and decent sized tires. Not interested in changing gear ratio’s. I think the above post may have answered my question... that said what lift kit would you guys recommend that absolutely improves driving and the ride? Thanks ��

 

[74bronk]

I think 33's are close to the limit with stock gearing, I have 33x12.50x15 and my gear 3:50. Your lift question has nothing to do with gearing, it's more for tire size.

Sorry i meant to mention tire size.... currently i have a 5.5” lift (that is blocked up” in the rear ) from previous owner. Stock gears, C4 automatic, I believe they are 3.5. It currently has 35’s tires on... it looks great but rides like a hunk of shit especially when you hit an incline. Im looking to improve drive ability and less wear and tear on drive train but still have a nice stance and decent sized tires. Not interested in changing gear ratio’s. I think the above post may have answered my question... that said what would lift kit would you guys recommend that absolutely improves driving and the ride? Thanks

 

[73azbronco]

I have 35's with 3.5sl and 2 bl, wish I stuck with 1 inch sl and 2 bl. I'm cut as well so.
But lift does not change power needed really.

 

[Glass Pony]

Sorry i meant to mention tire size.... currently i have a 5.5” lift (that is blocked up” in the rear ) from previous owner. Stock gears, C4 automatic, I believe they are 3.5. It currently has 35’s tires on... it looks great but rides like a hunk of shit especially when you hit an incline. Im looking to improve drive ability and less wear and tear on drive train but still have a nice stance and decent sized tires. Not interested in changing gear ratio’s. I think the above post may have answered my question... that said what would lift kit would you guys recommend that absolutely improves driving and the ride? Thanks

Most folks say the sweet spot for 33" tires and a C-4 is 4.11 gears
If you want to improve drivability and less wear on the drivetrain and no interest in changing gears from a 3.50 I would say no bigger than a 31" tire.

 

[Seventee]

Most folks say the sweet spot for 33" tires and a C-4 is 4.11 gears
If you want to improve drivability and less wear on the drivetrain and no interest in changing gears from a 3.50 I would say no bigger than a 31" tire.

x2. Nothing larger than 31" tires if you are not willing to re-gear and worried about performance on hills.

 

[SteveL]

With 35s and a c-4 4:56 is what you want for a gear ratio. If you swap in an od tranny bump the gears to 4:88.

 

[triracer67]

Curious why don’t you regear? If they are “stock,” they are fifty years old and seen there fair share of use. Replacing the rear gear on a Ford 9” is easy, and easily done by someone with zero mechanical knowledge. Buying a completely built ready to bolt in carrier can be had for 500-1000 dollars. Obviously the front is more challenging. But, will you ever put in four wheel drive? Regearing makes a huge difference in drive ability. Why swap the entire lift?

 

[savage]

x2. Nothing larger than 31" tires if you are not willing to re-gear and worried about performance on hills.

I have been running 33 since I've owned my 74 and it has no problem with performance. I would not go any bigger than the 33 on it, but if he keeps his 5.5 inch lift 31 will look interesting;D , he could go with a 285/75/16 which is in-between a 31 and a 33.

 

[Seventee]

I have been running 33 since I've owned my 74 and it has no problem with performance. I would not go any bigger than the 33 on it, but if he keeps his 5.5 inch lift 31 will look interesting;D , he could go with a 285/75/16 which is in-between a 31 and a 33.

You'd have even better performance if you at least went to 4.10s. But some flatlanders can get away with taller gears.

 

[savage]

You'd have even better performance if you at least went to 4.10s. But some flatlanders can get away with taller gears.

Totally agree, I was thinking 4.10s or 4.56s, for use in the dunes. I have used the 74 up in the hills here in Washington, and its preformed very well.
But I can feel with lower gears the little 302 will probably happier ;D

 

[Seventee]

Totally agree, I was thinking 4.10s or 4.56s, for use in the dunes. I have used the 74 up in the hills here in Washington, and its preformed very well.
But I can feel with lower gears the little 302 will probably happier ;D

I ran 33s and 3.50 in my '70 for a while and it really struggled on 6+% grades. I was down into 3rd gear with my NP435. Now I run 35s and 4.56 and the difference is night and day.

I run a 460 in my '79 with 33s and 3.50 gears. Even with 500 ft. lbs of torque it is a bit handicapped by the gears, but is nice on the interstate. If I ever need to go into a differential again, I will likely do 4.10s. But I don't do much towing with that truck anymore so it hasn't been a big deal.