Terrible Mileage--help me if you can

[fields_mj]

I can understand going with 4.10 gears, but why would anyone even need lower gears if they are ever going to even touch asphalt. These engines have so much torque that I just don't see why you would need anything lower than 4.10s. I remember when mine still had them, 1st gear was pretty much useless most of the time.

+1 I don't know what anyone could have been thinking to put smaller gears than 4.10s. I figured that's what mine had when I called about it, but after I ran the numbers, they came out to be about 4.88. The tag on the rear axle is damaged, so I can't tell what it's supposed to be. I'd love to drop down to 3.55, but it would cost too much to have both axles done The body was in too good of shape, and the price was too low to pass up, especially considering the condition of my previous daily driver.

 

[david85]

3.55s might not be too hard to find actually. Most guys prefer 4.10 or 3.73 for heavy towing or off roading and discard the 3.55s. Lower gears typically fetch a higher price second hand (at least thats how it was when I was looking) I remember seeing used ring & pinion sets in my area for under $100 per diff in some cases.

Its a lot cheaper than a GV overdrive even after you price out both ends.

Time is of course a problem if you are doing the swap yourself, but if the truck is in good shape I would consider regearing it even if that involves 2 differentials. Gears are easy to swap than patching fenders and cab corners.

 

[fields_mj]

I don't do a lot of heavy pulling. I haul firewood for my own needs, and an occational utility or enclosed trailer, but that's about it. If anyone has a set of 3.55s for both axles, or can find a set for around $100 each, I'd love to talk to them. I have a Dana 50 in the front, but I'm not sure about the rear. I'll have to check the sticker on the the B Pillar, and my owners manual to find out. I am planning on having a set of seals put in on the drivers side of the front diff ($200~$275), so if it would save me any money to have it all done at once, I might try to jump on the project asap.

Thanks,
Mark

 

[janos1]

Well.... I just got from under the rear, and it is definitely a 3.55. I think the converter is laying over or something else. The ford guy that I had look at swears that it has a towing gear in it but the numbers don't lie. I've never seen a trans go thru the gears and top out at 45-50mph.

 

[Shadetreemechanic]

Well.... I just got from under the rear, and it is definitely a 3.55. I think the converter is laying over or something else. The ford guy that I had look at swears that it has a towing gear in it but the numbers don't lie. I've never seen a trans go thru the gears and top out at 45-50mph.

Is your o/d light flashing?

 

[Agnem]

Well.... I just got from under the rear, and it is definitely a 3.55. I think the converter is laying over or something else. The ford guy that I had look at swears that it has a towing gear in it but the numbers don't lie. I've never seen a trans go thru the gears and top out at 45-50mph.

Your performance sounds more like a C6 than an E4OD.

Are you getting 4 distinct speeds out of it? Clutch locking up? Somethings not right.

 

[Diesel JD]

The E4 is junk if you don't give it all correct inputs... correct FIPL settings and a working tach. The problem seems to be in the mechanical/ electronic interface being strange incorrect feedbacks and when that is ignored stuff breaks and then it gets expensive. Or at least that's the pattern I have observed here. 3.55s and an E4 should push 20mpg on the highway and 12-16 in town depending on how much stop and go "town" is and how fast you go from light to light.

 

[janos1]

Your performance sounds more like a C6 than an E4OD.

Are you getting 4 distinct speeds out of it? Clutch locking up? Somethings not right.

Couldn't tell you either way. I've always owned a Chevy. Here is a pic of the gadgets on the side of the trans. Perhaps you might be able to tell me what it is. The light stays off til I push it then it comes on and the tach lays over

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