4.88 vs 4.30 - Diesel Forum

F350Heavy · 01-23-2003, 07:12 AM

There seems to be an optional 4.30 axle available on the F450 I am looking at but it comes std with 4.88. Although I will only be
carrying about 2/3 of the max load for the truck it does have a large frontal area with much wind resistance. Most of my driving is out
west in the mountains but I have to cross the country on I-10 to get there and get back home. I don't think it will be fun to listen to
the engine turning a 4.88 all the way across country but would it be a mistake not to have the 4.88 when I get to the mountains?
On my old diesel the fan engaged any time the engine got above about 2400 rpm whether it was hot or not. Will the V-10 fan do the
same?

Sorry my post gets so chopped up but when I compose it there is just one long line of text if I don't put in the carriage returns. I don't think my browser is compatible any more.

6spd · 01-23-2003, 01:28 PM

Have you considered a usgear (www.usgear.com) overdrive or underdrive unit to have the ratios both ways. The unit is about $3,000, does not void the Ford warranty, and works with either 4x2 or 4x4. It does not affect the speedometer reading either. These guys spent a lot of time with me trying to build a unit to fit my old F150. That didn't work out, but F250/350/450 is standard stuff for them. Just an idea...

F350Heavy · 01-23-2003, 04:48 PM

Thanks, but I am trying to keep the cost down. For $3500 I could get 4x4. If the 4.88 turns out to be a mistake I can get taller tires
after I run the first set off. As of now the total quote for this buggy is only 37k minus any rebates (currently $1500.)

Johnny96 · 01-23-2003, 05:27 PM

I'd go with 4.30's--my take here is that the V-10 can use some help regarding empty MPG, and 4.88's certainly won't help! If it struggles upo hills while towing, you can always drop a gear (or lock out OD in the slushpump).

If it's loaded all the time (like a hotshotter or fulltime RVer), however, I'd go with 4.88's.

Of course, you could just eliminate the dilemma by getting the diesel & having enough power to pull any gears available. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

(Come on, you had to figure that was coming!)