Kinda urgent question re Limited Slip

[mgmetalworks]

I'm putting a 265/70-17 (31.6") on for our 4x4 Transit conversion. That doesn't mean you have to run a tire that big with our conversion but it's possible to run more than a 245.

I'll be changing my gearing from 3.31 to 3.73 too. Lockers front and back.

[accrete]

Originally Posted by MountainBikeRoamer

...I'm curious, could that 245-sized tire fit/work OK while still running the factory 2WD ride height?..Still.....you've got me curious now what the maximum tire size is that can be stuffed safely under the Transits when they are still running their factory 2WD suspension...

I'm in that research mode also (test driving a Quigley T next week). From what i've gathered so far:
With the 3.5L EB engine you have a choice between 3.31 and 3.73. As others have suggested the 3.73 would allow for some slightly taller tires and still have enough play to get the van rolling : )
With the 3.7 the 4.10 looks like the standard.

On tire size, with stock height there are many T owners sharing over at the Ford Transit USA Forum. I began a thread on that very question when i was in my first research mode on the then-new Transit. You can find the thread at this link. The tire of choice for many is the BFG KO2 245/75r16. Apparently they are getting them under the stock fender wells. Though from the looks of it i would not try chains! In our case, if we go with a QT i will put the KO2's on and will be legal in Oregon in all road conditions as they are considered traction tires (+4x4 and you are set legally. maybe not logically ; )

Thom

[accrete]

Originally Posted by mgmetalworks

I'm putting a 265/70-17 (31.6") on for our 4x4 Transit conversion...

Hi Michael,
I've been digging over at the other forum and still trying to figure out the taller-tire computer-code thingy for the Ford Techs to dial in with the idea of keeping the warranty in tack?

Thom

[mgmetalworks]

Originally Posted by accrete

Hi Michael,
I've been digging over at the other forum and still trying to figure out the taller-tire computer-code thingy for the Ford Techs to dial in with the idea of keeping the warranty in tack?

Thom

I still haven't seen a definitive answer on whether Ford would void a warranty over taller tires. They don't void warranties on F150s and F350s with lifts and larger tires, why is the Transit any different?

Ford's IDS software is very limited when it comes to tire size and gear ratio changes. I will be working towards an aftermarket solution with some tuning pros I know.

[Davidl13]

Mgmetalworks... will the transit 4x4 conversion have a low range?

If so, go for easiest (tallest) cruising on hwy gears and use the low range for offroad...

But if high range only, then lower gearing would be best for a single all around gearing... especially given the od gears these days are very tall

[mgmetalworks]

Originally Posted by Davidl13

Mgmetalworks... will the transit 4x4 conversion have a low range?

If so, go for easiest (tallest) cruising on hwy gears and use the low range for offroad...

But if high range only, then lower gearing would be best for a single all around gearing... especially given the od gears these days are very tall

Absolutely! Low range is a must for me! Our conversion will be using the transfer case out of a F150. I have the ESOF (Electronic Shift-On-The-Fly) model here for my personal rig.

[Davidl13]

Originally Posted by mgmetalworks

Absolutely! Low range is a must for me! Our conversion will be using the transfer case out of a F150. I have the ESOF (Electronic Shift-On-The-Fly) model here for my personal rig.

Then I would go for a gear ratio that will give you about 1900 rpm at 80mph..with the stock tires.. it's ok if rpm goes down a little with bugger tires,. Effortless and quiet cruising..... Low range will take care of all your off-road needs...

Here is a calculator for rpm, gear ratio and tire size

https://www.ringpinion.com/calculators/Calc_RPM.aspx