2wd/4wd 5.4L and gear ratios

[vtwinkicker]

Hey All,
Interested in opinions/facts about 2 vehicles, both 5.4L. One is an E250 RB-30? 2wd with 3.73 rear, the other is an E350 EB-44? 4wd with 3.55 rear and loaded down with bumpers and winch, not sure of tire size but probably what comes with a Quigley conversion. From what I have been able to discern from reading the forums the 3.55 may not be enough gear for the EB 4wd and I'm thinking the 3.73 is fine for the 2wd. both are either 2002 or 2003 model year. Your thoughts?

[BajaSportsmobile]

It shouldn't make any difference whether 2wd or 4wd. What matters is the final gear ratio after taking into account tire diameter. From a performance standpoint, highway driving is where final gear ratios matter the most - not off-road. I can't believe that any 5.4L would have 3.55 gears in it.

[vtwinkicker]

Originally Posted by BajaSportsmobile

It shouldn't make any difference whether 2wd or 4wd. What matters is the final gear ratio after taking into account tire diameter. From a performance standpoint, highway driving is where final gear ratios matter the most - not off-road. I can't believe that any 5.4L would have 3.55 gears in it.

The door sticker on the E350 says C9 axle, the E250 says B4. Did I look up the ratios right? I assume Quigley would use the stock ratio on their install. This was ordered from new so the van went straight to Quigley then SMB.

[BajaSportsmobile]

Originally Posted by vtwinkicker

The door sticker on the E350 says C9 axle, the E250 says B4. Did I look up the ratios right? I assume Quigley would use the stock ratio on their install. This was ordered from new so the van went straight to Quigley then SMB.

Unless it still has 225's on it, it would be a dog. Overdrive would be useless...

[vtwinkicker]

Originally Posted by BajaSportsmobile

Unless it still has 225's on it, it would be a dog. Overdrive would be useless...

I read this as stay away from the 4wd van. The 2wd with 3.73 should be ok then? Thanks for your input!

[86Scotty]

My 2wd e350 came with 3:73. I'm pretty sure that's the typical stock configuration for a 5.4 Not sure about the other one you mentioned.

[BajaSportsmobile]

Originally Posted by vtwinkicker

I read this as stay away from the 4wd van. The 2wd with 3.73 should be ok then? Thanks for your input!

No. Find out what gears are really in the Quigley. I'm guessing 4.10's based on all the Quigleys I have dealt with.

You are trying to make a decision with no real information.

[boywonder]

I have a 4WD 5.4L E350 with 3.73's & 285/70-17's and I'm totally happy with it.......it downshifts when climbing sometimes but it's no big deal. The only towing I do is a small two dirt bike trailer.....

[Viva]

My E250 2WD SMB RB had the 5.4 and 3.73 rear end. With stock tire size I found it to be great. I obviously didn't do any gnarly off-roading, but I did tow ~5,000# all over the place. Also enjoyed the 16-18 mpg when not towing.

Just a "stock trim" data point.

[bshillam]

If the rest of the van is a go then just change out the gears. Cheaper to buy the right rig and change out gears than continue looking and wasting good camping/exploring opportunity!