NorCal,
Be sure to run the numbers on the gears/tire size/weight/power. http://www.grimmjeeper.com
I just went to 4.10's with 35's, but only because I'm running an '01 Cummins II GEN, and 27% overdrive NV-5600 which likes 1700 - 2000 rpm. My bro has a '99 F-250 with 3.73's and a 6 speed manual and he said because of the torque curve of the engine it likes to run higher rpms than the CTD. His choice was 4.30's which are available for your pigs.
I like your work. I live in NoCal.
jefe
Thank you for the information guys! I have been talking to some locals and forum guys on powerstroke.org and i think any higher than 4.10's and my rpms will be screaming on the highway especially through nevada with their posted speeds. i am in idaho alot and usually go through nevada rather than oregon.I ran 4.10s in my 04 with 37s and a manual that was powered by a 6.0L. The ZF6 has an ultra low LOW and 1st is still pretty low. On the top it had no problem pulling through to OD. The 7.3L has way more low end grunt and revs out way sooner than the 6.0L, so I'd say you'd want the 4.10s over 4.30s or you'll be revving out on the freeway.
Now that being said, if you want to take a road trip, my 04 is for sale and it has the 4.10s in it with ARB lockers on both ends and Warn hub locks. With the exchange rate, you could have the entire truck for cheaper than doing the same swap.
Our trusty old Sub is getting replaced with a newer one and wifey gave me the green light to turn this one into an overland adventure truck. My only catch is that I am only allowed to spend $1,000 on upgrades. After watching Dirt Every Day's YouTube videos I got inspired and have a game plan.
Completely stock 2000 5.3L K1500 suburban with 3.73 gears and already have 275/65R18 (32.1X10.8") tires. Which do not rub on 100% stock truck. Roof rack which carried 600-700lbs of gear has 4 Yakima 58" cross bars, 4 Yakima RailGrabs, 6.5ft by 36" cargo basket and Thule 6 ski cargo box.
View attachment 377193
37x13.5" tires on 17" rim will go on soon
Game plan for the Sub:
37x13.5 tires
3" body lift
3" suspension "level"
new shocks all around
second 20gal gas tank
4.10 gears front and rear
rear locking diff
snorkel kit and bigger fender flares if I have any $$$ left over
Work in progress
View attachment 377194
Tough to tell in the pic but the level kit and new shocks are in. Swapped out torsion keys for Ford keys and the truck came up 5" with 1-2" of suspension travel in the front, cranked the keys down to a reasonable 2.5" lift. Nitrogen shocks I had before made the ride unbearable, so I went to Skyjacker H7009 (stock length) oil shocks in the front and H7017 (3" longer than stock) in the rear. Got the cheapest rear coil spacers I could find to raise the back end. I'll add a better before and after picture of the 3" level kit. Now I am waiting on new lug nuts so I can bolt up the 37" tires and figure out how to fit them.
Andrei
You are gonna do all that for $1000?!! This I gotta see! Good luck!!
I think he has the 37's already so it could be done?
Can we see more? @sethro80?
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your truck looks great, no build thread yet, working on it
Seth