Ford E350 transmission and gearing options

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Petrolburner

Explorer
I just got back from a nearly 3000 mile trip to Baja and back with my Motovan. It has 245/75-16 tires and 3.55 gears. It holds top gear better at 70 mph than 60 mph. I think I need to swap the rear end for 3.73 or even 4.11 but I'm also wondering what other transmissions bolt up without too much hassle. I know the later vans had a 5 speed auto, and one of the guys on here swapped in a 6spd manual. What other options would bolt up to my 5.4? Is there any way to have a manual shift lock? Basically, heading up a hill, downshift to 3rd, then lock it in 3rd so that I can use wide open throttle without the stupid thing shifting to 2nd gear?
 
derjack

derjack

Adventurer
I would definitely not go the route of changing the tranny!
Check the rpm first. If you don't have a rpm meter, check this side:http://www.grimmjeeper.com/gears.html the down shift points are clear for E4OD/4R70. I am not sure our of my mind.

For a gas engine 3.55 is quite long. Suggestions are around 3.73/4.10 with standard tires. With 33" or bigger 4.56 or 4.88 are suggested. But anyway. Check the gearing in 3rd and overdrive first and were the down and up shift points are.
 
SDDiver5

SDDiver5

Expedition Leader
I used to have a 2003 Excursion that had the V10 and it had 4:11 gears. Perfectly geared IMO. Super easy to pass on the freeway and could tow anything. Def don't change the tranny.
 
P

Petrolburner

Explorer
I've looked at the 5 star stuff but didn't think it would make much difference with a stock gasoline motor. I'll probably regear the rear end first and see how that works. I was curious about other transmissions just in case I ever had to replace mine.
 
Bbasso

Bbasso

Expedition goofball
It made a huge difference to my all stock 2005 V10.
I was able to outrun mustang gt and the like while adding 2.5 mpg. And towed like it should, V10 should.
If you dont believe, read up more.
 
Bikersmurf

Bikersmurf

Expedition Leader
I'd check out the calculators at Randy's Ring and Pinion.

I'm running a diesel, so not the best comparison, with 4.11s and the same trans. Had 245s, but am switching back to stock 225/75r16. I think 4.11s would likely be the way to go. I wouldn't waste money in 3.70s... Too small a step.
 
P

Petrolburner

Explorer
How do I figure out what transmission I have exactly, crawl around and look for a data plate? Can i be reasonably sure that I have a 4R70...something?
 
IdaSHO

IdaSHO

IDACAMPER
I wouldnt bother with the trans.


4:10s would certainly be a good option, if you are looking to do it on the cheap.

Loads and loads of axles around with 4:10 gearing that you could swap in.



Otherwise order the gear set you really want.



You are correct, the shorter 4.56 would be a pretty good match for your little 5.4 and taller tires.



Im on 265's with 3.55s and love it, but I've also got 500lb ft of torque via a 7.3 powerstroke.

The long legs are great if you have the torque.
 
derjack

derjack

Adventurer
IdaSHO said:
I wouldnt bother with the trans.




Im on 265's with 3.55s and love it, but I've also got 500lb ft of torque via a 7.3 powerstroke.

The long legs are great if you have the torque.
Click to expand...

You cannot compare a Diesel engine with a gas one!

A diesel engine like 7.3 / 6.0 etc have a RPM range of 3000 max. A Gas Engine goes up to 5-6000 RPM. They operate roughly at DOUBLE the RPM. Double the RPM directly leads into double the tranny speed. Therefor the gearing of a gas engine needs to be way, not just 20%, shorter than for Diesel.

Having a 5.4 with relatively low power, these engines need the support of higher RPMs.
 
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