4x4 gear ratio opinions

[ironhead65]

Hello men, looking for opinions. Building 65 body on 77 4x4 frame 289,4spd,9" rear,dana 44 front. my question is.. What is a good all around gear ratio for this set up? I'm not looking for economy as this is not my every day driver. I'm looking more for low end torque but still be able to run 65-70 on the hwy and not wind the motor up to bad. Any ideas? Thanks in advance

[slick4x4]

tire size ? makes a difference...

4.10 is a good ratio for a standard trans & stock size wheels

[ironhead65]

Stock rims and no bigger than 31/10.50/ 15

[qwertyd10n]

I've got 3.50s in my axles and am running 33x12.5x15 tires. I believe the 3.50s put me at about 2300rpm at 60mph... which is pretty decent. I've got a lot more torque in my engine than you'll ever get out of that 289 though, so maybe a lower (higher numerical) ratio would be better for your scenario. If you need stump pulling power, remember the super low 1st gear on the NP435... and combine that with the 4L range on the transfer case and you could probably move a house.

Cheers,
Dion

[ICEMAN6166]

we have 3 4x4s
65f350 bored out 390, np435 4.10s and tire chains all the way around. tires 8.75 x 16.5
66f250 292, t98, 4.56s 8.75 x 16.5 tires
66 f100 300 6 w clifford intake/headers, np435, single speed t case, 3.50s, 30 x 10.00 x 15 tires

top speed i go on the road w the tire chains 15 mph, your bouncing pretty good

the other 2 are unlimited other than by safety and road conditions
the f100 will break loose in the rear much sooner than the f250,if you hook up to a big tree to pull thru snow in 4x4 it will do the job but dance and jump like a sled dog waiting to be let go.