The 3.55 Axle OPtion

[DJGold]

Very important to have 3.55 gears if you plan on putting on bigger diameter wheels (20's) (like I did).

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[Bay1Stang]

Went for a joyride today since the roads are FINALLY clearing up. Soooo much fun. I've never had so much power available to me before so I'm always feeling the acceleration. Any time I'm passing I don't even get that high in the rev range and I'm already speeding. Best part is the engine noise is so satisfying I never even think about putting the stereo on.

Btw, can you explain to a noob like me why the ratio is important relative to wheel size?

 

[BmacIL]

Went for a joyride today since the roads are FINALLY clearing up. Soooo much fun. I've never had so much power available to me before so I'm always feeling the acceleration. Any time I'm passing I don't even get that high in the rev range and I'm already speeding. Best part is the engine noise is so satisfying I never even think about putting the stereo on.

Btw, can you explain to a noob like me why the ratio is important relative to wheel size?

Generally larger wheels are heavier and have more rotational inertia. Rotating mass affects performance more than the equivalent static weight by a magnitude of a few (2-4) times.

 

[DJGold]

For some unknown reason, increasing wheel diameter will actually lower final drive ratio numbers. I'm guessing my 3.55 actually acts like a 3.31. So 3.15 would feel like ???

 

[BmacIL]

For some unknown reason, increasing wheel diameter will actually lower final drive ratio numbers. I'm guessing my 3.55 actually acts like a 3.31. So 3.15 would feel like ???

That would only happen if you went to a larger tire diameter.

 

[DJGold]

Generally larger wheels are heavier and have more rotational inertia. Rotating mass affects performance more than the equivalent static weight by a magnitude of a few (2-4) times.

I know but I still agree with this ^^^^^

 

[Jamo]

Something occured to me while this was keeping me awake last night. In order to get the $395, 3.55 option on the V6, you have to buy the $995, 051A package, which is mostly the wheels (okay, the power seat and the fog lights, too. But mostly the wheels.

But the wheels aren't that great. A lot of people could spend $1400 on 19" better wheels and be very happy. Maybe yu expect to. I did.

If that's the case, then you're paying $1,400 for the axle that doesn't cost Ford anything extra at all, (because they're just keeping the 3.13). I'm not sure it's a good idea after all.

How about just a base V6 MSRP $24K? (I searched. There's a Guard one somewhere around me, if anyone likes Guard.)

 

[Bay1Stang]

The base is nice because of the price. The 3.55 gears will be for sale so you can get them installed after the fact. The 051a package also comes with better stock tires I'm pretty sure, but if you're buying base and getting a new set that doesn't matter.

 

[Bay1Stang]

http://www.americanmuscle.com/frpp-355-gears-2015.html

That's the part. So it's $180. Getting it from factory and installed is $400. Unless you get the install for $220 or cheaper it's more expensive to do it after the fact.

 

[Jamo]

http://www.americanmuscle.com/frpp-355-gears-2015.html

That's the part. So it's $180. Getting it from factory and installed is $400. Unless you get the install for $220 or cheaper it's more expensive to do it after the fact.

I think there's more to it than that. And more cost. And more danger if it isn't done exactly right.

 

[BmacIL]

I think there's more to it than that. And more cost. And more danger if it isn't done exactly right.

Only certain shops are certified to do it, AFAIK, and from what I remember, installs were typically in the $400 range. And Bay1Stang is right that the tires on the 051A wheels are definitely better, genuinely good high-performance all-seasons.

If you don't like your 051A wheels, I'll take them off your hands for my winter set

 

[DJGold]

Something occured to me while this was keeping me awake last night. In order to get the $395, 3.55 option on the V6, you have to buy the $995, 051A package

Since when? I have a base V6 (without 051A) and I have the 3.55 diff. option...

 

[Jamo]

Since when? I have a base V6 (without 051A) and I have the 3.55 diff. option...

Maybe in Canada. Not around here. How do you like it? Any ragrats about not getting an EgoBoost?

 

[DJGold]

I'm very happy with it. I never tried the ecoboost but I know I would miss the sound of the V6. Exhaust note counts for a lot in your mind when you're driving. It makes you feel powerful. I did try a GT recently and if I lived in the states, I would have gotten that (it's nearly $13000 more here between V6 and V8). I wanted a DD so a GT might have been overkill.

 

[dgc333]

Very important to have 3.55 gears if you plan on putting on bigger diameter wheels (20's) (like I did).

For some unknown reason, increasing wheel diameter will actually lower final drive ratio numbers. I'm guessing my 3.55 actually acts like a 3.31. So 3.15 would feel like ???

Wheel diameter has no impact on final drive ratio. It is the outside diameter of the tire that will impact your final drive ratio.

For instance the stock 235/50-18 tires are 27.3" in diameter. The optional 265/30-20 tires are also 27.3"in diameter. Ford sizes tires to go with the optional wheel sizes specifically not to impact the speedo and final drive.

The 265/75-15 tires on my pickup are 31" in diameter. Even with 3.91 gears the engine is loafing at 1700 rpm on the hiway.

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