Going to look at a 1995 F-250 w/ 7.3

[Bill_C]

The 4WD F250 as well as the F350 models all came with leaf springs in the 94 to 97 years.

 

[RobertN]

They are expensive axles.

Part of choosing gears depends a little on your tires. If yo go with bigger tires, you want to lower your gear ratio. Taller tires effectively raise your gear ratio(ie smaller number). If you stay stock, but say want to tow more often, then you may want a milder change.

If you do not have an overdrive gear, an intermediate gear ratio might be better. Better towing, but still not murder on your mileage.

3.73 would be a nice step from 3.55. You might also look at 3.91's. Here is one list of gears
Genuine Gear Ring and Pinion Sets

My '89 F250 had a 351, granny 4spd, and 3.55. It had 33x12.50 tires when I got it. I geared it to 4.11 and went with 35x12.50 tires. The taller tires effectively made those 4.11's in to 3.73's.

My first thought would be to check with junk yard to see if I could get front and rear complete axles, or even consider a doaner vehicle.

I'm thinking that 3:73's maybe a good compromise seeing how I have a 3 speed auto.

The 3:55's are just a little to high I think.

Joel

 

[RobertN]

Is it 4wd? All the Twin Ibeam IFS 4wd's that I have seen were leafs, in the F250/350 series. Have no idea on 2wd's.

I have a 1995 F250 XLT LWB Supercab with a 7.3 with twin I beam and coil springs. I did not even know that any F250s came with leaf springs in front.

 

[tallyho8]

Is it 4wd? All the Twin Ibeam IFS 4wd's that I have seen were leafs, in the F250/350 series. Have no idea on 2wd's.

No, I forgot to mention mine is 2wd with AOD.

 

[om21braz]

I've had 3 older F250's (92, 94, & presently a 97). The 1992 reg. cab 4wd had twin-traction beam as does the 1997 ex-cab 4wd - I think that is what it was referred to as. The 1994 (ex-cab 4wd) had a straight-axle up front and did so from the factory. I think it was shown on the build sheet as optional 1-ton front differential - maybe others can elaborate on that or correct me if I'm wrong. Good luck on finding a clean truck !

 

[RobertN]

The solid front axle was a heavy duty option. A front Dana-60 is definitely stouter than the Dana-50 Twin beam front axle. I busted the IFS axle shaft in my '80 F250 pretty easily.

The IFS rides better, but is not as strong, and has a terrible turning radius. It will also wear the springs worse. Leafs just don't like the radial motion. Seems I see the front alignment most in high mileage trucks.

Interestingly, my '80 F250 had about 140k miles, hard miles, when I sold it. Knew the guy who bought it new; I got it with about 120k on it. That truck never did sag. I busted the axle shaft, but the springs did not sag...

I've had 3 older F250's (92, 94, & presently a 97). The 1992 reg. cab 4wd had twin-traction beam as does the 1997 ex-cab 4wd - I think that is what it was referred to as. The 1994 (ex-cab 4wd) had a straight-axle up front and did so from the factory. I think it was shown on the build sheet as optional 1-ton front differential - maybe others can elaborate on that or correct me if I'm wrong. Good luck on finding a clean truck !