Gear Ratio Question With Change In Transfer Case and Rearend

[ford4x4fun]

OK, I can't remember the exact gear ratios involved, and I don't have the numbers with them to reference. But this is what I have, and if you all would let me know if it is possible and would work I would appreciate it.

I have a rear end out of a 71 F100, that I know is higher geared than the rear end that is in my 72 (Drive terrain) 4x4 F100. I am going to run an NP435 transmission, with a NP205 Transfer case. I want to know if it is possible to switch the gear ratio in the front diff to match the higher geared rear end.

The reason I am wanting to do this is the rear end out of the 2wd truck only has about 15000 original miles on it. While the current one in my truck likes to snap axles at about one every other year or so. Thanks in advance for the help.

[ford4x4fun]

Well I get confused when it comes to all of this type of stuff, I am a good shade tree mechanic, but all the technical terms start to jack with my mind. I just want the old girl to run good with little problems when I bring down to FL. I will be hauling my boat with her, and it is on the heavy side, so I will probably just have the rearend checked out. New transmission and transfer case are in FL, and I am not hauling them all the way to KY so it will all be put together at one time and at one place!

[fordman]

yes you can use any gear ratio you want. and i think you already know that you should have the front and rear match or be real close.

[ford4x4fun]

Yeah I would hate to see what piece it would be that gave way with to different gear ratios