I am about to buy a new F-150 4X4 with either the 5.0L V-8 or the 3.5L Ecoboost V-6. Just estimating, I would say that I pull a trailer 10% of the time. Towing includes a midsized boat, midsize RV, utility trailer with a couple of 4'wheelers, small bumper hitch horse trailer, etc. What do you recommend I get for rear axle ratio? THANKS

 

Do you ever plan to go to larger diameter tires at some point?

Myself, I prefer steeper gears to put the most power to the ground so I would go with 3.73s which are the steepest gears offered. Especially with the 5.0l. The extra low end power of the ecoboost helps it to pull a shallower 3.31 or 3.55 easier.

 

I would recommend 3.55LS. I currently have this rear end gear with an Ecoboost. I love this truck and the miles per gallon vs towing ability. I tow a 4k pound bass boat often and the truck pulls wonderful. My tow rating with these gear and tow package is 9800 pounds which is well above what most people pull.

 

You didn't tell us how much weight you plan to pull at any given time. The Ecoboost is very "diesel" like and as mentioned, gets you a ton of power down low. An ecoboost with 3.55's gets you 9800 lbs of towing. A 5.0L with 3.73's gets you 9800 lbs. But, the difference in MPG's may surprise you.

The ecoboost with 3.73's gets you a full 11,200 lbs of towing capacity with max tow, 157" wheelbase and the 4x4 package. This capability cannot be had with a 5.0L engine even though it was available on the older 5.4's.

 

Doesn't make sense to me either. The 5.0l has more than enough power to tow that amount especially with the 3.73 gears and newer 6 speed auto IMO. My guess is Ford justs wants to sell more EBs than 5.0ls.

 

If you order the FX4 the 4.10 ratio is now a option with either the 3.5 or the 5.0 I beleave. They offer it on the ford build site. That would be the ratio for me with either engine. The only other 4.10 ratio 150 is the raptor with the 6.2.

 

Nope the 2012 FX4 with 4.10 gears is still only an option on the Ecoboost and n/a on the 5.0.

 

Hey guys. Bumping this up again. If my top speed will only be about 50-60mph. What gear ratio would you recommend?

 

If you don't pull a trailer very often and wanna get the best fuel economy I would get 3.55's vs 3.73's. I have 3.73s in my EB and I luv the power but the economy would be better with the other gears. Almost every other tank of fuel I am dragging a trailer somewhere so I wanted the extra umph

 

[QUOTE=TOOLOUD1;11476024]If you don't pull a trailer very often and wanna get the best fuel economy I would get 3.55's vs 3.73's. I have 3.73s in my EB and I luv the power but the economy would be better with the other gears. Almost every other tank of fuel I am dragging a trailer somewhere so Wanted the extra umph while running around.

 

........Dddddddd

 

If you drive in an area that has a lot of hills, the 3.73 might work out better for you. In flat terrain I would think a 3.55 would be just fine.

 

thanks guys