Recomendation 3:73 VS 4:30

[jhawkins]

Trading in my 06 6.0 pretty soon for the 2012 SD 6.2. Really like what I have been reading in this forum about the 6.2 SD. My primary towing is a 5000 lb. tractor, 500 lbs. in extras and trailer weight of 2300 lbs. My towing is generally in flat land to some foothills. Neither of the two dealerships have the 4:30 in stock. I understand the differences in the two rear ends, just want an idea of what would be the better choice for my circumstances. This truck is not my daily driver. The chance that I would ever be pulling over 10,000 lbs. is remote. Both trucks I have seen so far have 18" wheels. Thanks guys for any advice you can give me.

[eberlestock]

Your 6.2 will feel slow with the 3.73 gears. Get the 4.30.

[F350Centurion]

How about a compromise with a 4.11? I believe that is an option.
Otherwise, if you're towing 5K+ with that 6.2, 4.30 is a must in my book.

[Big_Daddy_O]

If it were me I would go with the 4:30 I have the 3:73 and from what I am seeing the guys with the 4:30 are getting better gas mileage than me. Or if you want order the 4:30 and you could trade me for my 3:73.

[My Skilz]

I think its going to come down to how often are you going to tow. I have the 3.73 gears and i plow with a 10 ft plow with a spreader all winter no problems ,, i tow my 33' travel trailer thats 7600lbs.in the truck 2 adults 4 kids 2 100lb labs in the bed ,, and im doing 65-70 mph with no problems 5-6 times a summer ..

[jhawkins]

Thanks for the input. Most of the time, if I am using the truck it will be for towing the tractor and attachments. I am thinking about geting a plain Jane work truck or just a XLT trim since I already have a daily driver and the wife has an 08 Tahoe. Seems like the choice is for the 4:30 rear end which means the dealer will have to searh for, or order. Anything else I should think of as a must have optio?

[Dave HM]

Since you are a flat lander and that is all the weight you are towing my "guess" would be that the 3.73 would be the choice.

I just completed a test pull with the 11500 fifth wheel with the 4.30. Windy day. Down wind pulled in 6th effortlessly. Up wind it spend quite some time in 5th.

I got the feeling I am gonna sit back and relax when I hit the smokies this winter on my way to SC.

[Big_Daddy_O]

Originally Posted by jhawkins

Thanks for the input. Most of the time, if I am using the truck it will be for towing the tractor and attachments. I am thinking about geting a plain Jane work truck or just a XLT trim since I already have a daily driver and the wife has an 08 Tahoe. Seems like the choice is for the 4:30 rear end which means the dealer will have to searh for, or order. Anything else I should think of as a must have optio?

Maybe the camper package I believe adds the extra leaf in the rear and sway bar. I know they sag some with any type of load, I added the 4" blocks in mine to get it back up from sagging and I am thinking about air bags next.

[Krewat]

Towing regularly, get the lower gears - it will put less strain on the rest of the drivetrain.

[Beechkid]

To give you a "feel" of what the difference would be, for each .25 gear change, the rpms will change by 300

[Big_Daddy_O]

I assume that the torque would be more for the 4.30's correct if so how much?

[Snowbirds11b]

Sorry try to copy and paste rpm vs axles 3.73 & 4.30 , all mix up

[biz4two]

Agree with going 4.30 elec locking diff. Plus...if the dealer is searching...Camper package, package with backup camera.

Good luck...


biz

[Sargemo105]

My only regret is ordering my truck with the 3.73, do yourself a favor and get the 4.30 and you'll have zero regrets.

[kittyhawk]

I am hoping the mileage on a 2x4 CC with either the 3.73 or 4.30 will be over 16 in town and a bit higher on the hwy.