Decided on a 2013 Eco and leaning towards the 3.73 with max tow as I tow a horse trailer that weighs about 6700 lbs. I pulled it fine with my 5.4 with 3.73 gears. Any reason to go with the 3.55 rear end instead? I don't think the fuel mileage would be much different and I would like to have the extra towing capcity when I need it. Any opinions?

 

There was just recently a thread on 3.55 vs. 3.73 gears, maybe this will help:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-deciding.html

 

I've got the Eco with 3.73s and am completely happy with that set-up. Mileage averages 17 winter and 19 summer when not towing. You don't need the max tow to handle the weights you plan on towing, but it's nice to ave the reserve. I usually tow close to 10k with mine and it handles that just fine. From what I'm told, my 8-10 mpg towing that weight is similar to what I'd get with a diesel Super-Duty.

 

I have 3.73's with max tow, mileage solo is around the 15's, towing mileage is 8-9.5 mpg towing. 3.55's will more than tow the 7,000 lb. range. It may depend if a larger horse trailer is in the future, go max tow, but it could go into Super Duty territory if the weight was to go too high.

 

I tow a similar trailer with 3.15's and can't tell it's back there. Plus, I get 24 mpg in the summer and 22 in the winter on the highway when not towing. The truck is great.

 

I have 3.55 I've towed a little over 6 with it without a prob and with no load on it in nm where all the roads are flat n straight I'm gettin 24-27 on the highway.. Buddy of mine has a same truck, 3.73 and is gettin 18-20