You read correctly: a V10 with the 3.73 DOES NOT effectively pull a 9,500 lb RV travel trailer.

I lent my brother my '12 E-350 Ext Van to tow his TT to Florida. He called me last night in Ohio and said that the van just wasn't able to accelerate or pass vehicles safely -- even on a flat highway. It was straining too hard to maintain 60 mph.

"Everybody" says "just switch out the rear diff to a 4.30!" But that's proving harder than I thought.

One Ford Dealer couldn't even give me a written estimate. They seemed absolutely flummoxed by the request. Another said they would give me one.

My question: I live in suburban Chicago, can anyone recommend a shop, or dealer, or shade-tree mechanic who can do this change over?

I've been told the whole axle assembly needs to be replaced (not just the internal gears); as well as some tranny parts and the computer needs recalibrating.

Has anyone done this? What am I looking at? $2k? $5k??

Any advice would be much appreciated. I need to fix this truck before mid-July when I'm supposed to borrow my brother's RV and tow it to Yellowstone.

Many thanks.

 

Forgot to mention -- that I drove out to Ohio last night with a 2006 E-350 V10 with a 4.10 rear and swapped trucks with my brother. The difference (says he) was immediate and profound. The '06 got off the line with little effort and accelerated smartly at highway speeds.

I want a 4.30 or maybe the 4.56 to ensure my '12 can climb PIkes Peak if necessary!

 

Almost daily in the V10 forums conversation regarding the optimal rear end drive ratio appears---I'd read a bit there and perhaps ask about a good shop in your area?

The ring & pinion gear set is readily available from any number of good suppliers----this is also a reasonably common swap for good drive line shops.

Best of luck----let us know how you fare in this hunt!

 

Guys, I've searched the forums (all the forums) for about an hour, and I haven't found any recommended shops in/near Chicago to do this diff swap for me. Anyone got any recommendations? Bueller? Bueller??

 

I used to have a 2002 extended E-350. It had a V10 and a 3.73 axle. I towed a 9,100 pound travel trailer all over the eastern US and didn't feel underpowered. I think something may be wrong with yours.

If you want to get it checked, or change the axle, I know a shop in Joliet that I can recommend. Sorry, that is the closest shop I know to Chicago.

AACCEL Emissions & Auto Repair Specialists, Inc.
3500 Mall Loop Dr
Joliet, IL 60431
(815)676-4419

 

Thanks, Mark. I'll give them a call!