3.55 Elect VS 3.31 Non-Limited Slip

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

#46

02-07-2016, 03:23 PM

Tom

Super Moderator

Join Date: Aug 2003

Location: Isanti, MN

Posts: 25,428

Likes: 497

Received 672 Likes on 441 Posts

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary Lewis

That unconfuses me - on that issue. So, to the brake controller. From your last post can we say:

Factory brake controller, if turned on via IDS , has sway control?

I'm 99.9% certain that there is no difference between the two. Can't find anything specific about it when sold as an accessory, but sway control has been part of AdvanceTrac and all integrated controllers for years. I installed the IBC in my dad's 2010 F150, and it was identical in every way to the one that came with my '13 Max Tow-equipped truck.

From a Ford press release regarding the 2016 Pro Backup Assist:

Quote:

Segment-first trailer sway control, 2009: The first trailer sway control for the 2009 Ford F-150, the Ford system senses differences in movement between truck and trailer, using the wheel brakes in both vehicles to counteract sway

https://media.ford.com/content/fordm...akes-back.html

This is from the '09 F150 brochure:

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2009 F150 brochure

NEW TRAILER SWAY CONTROL is advanced technology that’s standard on all ’09 F-150s. A yaw motion
sensor in the AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability ControlTM) system can detect trailer sway through the
motions of the truck. AdvanceTrac can then automatically take countermeasures, such as selective wheel
braking and reducing engine torque, to help maintain control of both the truck and trailer.

Reply Like

#47

02-07-2016, 03:28 PM

Gary Lewis

Posting Legend

Join Date: Jul 2010

Location: Northeast, OK

Posts: 32,866

Likes: 0

Received 26 Likes on 24 Posts

Ok, with that being said I agree that the Trailer Tow Package (53A) should be adequate for what the OP is doing - assuming the Ford brake controller is added and turned on in the system. To me the sway control feature might be a life-saver and I'd want it if I were going to tow.

Reply Like

#48

02-08-2016, 05:06 AM

tseekins

Super Moderator

Join Date: Jan 2008

Location: Maine, Virginia

Posts: 38,162

Likes: 1,488

Received 1,222 Likes on 804 Posts

Quote:

Originally Posted by noserider

What are the advantages and disadvantages between these features. This will be my first 4x4. I understand the 3.55 gear will be better for towing (torque) and get less gas mileage but am I able to lock the rear axles with a push button on the electronic? Would this also be what you would want if you were stuck in the mud? I don't think I will tow more than 10k so I'm trying to understand if I should order the mid trailer tow package ($895 MSRP) instead of the Max tow ($1195 MSRP) and keep the standard 3.31 with the 3.5 Ecoboost. Same questions about selecting a payload package.

3.55 Electronic Locking Axle Ratio
3.31 Non-Limited Slip Axle Ratio

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom

You're confused because you're assuming that whole list of features are exclusive to the Max Tow package. Here's what the regular towing package includes for 2016 as per the order guide:

I'd agree with that. My E-locker is nothing but a $470 toy for me, I'd have never ordered this option. You only engage it when you're in a difficult circumstance, and it will automatically disengage over 20 MPH. Not saying I don't like it, but I don't think I'll really need it.

My point was that the OP stated in his post that he will not be approaching the limits of his truck. Your post and the one after seemed to recommend the max tow option as if he said that he was.

He stated that he didn't think he would tow more than 10K. In my mind that could mean "up to" 10K to which my recommendation would be a numerically taller gear.

You know that I was one of the first guys here to get the EB with 3.31 axles and I've been amazed with the performance and the fuel economy. My truck has a 9200 pound tow rating. I've towed 8K in an enclosed trailer as I was helping a friend move some heavy stuff and felt like if I were to do this regularly, the 3.31's would feel insufficient.

Reply Like

#49

02-08-2016, 10:19 AM

noserider

Freshman User

Thread Starter

Join Date: Sep 2015

Posts: 49

Likes: 0

Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm leaning toward the 3.55 gear ratio. I believe from the comments that the 3.31 would be ok for sure but just feel the taller gear would give me peace of mind when I really need it and not give up enough economy to make a big difference. Also, along with the 3.55 eco it might be a more popular combo to have for resale later.

Reply Like

#50

02-08-2016, 04:18 PM

seventyseven250

Lead Driver

Join Date: Jun 2005

Location: Calgary Canada

Posts: 8,068

Likes: 31

Received 441 Likes on 323 Posts

We may be going off on a tangent with this, but it's something worth clarifying if we can. This is my assumption, but I would welcome anyone who can confirm or correct:

- The Ford factory installed Trailer Brake Controller includes trailer sway control
- The Ford Trailer brake controller installed afterwards by your dealership will have trailer sway control
- An aftermarket brand of trailer brake control (like a prodigy etc) will not be able to use the trailer brakes as part of the sway control, the TRUCK brakes will still have stability control.

Am I right about that? If so, I can see some major value to the Ford brake controller.

Reply Like

#51

02-08-2016, 04:27 PM

Gary Lewis

Posting Legend

Join Date: Jul 2010

Location: Northeast, OK

Posts: 32,866

Likes: 0

Received 26 Likes on 24 Posts

Quote:

Originally Posted by seventyseven250

That's the way I understood what was said previously, but I think it is good to clarify. I'd want to know that if I were buying and intending to tow as I agree with the "major value" statement.

Reply Like

#52

02-08-2016, 04:33 PM

JKBrad

Moderator

Join Date: May 2005

Location: San Antonio, TX

Posts: 7,402

Likes: 359

Received 804 Likes on 589 Posts

Even if it's $50-100 more factory equipped, it would be worth it to me. Time is money. You don't have to order, install then make a trip to the dealer and wait for them to program it.

Reply Like

#53

02-08-2016, 04:36 PM

Tom

Super Moderator

Join Date: Aug 2003

Location: Isanti, MN

Posts: 25,428

Likes: 497

Received 672 Likes on 441 Posts

I'm just cheap I guess. I'm looking forward to taking the dash apart to put one in. Just waiting to get the excuse to do so.

Reply Like

#54

02-08-2016, 04:45 PM

tseekins

Super Moderator

Join Date: Jan 2008

Location: Maine, Virginia

Posts: 38,162

Likes: 1,488

Received 1,222 Likes on 804 Posts

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom

I'm just cheap I guess. I'm looking forward to taking the dash apart to put one in. Just waiting to get the excuse to do so.

You're a brave man Tom! I'm of the opinion that even the dealer's techs don't want to take a dash apart.

Reply Like

#55

02-08-2016, 05:33 PM

Tom

Super Moderator

Join Date: Aug 2003

Location: Isanti, MN

Posts: 25,428

Likes: 497

Received 672 Likes on 441 Posts

Quote:

Originally Posted by tseekins

You're a brave man Tom! I'm of the opinion that even the dealer's techs don't want to take a dash apart.

There's not much to it, this is nothing like a heater core. There are Youtube videos on how to do it, looks like a 15-minute affair.

Reply Like

#56

02-09-2016, 04:49 AM

tseekins

Super Moderator

Join Date: Jan 2008

Location: Maine, Virginia

Posts: 38,162

Likes: 1,488

Received 1,222 Likes on 804 Posts

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom

There's not much to it, this is nothing like a heater core. There are Youtube videos on how to do it, looks like a 15-minute affair.

Could be my friend but the blend door actuator job on my truck was about $895. Thanking God that my dealer looked out for me and only charged me $50 as if I had an ESP.

Reply Like

#57

02-09-2016, 07:07 AM

Tom

Super Moderator

Join Date: Aug 2003

Location: Isanti, MN

Posts: 25,428

Likes: 497

Received 672 Likes on 441 Posts

It's this easy:

Mine doesn't have the center console, so there's even less involved.

Reply Like

#58

06-13-2019, 12:56 PM

boo7998

New User

Join Date: Oct 2013

Posts: 1

Likes: 0

Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

???’s about your truck

When you hen you look at your dash, do you just have the E-locker or do you have the trailer brake as well. I’m having a hard time finding a truck with what I’d like. Does the truck (with Elocker) need to have the trailer brake to have the Tow Package, or no

thanks for the help

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlueGuy

Ours is the 3.31 with the e-locker, and we have the larger differential. We do not have max-tow, as we only tow maybe 5-10 % of the time and none of our trailers are over ~~ 9,000 lb. We've had no issues.

We need the e-locker, and I've used it many times when we get into "gooky" situations. In fact, our baby is looking a bit like a mudder at the moment...

Reply Like

#59

06-14-2019, 08:31 AM

ghunt

Postmaster

Join Date: Oct 2005

Location: Clarksburg WV

Posts: 3,724

Likes: 0

Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

You coulda just posted a new thread for this instead of digging up a 3 year old one...

Depends on which tow package you're talking about. Trailer brake controller is available as a separate option. My truck has the trailer towing package which included the pro trailer backup assist, but did not include the trailer brake controller- it was a separate option on the window sticker.

Reply Like

#60

06-14-2019, 11:34 AM

JKBrad

Moderator

Join Date: May 2005

Location: San Antonio, TX

Posts: 7,402

Likes: 359

Received 804 Likes on 589 Posts

Old thread resurrections are common when Google leads a new user here. There’s a lot of good info here though, so I’ll leave it.

Welcome to the forum boo7998. What year truck are you looking at? Since this is an older thread, some things have changed.

You may want to consider posting a new thread if you need help finding a specific truck’s specifications or need help sorting out option packages if ordering new.

Reply Like