I am getting ready to order a 250 Lariat, gas to hall a 5th wheel trailer. Can't decide between a 3.73 or 4.30 rear end. I know the 4.30 is probably preferred but I am wondering how much it would affect the mileage and is it a noticeable difference over a 3.73?

 

If you do a search on the subject in th 6.2L forum you will find the way to go is 4.30 for towing. It's what I plan to get when I upgrade in a year or two.

 

I will also be ordering one with the 4.30 in the coming months. From research I've done, most say the fuel mileage difference between the two is negligible at best. Most report slight improvement in city mpg with the 4.30 and slightly better hwy with the 3.73, again, not much either way. The 4.30 will be tamed slightly with a larger tire than stock.

I drove a crew cab 4wd 6.2 xlt with the 3.73 yesterday for the first time-4.30's are non existent on the lots here in the southeast. It had plenty of power and shifted very nicely in city and hwy driving, but I could sense that it would not be to my liking once the factory tires are replaced with something more size appropriate.

 

I have a 250 Lariat 6.2 gasser on order. I went with the 4.30 to pull 5th wheel. With the lower torque of the gas engine, I think that's the right choice.

 

I get the 3.55 in a diesel just good all around

 

4.30's for the 6.2, the only way to go IMO. You will get better towing mpgs towing with 4.30 vs 3.73. Don't second guess this, nothing worse than having the new truck wishing you had the gearing.(I've been there)

 

Anybody towing a fifth wheel usually won't buy a gas LMO LOL w
Won't have any power for the hills
If your going to tow with a gas engine get f150 ecoboost

 

x2.

 

the 6.2 with 4.30 is great. So far I'm seeing about 1.5 mpg better pulling my snowmobile trailer than I did with my 2010 with the 5.4L w/ 3.73. Power is smooth, and I haven't needed more.

Can't wait to hook my gooseneck horse trailer up. 7k unloaded, 13k loaded. Should make that pull quite a bit smoother.

 

Not sure you read all the posts before you reply nowhere does he say he's looking for a diesel vs gas opinion

 

So your saying an ecoboost will out tow a 6.2ltr with 4:30 gearing?

 

I put together a few tables with the different transmissions and rear-end choices. Anyone that wants to do the same can go to: GrimmJeeper.com and do likewise. The key to putting together the right package for yourself is knowing what kind of weights you're going to haul. Worrying about fuel mileage should be secondary to this.

TorqShift G with 4.30 and 275/65R/18 Tires



TorgShift G with 3.73 and 275/65R/18 Tires



TorgShift with with 3.73 and 275/65R/18 Tires

 

I have picked up a 1.5 mpg avg over my last 6.2 with 3.73's too. Mpg in these trucks varies with tire size and the type of driving you do. For me, the 4.30 is superior.

I agree with that for sure. Since the 2011 6.2, most, if not all of the nay-sayers have/had 3.73 gears that complained about power, towing and the rpms it turned pulling grades with a load. Most of my previous powerstrokes had 3.73 and it was a good combo, the 6.2 responds better with the 4.30.
I would add that your chart uses the 275/65/18, a pretty small tire (32.1"). I feel a lot of guys go up in size from there, making the 4.30 an even better choice.

 

True, but that is the stock size that comes on my order. Folks can follow the link and enter their own specs to figure out how different tire sizes, gear ratios, rear-ends, etc., will change things.

 

I am waiting for my truck to be delivered. Got the 4.30 as a lot of you suggested! Thanks for all of your input!