Looking at 08 F150 SC 4X4 5.4L. Which ratio is better for all around use? Commuting to work, some tools in bed, I tow 2 or 3 times a year enclosed trailer about 4500lbs. Which will do better for mpg but still perform decent. thanks guys.

 

MPG difference will be negligable. I would highly recommend the 3.73's. Helps out with towing, and allows you to go with a bigger tire down the road without regearing.

 

I have an 00 Expedition with 3.55 gears and an 07 F150 with 3.73 gears that I tow a 7000lb Toy Hauler with. The F150 with 3.73 is so much better it is unbelieveable. Better from a stop, better on hills etc. I get 17 MPG without towing with the Expedition and 8 while towing. So far with the F150, I have gotten 16 without towing and 10 with, but I still only have 3200 miles on it so it may improve.

 

3.73s.
Better acceleration.
These trucks are heavy, and the 3.73s help them get going with less effort(better mpgs in town).
And like renaud said, better towing, and ok to put bigger tires without worrying.

I think 3.73s should of came standard with 4.10 as a option on these heavy trucks.

 

i would rally like to have 4.10s

 

I got the 3.55's but since getting bigger tires I plan on a locker and 4.10's in the future. I will probably have my truck 6 years or more so I am not in a rush.

 

Since you're looking at a 4x4, I would go with the 3.73 You'll happier in the long run.

 

amen... I don't know why the hell ford fears the gear in all of their cars... mustangs with 2.73's and trucks with 3.31s... wtf are they thinking?? having to get an HD to get the 4.10s which severely limits the other options is ludicrous...

every other truck seems to have 4.xx gears available if not standard nowadays...

 

I've got 05' 5.4 screw with 3.55's. There not that bad. Perfect for city and towing boat. Here's what I found in my area. In the XLT model, I had two choices: 1) 3.55s with the nicer aluminum rims for the tires or 2) 3.73s with the crappy chrome-clad press on type rims.

I opted for the nicer rims. Besides, I drove both and noticed no difference in performance. IMO, it will take the 4.10s or 4.3s to make any significant difference in power/performance due to these heavy beasts.

 

The 3.73's and the 17's are going to get you the most towing and acceleration performance (besides the heavy duty).

I have the 3.55's and the 18's. Fine on the highway for towing (3rd only - would not go into OD), but had to work a bit from accelerating from a stop with a 2wd durango on the trailer.