Help Me Decide!!

fpoitra · #1 (**permalink**) 01-11-2009, 09:36 PM

I need help! I am going to bite the bullet and get an 09 F-150 but can't decide between two that I narrowed down at a local dealership. They are identical XLT's with all same accessories, one silver the other blue flame. Here is the the only difference: Silver has 3.31 non limited slip axle and the blue flame has 3.55 limited slip option. I tow a 1,500 pound trailer with ATV once in a blue moon. Will I get better mileage with the 3.31's, but will it search for power alot? I live in ND, so would the 3.55 limited slip be an advantage in the snow/ice? The salesman said that the non limited slip should be ok with the advanced track that the truck has. I'm not sure if he is correct. That is why I need all or your expertise. Thanks and much appreciated!

fpoitra · #2 (**permalink**) 01-11-2009, 10:05 PM

One thing to point out: Do the limited slip axles work on Fords as inteded? I keep reading posts where people are complaining about the LS. My 07 F250 don't work that great either. Believe me, I tried them out on many occasions. Or am I just trying to convince myself to get the 3.31's?

crabhab · #3 (**permalink**) 01-11-2009, 10:25 PM

Ford LS clutch disks wear out fast. I would also assume that both trucks are 4wd? In ND I would hope so. I have had two late model 2wd trucks and took a real beating on trade in last may to get a 4wd. Not going back to 2wd anytime soon, and I am in MD's eastern shore which gets almost no snow. I like to drive on the beach though.

fordtruckman · #4 (**permalink**) 01-11-2009, 10:34 PM

Well how often do you tow? I truly think you will be fine with the 3.31 and will end up getting better gas mileage in the long run.

fpoitra · #5 (**permalink**) 01-11-2009, 10:58 PM

In a year, I tow maybe 5 times max at 1500 lbs. It is the traction that I am most concerned about. Will the non-limited slip 3.31's suck in the snow and ice, which I drive on 6 months out of the year? Or will the advance trac kick in and get me going without having to put in 4WD everytime I get in some snow or icy situations? Is the advance track like traction control?

fpoitra · #6 (**permalink**) 01-11-2009, 11:04 PM

1 more important tid bit: I commute about 40 miles per day. Will the 3.31 save me MPG?

96sherm · #7 (**permalink**) 01-12-2009, 06:23 AM

keep in mind that a higher gear rear end will give you worse mpg in city driving conditions. 3.55 is a great gear. it's not that bad for mpg, you can still tow something with it, and it shouldn't "gear hunt" in highway conditions as much...

tseekins · #8 (**permalink**) 01-12-2009, 06:46 AM

If your gonna get one of these two trucks, I would opt for the 3.55 LS truck. As stated before, great overall gear. I currently own a LS truck and it still works fine after 21 years. I've also owned reg axle trucks and engaged the front axle when I needed more traction.

Tim

Ryan50hrl · #9 (**permalink**) 01-12-2009, 08:18 AM

Get the limited slip....granted it doesn't work as well as i'd like it to (read be a full locker) but its for sure better than an open diff in the snow.....you'll wish you had gotten the ls if you don't....

fpoitra · #10 (**permalink**) 01-12-2009, 08:36 AM

With the 3.31's, won't the advance track help alot though?