Can't get 3.73 axle on 2010 PSD F350 SRW????

kabcpapc · #1 (**permalink**) 10-25-2009, 07:15 PM

I went to the Ford website to build and price a 2010 F350 PSD Crewcab 4x4 SRW and I couldn't get a 3.73 axle ratio. Instead a 3.55 axle was put in. Is this correct? It looks like you can only get the 3.73 or 4.10 is if you get the DRW. Bummer!

senix · #2 (**permalink**) 10-25-2009, 08:31 PM

I think that is the only option now. You can always get aftermarket or look for a 09 in your area at a dealer.

powerstroke72 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-25-2009, 09:22 PM

Yeah, the 3.31 and 3.55 are the only gearsets available with the PSD in the SRW trucks now. To get anything steeper in the SRW, you have to go with a gas engine. Otherwise, the steeper gears are only available in a dually if you want the PSD.

ssharber · #4 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 02:14 AM

Ford claims that the new gearing of the six speed automatic makes up for the taller gear. Personally, I dont believe the transmission is going to be able to take the place of the gears and will just wear out faster. Time will tell.

Carl Lassiter · #5 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powerstroke72

Yeah, the 3.31 and 3.55 are the only gearsets available with the PSD in the SRW trucks now. To get anything steeper in the SRW, you have to go with a gas engine. Otherwise, the steeper gears are only available in a dually if you want the PSD.

3.31- that is ridiculous. Maybe okay for a "cruiser" but these trucks are meant for work. 3.55s is passable but would've though the WHOLE POINT of Ford finally getting a 6-speed was to allow 3.73s and 4.10s to achieve decent hwy mileage.

all of us already with a 3.73 diesel rig in our garages should be smiling about now.

powerstroke72 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 02:36 PM

While I'm pretty confident the gearsets will be the same on the 2011s from the preliminary info I've seen, the 2010 trucks are 6.4s with the 5 speed Torqshift. MY 2011 will likely start in the spring with the 6.7 and the new 6 speed Torqshift.

And, I agree with you Carl. 3.31 is too high a ratio for a truck that tows or hauls on a regular basis. I'm still happy with my 3.73 and 6.0.

senix · #7 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 02:42 PM

I think the 3.31 is a mistake. those higher gears are the cause of lower towing capacities. look at chevy/gm. i think they are always using a taller gear. Of course they have other issues as well.

powerstroke72 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 02:49 PM

What's strange is that according to the 2010 towing guide, the F-250/350 SRW with the 3.31 and 3.55 have the same fifth wheel rating (15,300) which is 100 pounds higher than the dually with 3.73s.

https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/...10_default.asp

senix · #9 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 03:20 PM

they pretty much lock you into f 350/450 for the better gears or I guess you can re-gear it.

powerstroke72 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 03:30 PM

My thoughts exactly. The one thing that sticks out in my mind though, is that Ford is saying that there's going to be a double digit percentage improvement in fuel mileage with the 6.7 over the 6.4. If they have that good a handle on the fuel consumption, why wouldn't they go ahead and offer the 3.73 again in the SRW trucks? Seems only logical since one of the reasons for the move to the 3.55s was to improve the fuel mileage. The thing that sucks though is that you can get 4.10s on a Dodge SRW truck with the Cummins and the automatic.

RoadJunkie · #11 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 05:33 PM

I was able to get one of the last (apparently) 3.73s on my '09 F250 but it was clear that most of the vehicles left on the lot were 3.55s. I agree that marketing for the '11 models will be heavily based on fuel improvements but it won't be an apple/apple comparison. The '11s will be lighter (600 lbs?) and a 6 speed transmission with wimpy final drive ratio? I wonder if they will build a few units that will get better mileage but whittled down in terms of performance to meet the cry for better fuel economy. I hope not.

ruschejj · #12 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 06:05 PM

IMO the load ratings (5th wheel towing) are just purely based on maxing out at 26K GCW. Subtract the curb weight of the truck from 26K and you get the "tow rating". I don't think they pay any attention to gearing in the rear end when it comes to the ratings, even though it really changes the daily experience for us.

One thing to consider, what's the wheel/tire size on the new ones? (2011) Ford might pull the Chevy trick of using small wheels to improve the final drive ratio, thus, changing the "seat of the pants" feel of a truck.

powerstroke72 · #13 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 06:27 PM

The 2011s are showing 275/70-18 and 275/65-20 for the available tire sizes on the SRW Lariat. Same as current.

ssharber · #14 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 08:06 PM

For what it's worth I'm completely happy with my 3.73 and am extremely glad I got one of the 6.4's before Ford started making engines. They have no experience in diesel engines vs. International and Im glad I snagged the model I did. And you're right John about Ford should have offered the six speed WITH the 3.73 instead of letting the six speed handle more pulling than it will be able to with 3.55's or even 3.31's. I think there will be alot of tranny problems with the 11's.

powerstroke72 · #15 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 08:21 PM

I agree. I'm concerned more with the transmissions than I am the engines actually. Ford has quite a bit of experience in Europe with their own diesel designs so I'm hoping for good things. I just hope that they don't think that an increase in power is going to offset the gear change.

I'm looking at 6.4s now and trying to get the boss' approval to go for it. Not sure what I'll do yet but if I end up waiting, I'll likely wait until the 6.7 has been out for at least 1-2 years before I pull the trigger on one.