3.55 vs 3.73
 

I'm looking at replacing my 07 with a 2010. It might be a F150 but I may end up going the Super Duty route. Just not sure yet. But in my online search, I've noticed most Lariats have 3.55's unless they have the max tow package. And the FX4's have the 3.73's.

I'm wondering if the 3.55's are enough with the 5.4 and 6 speed or if I should be searching a FX4 or Lariat with Max Tow?

I can't imagine how doggy my 07 would have been if it only had 3.55's because with 3.73's, it's still lacking a bit.

What would you guys look for?

if 4.10's are an option i would definitely do that. people might say thats too low and it will hurt your mileage. not so true if you do alot of stop and go, in town traffic. the extra grunt off the line will show it's difference at the pumps, and may outweigh the price jump to a superduty

I'm pretty sure 4.10's aren't an option any longer, even with the heavy duty payload package.

the difference between 3.55 and 3.73 is so miniscule you'd never notice unless you were a drag racer, or you wanted to change tire sizes. for a daily driven truck, either will treat you good

Daily driving you won't know the difference. You will notice the difference while towing however, but would need to do it side by side w/ trucks w/ the 6 spd trannies. The tow haul mode on the new trucks is nice and the 6 spd tranny works great in this mode.

I would go for the 3.73 gears. You have a better chance of being able to hold OD while towing. Plus overall performance will be better.

When I was at the lot looking for mine 4.10s were still an option then and that was 2 weeks ago. I just didn't want that because the odds of this seeing any towing at all is slim to none especially considering I don't own any bumper pulls so it would have to be a rental trailer either from Co-Op or Home Depot(which I doubt).

4.10 is only an option on the Raptor. The first gear in the new 6 speed is super low geared so you don't have to go with a low rear ratio. I have 3.73 and it is plenty low. I'd advise you to drive each and see which gear set will work for you. If you truly plan on towing a lot, 3.73 max tow package is more likely the route for you. You get more than just the 3.73 ratio with max tow as well.

isnt the new "tow/haul" mode just the overdrive off/on button with a new name?

From the SD perspective it is not that way. It extends shift points to hold gears longer and prevent less "hunting". I don't know if that translates into the F-150 or not.

Most definately not! The Tow/haul mode doesn't lock out your top gears. It gives the motor some extra RPM's before shifting, allowing the trans to hold the gear without bogging from low RPMs. Also, tow/haul downshifts a gear each time you tap the brakes for engine braking (works awesome). I have heared that under normal driving, 1st gear is not used because it is so low. I don't know if this is true (my trans shifts too smooth and quickly for me to notice, even with a tach) but first is definately used in tow haul. Really a pretty cool feature.

The tow haul button switches to a different shift strategy better suited for towing.