Looking at getting a F-350 DRW 6.7 diesel to be used to pull our 5th wheel with. Not a daily driver. Will be pulling a 16K 5er now, looking at a 21K in the future. Live in east TN so I am always pulling in the mountains. Is there any reason to go with the 4.10 axle?

 

Yes, the 4.10 is for the guys who tow heavy. The 3.55 will work, the 4.10 will get it done easier, it's just leverage to the ground. The 4.10's should get better towing mpg too.

 

General consensus seems to be that 3.55 is just right for the diesel. I would have to go through the build process to confirm this but I'm not sure the 4.10 is available for the diesel. I have the 3.55 on mine and it took some configuring to get it. I had to get the camper package which I was OK with since I wanted the sway bar anyhow.

 

IMO, If you want to climb the big hills at 55 MPH or over 75 MPH, get the 3.55.
If you want to climb the big hills around 65 MPH, get the 4.10.
See my other posts on this for more info.

 

For your proposed weight, get the 4.10's for all the reasons stated above... (Yes Jim, they are available on the DRW 350 6.7.)

 

My vote is for the 4.10's as well if your planning to upgrade to a 21k 5th and running in the mountains

 

If you are in East Tenn, I would go 4.10.

 

Or maybe go with the F450 since it's "only 4.30" option is about the only negative I can find (if you really want the 3.55 -- which in this case I don't believe you do). Since your application is best suited for the 4.10 (or lower than the 3.55 anyway) -- if it were me I'd consider the F450. The F450's larger brakes and tighter turning radius may be of interest, and IMHO looks the coolest.

Edited and corrected (thanks Rodney).

 

4.10 gears. My personal favorite is the 3.73. No longer around so go 4.10.


You don't need to haul 21K at 75 mph anyway.

 

You mean only 4.30 Robert? No 4.10's on the 450...

 

Oh darn it. Brain fog. I'll change my post to be accurate. Thanks for calling this out.

 

True but a 450 with there 1" taller tires works out very close to the same gearing as a 350drw with 4.10

 

Thanks man. I still had this on my brain from that prior thread.

 

Same here on the 3.73 if they still offered those that is what would be in my yard right know.

 

I've got a work truck F450 w the 410s, it's awesome upto and incl the rural roads, but if you do a lot of super highway speeds, go with the 355. The 410 is a winding hi RIPS monster when up in the 70+mph range, also our mileage sucks on the 450 doing these speeds as well. We have discussed this on other threads as well, it's opinionated of course, but I believe it comes down to what you will be towing and at what speeds.

925ft/lb TQ will hoist even your 21K 5er up hills passing gassers like they're standing still, and remember, you can always lockout or drop a gear as well climbing (if your autoT/TowMode doesn't do this as you see fit).

Good luck