Max tow package vs regular tow package??
As listed earlier in this thread, the ONLY upgraded radiator comes the MAX tow package and i don't think the MAX tow option was ever available with the 5.0L engine.
For what you are pulling, i doubt very much that you would need an upgrade. Cooling doesn't appear to become a problem until you start towing over 9k lbs or so, at least from what i've seen on this forum.
Just for the sake of asking, why the gearing change?
are you towing more than 8,000 lbs?
did you find the 3.31's inadequate?
just curious, as there are a ton of threads on here about gearing.
welcome to the forum!

If your engine gets too hot your truck will reduce power; if this happens frequently while towing then I would recommend getting the upgraded radiator. If not I wouldn't bother.
According to Ford, your maximum towing is around 8000 lbs, depending on cab configuration.
http://www.fleet.ford.com/resources/...ng%20Guide.pdf
You will be close to the max recommended for your gearing, but changing to 3.73's only gets you another 1400 lbs or so ... as Tom said above, there's not a lot of gain from going from one gear set to the other.
i'd give it a try before you dump a grand into a gear change, you may not feel the need.
Just be realistic.... it is going to shift, and it is going to "feel" heavy. but let the trans do it's thing and use the skinny pedal to decide how fast you want to go, and how quickly you want to get up to speed. Changing to 3.73's isn't likely going to make it shift a whole lot less, to be honest.
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
At least that is how it has been on the build and price tool and as listed in the order guide.
At least that is how it has been on the build and price tool and as listed in the order guide.
5.0 v8 and 8' box with 3.73's gets you either 3.7L v6 or 4x4 with e-locker
or
5.0 v8 and 8' box with 3.73 LS gets you Max Payload, but no Max tow. (but 10,000 lbs towing with the regular towing package)
under no configuration can Max tow be had with the 5.0 v8. Max tow is reserved exclusively for 6.2 v8 or ecoboost.
i don't have the order guide at my disposal, but on their towing capacities page:
2013 Ford F-150 | View Towing Specifications | Ford.com
you will not see the "*" indicating Max tow on any configuration available with the 5.0 v8.....
oddly enough, though, Max Payload is not available with the 6.2 v8.
if one opts for the 3.73LS gears, you get:
max payload with 5.0 v8
max tow with 6.2 v8
max tow and max payload with ecoboost.
or, 3.7L v6 (for regular cab and extended cab short box, and crew cab 4x2)

it is pretty much what i want, since i want the payload to haul a camper once in a while but 90% of the time will be hauling with little to nothing in the back.
Usage: Required for towing over 5,000 lbs.
Availability:
• Standard on FX2/FX4 and Lariat
• Optional on XL, STX and XLT
Includes:
• Class IV trailer hitch receiver
• 7-pin wiring harness
• Upgraded radiator
• Auxiliary transmission oil cooler
• SelectShift Transmission
MAX TRAILER TOW PACKAGE – MANUAL MIRROR (60M)
Availability:
• Optional on XL Regular and SuperCab
Not Available with:
• 126" wheelbase
• Power Equipment Group (85A)
• Max Trailer Tow Package (60P)
Requires:
• 3.5L EcoBoost™ Engine (99T)
• 3.73 LS rear-axle ratio
• Heavy-Duty Payload Pkg. (627)
• XL requires Fog Lamps (595) with XL Décor Group (86D)
Includes:
• Upgraded rear bumper
• Class IV trailer hitch receiver
• 7-pin wiring harness
• Upgraded radiator
• Auxiliary transmission oil cooler
• Trailer Brake Control
• SelectShift Transmission
• Side mirrors, black manual telescoping trailer tow w/manual glass
MAX TRAILER TOW PACKAGE – POWER MIRROR (60P)
Availability:
• Optional on XL Regular and SuperCab, XLT and FX2/FX4
Not Available with:
• 126" wheelbase
• Max Trailer Tow Package (60M)
• XLT SuperCab 145" wheelbase with P235/75R17 BSW A/T (T7B),
L245/75R17E BSW A/T (T7E) or P255/65R17 OWL A/S (T73)
• XLT SuperCrew with P255/65R17 OWL A/S (T73) or L245/75R17E
BSW A/T (T7E)
Requires:
• 3.5L EcoBoost™ Engine (99T)
• 3.73 LS rear-axle ratio (XL, XLT and FX2)
• 3.73 electronic-locking differential axle (XLT w/Off-Road Pkg. – 55A and
FX4)
• XL requires Fog Lamps (595), XL Décor Group (86D) and Power
Equipment Group (85A)
• XL and XLT Regular Cab requires Heavy-Duty Payload Pkg. (627)
Includes:
• Upgraded rear bumper
• Class IV trailer hitch receiver
• 7-pin wiring harness
• Upgraded radiator
• Auxiliary transmission oil cooler
• Trailer Brake Control
• SelectShift Transmission
• Side Mirrors, black manual telescoping trailer tow w/power glass
(includes heat, turn signal & puddle lamps)
• Memory feature included on side mirrors when order with FX Luxury
Package (55F)
MAX TRAILER TOW PACKAGE – POWER, CHROME
MIRROR (60C)
Availability:
• Optional on Lariat, King Ranch® and Platinum
Requires:
• 3.5L EcoBoost™ Engine (99T) or 6.2L V8 (996)
• 6.2L V8 on Lariat and Platinum also requires SuperCrew 145" WB
• 3.73 LS rear-axle ratio
• 3.73 electronic-locking differential axle (Lariat or King Ranch® w/Off-
Road Pkg. – 55A)
Includes:
• Upgraded rear bumper
• Class IV trailer hitch receiver
• 7-pin wiring harness
• Upgraded radiator
• Auxiliary transmission oil cooler
• Trailer Brake Control
• Side Mirrors, Manual Telescoping Trailer Tow w/Power Glass (includes
heat, memory, turn signal & puddle lamps & Chrome Skull Caps)
Personally, I prefer the standard mirrors. They work great for enclosed trailers and flat trailers, and while I'm not towing they don't catch as much wind or get in the way in parking lots.











