Changing to 3.55?
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Joined: Mar 2003
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Changing to 3.55?
I have a 2000 F150 4.6L 3.08 axle ratio with a tow package. Usually once a year I need to tow a 5500 lb trailer between 300-500 miles. Should I go to the 3.55 axle? I know it's the way to go for towing but I'm concerned about fuel economy the rest of the year. How much does it typically cost to have it changed over? Is it practical (or just plain crazy) to change to the 3.55 each year before I make the trip then go back to the 3.08 or is it way to expensive (and difficult)? Can I get away with the 3.08 if I take it easy?
I know there's lots of questions here.
I know there's lots of questions here.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
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From: Memphis, TN
Changing to 3.55?
Way too expensive & difficult, even if you kept a complete 3.55 axle in storage that you could just bolt in. I've towed 6,000lb cross-country with my truck & a 3.08 axle and as much as 12,000lb for short distances with no problems. At the moment, I have a 3.55 axle under the truck, but it's just my spare while my 3.08 axle is being rebuilt.
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Changing to 3.55?
Thanks for the info. What kind of speeds are you able to tow at with the 6000 lb trailer?
It's surprising to me as well that these trucks are sold with tow packages but with the 3.08 axle. A buddy of mine just bought a 2002 with a tow package and he also has the 3.08.
Then I look at the manual and it states that the 3.08 has a GCWR of 10000 lbs. but only a max. trailer weight of 2000 lbs.? While the 3.31 has a 10500 GCWR and a max. trailer of 5900 lbs. Obviously the 3.08 max. trailer weight must be way under rated, or why would they even offer it with a tow package. I mean you shouldn't even need a tranny cooler for 2000 lbs.
It's surprising to me as well that these trucks are sold with tow packages but with the 3.08 axle. A buddy of mine just bought a 2002 with a tow package and he also has the 3.08.
Then I look at the manual and it states that the 3.08 has a GCWR of 10000 lbs. but only a max. trailer weight of 2000 lbs.? While the 3.31 has a 10500 GCWR and a max. trailer of 5900 lbs. Obviously the 3.08 max. trailer weight must be way under rated, or why would they even offer it with a tow package. I mean you shouldn't even need a tranny cooler for 2000 lbs.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
Changing to 3.55?
I try to keep it under 65 mph when I'm towing that much because I'm paranoid since my roll. 
(See pics in '83 Bronco album in sig link.) A longer wheelbase with smaller tires or larger rims (shorter sidewalls) has less trouble with sway, so faster towing is safer.
(See pics in '83 Bronco album in sig link.) A longer wheelbase with smaller tires or larger rims (shorter sidewalls) has less trouble with sway, so faster towing is safer.
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