Decissions Need help
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Senior User
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From: Ohio
Decissions Need help
I am torn. If my friend gets me the x-plan number I am ordering my truck next week.
I need to know the best gear ratio. I will be getting the Ecoboost with either 3.55 elocker or th 3.73 elocker.4x4 screw.
Which one? I get more options with the 3.73.
Are there significant mpg differences between the two? Real numbers with both ratios would be great.
By the way, when I order I will post all of the info.
Thanks guys.
I need to know the best gear ratio. I will be getting the Ecoboost with either 3.55 elocker or th 3.73 elocker.4x4 screw.
Which one? I get more options with the 3.73.
Are there significant mpg differences between the two? Real numbers with both ratios would be great.
By the way, when I order I will post all of the info.
Thanks guys.
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Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Sioux Falls Area
tons of info on here about fuel mileage in all configurations. A search for ecoboost fuel mileage should turn up a day's worth of reading.
regarding the gearing, many who have the 3.73's have said that it feels like overkill unless you plan to tow very heavy.
i'm sure some will chime in.
regarding the gearing, many who have the 3.73's have said that it feels like overkill unless you plan to tow very heavy.
i'm sure some will chime in.
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Joined: Jul 2011
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In addition to whether or not you do heavy towing constantly (not just once a month or every other month), will you be planning to put on 33"+ tires?
Keep in mind that you do have a very low-geared 6-speed transmission so the difference between 3.55's and 3.73's on OEM diameter wheels will be negligible.
I have 33's on my 09 with 3.55's and I did notice a slight drop in acceleration characteristics. I've now gotten used to the difference, and although I'm sure I would be happier with 3.73's, the 5% different doesn't justify the cost and time to upgrade both axles on my 4x4 "just" to 3.73's, and 4.56's might be overkill for 33's.
Keep in mind that you do have a very low-geared 6-speed transmission so the difference between 3.55's and 3.73's on OEM diameter wheels will be negligible.
I have 33's on my 09 with 3.55's and I did notice a slight drop in acceleration characteristics. I've now gotten used to the difference, and although I'm sure I would be happier with 3.73's, the 5% different doesn't justify the cost and time to upgrade both axles on my 4x4 "just" to 3.73's, and 4.56's might be overkill for 33's.
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I have the 5.0 with 3:73 elocker and my mileage is the same as my brothers ECO with the 3:73 elocker. The highway MPGs are around 17 if I'm not heavy footed,18-19 mpgs if I milk it. You should see about 1 mpg better if you go with the 3:55 elocker. I have done tests over the years a sbrothers will do and and my findings are from 3:73 to 3:55 1 mpg, 3:73 to 3:42 (GM) about 2 mpgs, 3:73 to 3:31 2-3 mpgs. The main thing is your driving habits.
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Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Great Falls, MT. USA
I've owned two 2011 F150s.....an EB with 3:73 gears, and a 5.0 with 3:55s. There is a gross difference in the MPGs. The best the EB EVER pulled was 17mpg (that was AFTER it passed 5k miles).......the 5.0 currently has just over 2k miles on it, and just yesterday, a 4 hour trip yielded 20.3mpg @ 70mph.
Very small things impact these trucks greatly.....especially MPGs....., cold temps, winds (I've discovered that wind (head or tail) makes a MAJOR MPG difference), tire pressures, and accessories.
If you tow A LOT, then the 3:73s might be the way you want to go. If you're a "weekend tower" or less, then opt for the highest gearing you can get.
Knowing now, what I wish I had known when I ordered the first truck, I would have ordered the highest gear ratio I could in a 4x4. Although a lot of folks make the statement that if they were worried about MPGs, they would not have purchased a truck, the truth is that sooner or later economy will come into the picture/thought process....possibly later this summer when gas is projected to hit $5+ per gallon.
Very small things impact these trucks greatly.....especially MPGs....., cold temps, winds (I've discovered that wind (head or tail) makes a MAJOR MPG difference), tire pressures, and accessories.
If you tow A LOT, then the 3:73s might be the way you want to go. If you're a "weekend tower" or less, then opt for the highest gearing you can get.
Knowing now, what I wish I had known when I ordered the first truck, I would have ordered the highest gear ratio I could in a 4x4. Although a lot of folks make the statement that if they were worried about MPGs, they would not have purchased a truck, the truth is that sooner or later economy will come into the picture/thought process....possibly later this summer when gas is projected to hit $5+ per gallon.
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From: Ohio
Thanks for your help guys. I'm not sure if this helps with any decision making, It is such a difficult decission. I am getting the stock 20" wheels (the wife likes them better). I basically willl only tow in the winter Duck boat during the season .
We have talked about getting a pop-up camper, but I doubt they weigh much. Not more than 5000lb I would think. Of course I don't know for sure. I have never owned one.
The bottom line is I want to do it right the first time without regrets.
So again I think you guys and if you don't mind keep the advice coming.
We have talked about getting a pop-up camper, but I doubt they weigh much. Not more than 5000lb I would think. Of course I don't know for sure. I have never owned one.
The bottom line is I want to do it right the first time without regrets.
So again I think you guys and if you don't mind keep the advice coming.
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From: Great Falls, MT. USA
Seeing what your towing needs are, I would certainly go with the highest gear ratio I could get. I towed my duck boat with a little 22R Toyota truck for years. IF you do get a pop-up, it likely won't weight more than about 1500lbs. When the truck companies refer to towing, they are generally referring to "big" loads like 3,500lbs or more.
My personal opinion is that buying an ecoboost is a waste if you don't routinely tow BIG loads. Having owned an ecoboost, as well as a 5.0....I would choose the 5.0 with higher gearing over the EB with lower gearing any time.
My personal opinion is that buying an ecoboost is a waste if you don't routinely tow BIG loads. Having owned an ecoboost, as well as a 5.0....I would choose the 5.0 with higher gearing over the EB with lower gearing any time.
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