My understanding is ONE of the differences is the XLS has 3:73 and the XLT has 4:10's. How much of a difference is there really to matter?
We probably wont tow. Any thoughts?

 

My understanding is the 4.30 gears were an option on whatever trim level made, not standard on a limited. With a V-10 it was either 3.73 or 4.30. I think with a 5.4 it was 4.10 standard without the choice. And I believe the diesels all came with 3.73 period.

If you don't tow, I think you are better off with 3.73. UNLESS, you drive mostly city and have a heavy foot. Having just switched to 4.30 gears, I know it will cost you about 1-1.5 MPG with 4.30's.

That's with stock tire size. If you go bigger, then you may need to adjust the gearing depending on how big the tires are.

 

Ya, I doubt we'd tow anything besides a light boat, and we have a mix city/hwy driving, and we are looking at the 5.4, I'm not completely convinced to look at the V10 yet.

 

There was another thread recently regarding the 5.4 or 6.8. The 5.4 guys weren't reporting any better mileage than the 6.8. Only bonus there would be 5.4's are cheaper to buy in equivalent condition. I would consider the overall condition as being more important than the engine size for what you want to do.

 

Looks like you have the 2wd V10, what kind of mileage are you getting? I just had the 04 5.4 but my wife totalled it. We were getting 12-13 with mix driving.

 

There are no XLS Excursions. There are base model XLTs and loaded XLTs.

 

Interesting, that's what ours says, even KBB gives you the option for 04 year.

 

OK, I stand corrected. There WAS no XLS until 2004, 2005.

 

So if I get the same rig, but in xlt this time, I'll probably notice a difference?

 

I agree with all EXXWHY has stated. I would also add that the V-10 is a better choice of engines in my opinon. Unless you are a "Heavy Hauler" there is no reason to make a decision based on a 4.10 rear end. You will be much happier with a Limited or Eddie Barer model in the long run due to the standard equiptment they have. I purchased a V-10 limited 4x4 and have never looked back. I have never seen a factory option that I wanted or did not have on mine except a transfer case skid plate.

 

With 3.73's I got 15 on a 600 mile trip running around 65. (just the truck) No non towing trips of any distance with the 4.30's, but based on my typical local driving, it seems to be around 13-14 now. That's mostly country roads, stop sign every 3-5 miles. I also drive pretty easy on the gas.

I changed gears for towing capability, and for that 4.30's are great. Towing my camping trailer, I got about 8.5 average on this last 4500 mile trip out west. (65ish) I used to get a bit over 9 with 3.73's, but it was always dropping gears on the slightest incline.