Diff gearing
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Diff gearing
We are compiling info, to make an educated purchase in the future on a new truck. The F250 is likely what we will buy. The gearing choices are 3.73 or 4.30, and will be used with the gas engine of 6.2 liters in size. Does one make it lug too much, or the other rev too hard on the highway in say the 60 MPH area, or 100 KM/hr for us in Canada. The primary use will be too carry our camper, 2 people, and tow our 18 foot alumunim boat, on single axle trailer. Would like to find a balance between just wasting gas for no reason, and lugging the truck.
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From: Arizona
We are compiling info, to make an educated purchase in the future on a new truck. The F250 is likely what we will buy. The gearing choices are 3.73 or 4.30, and will be used with the gas engine of 6.2 liters in size. Does one make it lug too much, or the other rev too hard on the highway in say the 60 MPH area, or 100 KM/hr for us in Canada. The primary use will be too carry our camper, 2 people, and tow our 18 foot alumunim boat, on single axle trailer. Would like to find a balance between just wasting gas for no reason, and lugging the truck.
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So opinions vary obviously. What rpm does the 4.30 run at when doing 60MPH, does anyone know?
And much of the reason I want a 250 is it has more power than the 350 and we will put overloads in the rear to support the heavy camper.
And much of the reason I want a 250 is it has more power than the 350 and we will put overloads in the rear to support the heavy camper.
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From: Arizona
The F250 has the exact power that the F350 has. The MAIN difference is the rear springs.
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From: SW Virginia
I addressed this in your other thread. Drop down to the 6.2 forum and do some reading there. Plenty of members there with the 6.2, some of whom are towing very heavy loads with 250s and 350s with no problem.
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From: Isanti, MN
Either gearing will work fine for you, as you will have a 6-speed transmission with a nice and short first gear as well as the ability to lock out taller gears. I would opt for the 4.30s if I had the choice, but 3.73s shouldn't disqualify a truck that you like.
My Excursion has 4.30s, but I also have the relatively ancient 4-speed transmission that needs the extra gearing to help get things moving. I get ~1.5 MPGs less on the highway than my coworker does with his 3.73 V10 Excursion. So there is some fuel economy benefit to be had with 3.73s, but the reverse is likely true with towing fuel economy.
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Thanks to each and everyone of you. I have been reading, and it would appear that Ford's own brochure is indeed incorrect.
We will most likely look into a Supercab, longbox, 4x4 with 4.30 gearing.
It talks some aabout electronic lockers in the differentials, is that an available option on all trucks, oris it standard equipment, or only able to be had on very select trucks? If it makes any difference, we have not made a solid choice as of yet, but are leaning towards the XLT package.
We will most likely look into a Supercab, longbox, 4x4 with 4.30 gearing.
It talks some aabout electronic lockers in the differentials, is that an available option on all trucks, oris it standard equipment, or only able to be had on very select trucks? If it makes any difference, we have not made a solid choice as of yet, but are leaning towards the XLT package.
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From: Isanti, MN
Originally Posted by Fish&Golf
It talks some aabout electronic lockers in the differentials, is that an available option on all trucks, oris it standard equipment, or only able to be had on very select trucks? If it makes any difference, we have not made a solid choice as of yet, but are leaning towards the XLT package.
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: Central Illinois
We changed out the 3.73 LS in our '09 F-250 XL SD, 5.4, 4X4, CC, LB to a 4.30 a while back. She has the stock baseline tires on 17" steel rims. It's turning 2000 RPM @ 60 MPH.
For what it's worth, we experienced about a 1-1.5 MPG reduction running empty with no trailer post 4.30's installation. But, believe it or not, we also experienced the about that same 1-1.5 MPG increase while pulling our 8500 lb. 5th wheel. Since about 75-80% of our yearly mileage will be pulling the 5ver we're very happy.
Our unit pulled the 5ver decently with the 3.73's but the 4.30's really brought the little V8 out of it's shell, so to speak.
Honestly weigh your towing/loaded mileage against your empty running mileage and that should tip the scales towards one ratio as opposed to another. Obviously if your towing/loaded mileage is substantially higher than your running empty mileage go with the numerically higher differential ratio. If it's the other way around you might think about the lower numerical ratio. Either ratio will probably get the job done but the advantages of either are tied directly to the primary usage of the unit.
Whatever you decide I hope you are as happy with your choice as we are.
For what it's worth, we experienced about a 1-1.5 MPG reduction running empty with no trailer post 4.30's installation. But, believe it or not, we also experienced the about that same 1-1.5 MPG increase while pulling our 8500 lb. 5th wheel. Since about 75-80% of our yearly mileage will be pulling the 5ver we're very happy.
Our unit pulled the 5ver decently with the 3.73's but the 4.30's really brought the little V8 out of it's shell, so to speak.
Honestly weigh your towing/loaded mileage against your empty running mileage and that should tip the scales towards one ratio as opposed to another. Obviously if your towing/loaded mileage is substantially higher than your running empty mileage go with the numerically higher differential ratio. If it's the other way around you might think about the lower numerical ratio. Either ratio will probably get the job done but the advantages of either are tied directly to the primary usage of the unit.
Whatever you decide I hope you are as happy with your choice as we are.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Whittier, CA
It would be a mistake to get an F250 for a slide-in camper or decent sized fifthwheel. It costs very little extra to get an F350, and the suspension will handle the payload better. An F250 can work, if that's what you already have, but if you're buying a new truck, get the one best suited to the job.
Gears should be 4:30.
Gears should be 4:30.