3.73 vs 4.30?
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3.73 vs 4.30?
Just ordered a 2014 SD 250 FX4 CC SB 6.2L Lariat. I ordered it w/ the 3.73 axle ratio, but have two weeks to change it if I choose. Was wondering the pros and cons of both axle ratios. Going to be hauling a 16 foot tandem axle enclosed trailer with 7 dozen goose decoys and a four wheeler and other gear through corn fields 100 days a year. I'm fairly hard on trucks and this is my first ford I've owned myself, but have driven a lot of them at work. Basically need opinions on best axle ratio to get in and out of muddy, or snow covered fields.
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Don't even consider 4:30 gears. Are the 4:10 gears not an oprion anymore. I would get the 3:73. I have them and pull the living hell out of trailer way heavier than what you are describing, never wanted for lower gearing. Mine is a V-10, but your new 6.2 will produce near as much torque. 4:30 gearing will be a nightmare on the highway.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Stephensville WI
No, many 6.2L owners here have the 4.30 gearing and love it. It is not a "nightmare on the highway". The 3.73 gears still give you a great truck, but the 4.30s make a towing monster.
BTW, welcome to FTE, brandonshaver . Congrats on the new truck. Now the wait begins.
BTW, welcome to FTE, brandonshaver . Congrats on the new truck. Now the wait begins.
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Thanks for the info guys, I'm not going to be on the highway very often, a lot of use will be towing that trailer I mentioned in my original post on back roads and then through fields, was just wondering if the 4.3 gears would make life a little easier in that application.
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From: Chiefland, Fl
Order the 4.30's, it will give you the extra towing capacity if ever needed and the gas mileage difference is small.
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From: near Montreal, Canada
I have the 4.3 and drive the truck on snow-ice and on the highway. I do have to be careful accelerating from a full stop on slippery stuff when in 2x4 or it will slip. Never owned a 3.73 so not sure it would be easier.
Seems to drive perfectly well on the highway too. Can't compare but MPG is probably a little worse than it would be with 3.73.
Never had to tow anything or use 4x4 low yet so the 4.3 are definitely overkill for me but it will probably be nice this summer when I pull a fifth wheel. I'm sure it would work well with the 3.73 too.
Seems to drive perfectly well on the highway too. Can't compare but MPG is probably a little worse than it would be with 3.73.
Never had to tow anything or use 4x4 low yet so the 4.3 are definitely overkill for me but it will probably be nice this summer when I pull a fifth wheel. I'm sure it would work well with the 3.73 too.
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A few months back I drove my new f350 cc 6.2 with 4:3 gears from nj to northern vt and I averaged 17mpg doing about 75 most of the way no trailer and a mild load in the bed. I thought that was pretty good considering it's not even broken in yet.
Token Redneck
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Breckenridge, TX
A guy int he 6.2L forum did the math, and with 3.73s if you lock out the 6th/top OD gear, you effectively get to feel what it's like with 4.30s in 6th gear, only a 200RPM difference. So if you can only test drive one set of gears, use that for comparison.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: near Montreal, Canada
Got 16.1mpg last summer going from Montreal to Quebec with empty truck.
Average going and coming back was 15.4mpg.
I drove 65 on the highway and that was 95% of the trip and the road is very very flat.
Average going and coming back was 15.4mpg.
I drove 65 on the highway and that was 95% of the trip and the road is very very flat.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2012
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From: Bismarck, ND
Need more info on trailer weight. As in, what's the heaviest trailer you'll likely tow?
For a snow covered or muddy field, the TIRES you choose are much more important than the gear ratio. Get rid of those stock Contri-crap tires the moment you pick up the truck. Only reason I drove home with mine still on was the dealer had to order my tires because my size was out of stock.
And you may want to add the E-locker option if you don't already have it on your order sheet.
For a snow covered or muddy field, the TIRES you choose are much more important than the gear ratio. Get rid of those stock Contri-crap tires the moment you pick up the truck. Only reason I drove home with mine still on was the dealer had to order my tires because my size was out of stock.
And you may want to add the E-locker option if you don't already have it on your order sheet.