I posted a similar thread requesting information on axle types but now I'm hoping to get a pole on what you would order in my situation. The build is in my signature but here's how I would operate: I tow a 7000 pound trailer of which 1000 lb of that is tongue load. I anticipate my total payload (toungue wt, passengers, cargo) when I go camping for 2 weeks to be 2500#. I will tow 50% of the time and the truck will be a daily driver the other 50%. I do live in the PAC nor'-west so everywhere I go I do have to cross mountain ranges.
I will keep the truck mostly stock with the 18" wheels.
What differential?

 

I won't buy a Ford truck without a rear E-locker.

 

I voted 4.30. 50% towing is more than most and yes, you have more than your fair share of twisty roads out there. I debated the same question and landed on 4.30’s just because my 3.73 test drive left me missing my current 6.0. Didn’t have a chance to test drive a 4.30 truck but ordered it on faith in what others had to say. We'll see when it gets here.

i don’t know about Western WA but Parker Ford in Couer d’Alene stocks 4.30’s if you feel like a weekend trip for a test drive!

 

Most of my highway driving is carrying a slide-in camper; I have 18" wheels and the 3.73 locker, but would now prefer the 4.30. The difference is about a half gear. And I think having the ability to control the diff lock is a plus.

 

There is no way I would order a 6.2 without a 4.30 axel ratio after driving both! Especially if the truck will be towing 50% of the time. The 3.73 makes the 6.2 a pooch!!! And my mileage is the same, even slightly better with the 4.30’s.

 

There is no "limited slip" option with *any* single rear wheel truck. Your choices in the poll should be "3.73 open differential," "3.73 e-locking differential," or 4.30 e-locking differential."

Although I've had 2 Super Duty trucks with the 6.2L and 3.73 (e-locking) diffs, if I were to go gas I'd select the 4.30 axle this time. Seems to be very little fuel economy penalty but more get up and go. Definitely choose the locker. It would cost a whole lot more money to add it afterwards.

 

As said, you don't have a limited slip option in the SRW trucks, and you don't have an electronic locking option on the DRW trucks.

 

................

 

I'm simply quoting what the online "build your own Superduty" lists as the only 3 choices... but you are correct as I see the online ordering form is wrong. The brochure shows the three choices as 3.73 non limited, and then both 3.73 or a 4.3 in e-locking... I don't see any FAQ on how to edit this poll...

 

The 3.73 runs fine. Sheesh, I saw a test where they had a single cab run 0-60 in the 6 second range. I would rather have the 4.30 for larger tires, though.

 

 

I have the 3.73 E locker. Fine for what I need. Don't do a lot of towing and most of my towing is light.

 

Empty, the 3.73 is faster to 60. Doesn't feel it around town, but is. Not that it matters.

I'm going 4.56 for larger tires when mine get worn-ish. I'll add an autolocker or Truetrac (if I'm a chicken), to the front axle at the same time.

 

But I'll bet the 4.30 is faster to 50 mph.