Why Ford have such lame rear end gear ratios?
#16
08-21-2018, 08:42 AM
If your paying what these trucks cost, do some research, and order/get the ratio's/tires suspension needed, if you assume the trucks on the dealer lots fit your needs - fine.
The powerband / trasmission gearing determine what's ratio is needed, a 6.7 & 6.2 have quite different needs..
I sure don't believe every Utube video..
The powerband / trasmission gearing determine what's ratio is needed, a 6.7 & 6.2 have quite different needs..
I sure don't believe every Utube video..
#18
08-21-2018, 08:55 AM
So I’ve reviewed a few reviews online plus watched several youtube videos on towing in extreme mountains and see the Powerstroke just doesn’t cut the mustard as compared to Ram and Chevrolet. From what I can tell though Chevrolet and Ram offer a 3.73 and 4.10 rear end plus GM has the 7speed tranny. Ford has a 3.31 and 3.55 with a 6 speed. So why is Ford going with such high ratios? No wonder they can’t compare pulling against 3/4 and 1ton trucks. Also, I wanted the 3.55 ratio in a F350 but just realized I must go with the camper package (stiffer springs) in order to get it. Totally don’t understand....
I don’t have the camper pkg on my F-350 with the 3.55 .
#19
08-21-2018, 08:56 AM
it’s more than just a single test there actually multiple reviews and even some people on this forum that I’ve noticed the same issue. My point is why does Ford not give someone the option for lower gearing if they want it. Many buyers plan to upsize tires thus raising the effective ratio. Not only does Ford not offer a 3.73 or 4.10 ratio but also forces you to take on other options there may not be desired. Basically they are saying take the 3.31 and like it. Just seems to me someone missed the boat on this at Ford. Either way I’m going to try the 3.55’s and worst case scenario is to spend even more money changing out the front springs.
Knowing Ford's development methodology I am sure their engineers and marketing people have good reason for not offering a lower gear ratio option. The range of options on these trucks is pretty damned complete as it. Just because they don't offer the ratio you want doesn't mean they missed the boat. And I am sure you can order the 3.55 as a stand alone option. You don't have to order the camper package or SPP to get it.
#20
08-21-2018, 09:08 AM
#21
08-21-2018, 09:36 AM
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#22
08-21-2018, 09:47 AM
Not sure why they would change it for 2019.
#23
08-21-2018, 09:54 AM
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When building a 17 or an 18 on the website, there were 4 choices for SRW trucks with the 6.7. 3.31 and 3.55, either Open of E-locker. 3.31 open was the default, 3.55 was a no cost button click, either of the E-lockers were a few hundred dollars.
Not sure why they would change it for 2019.
Not sure why they would change it for 2019.
#24
08-21-2018, 10:05 AM
Mine is the 3.55 F350 with camper option. I think you want the heavier springs. Over time the lighter ones are very close to the bump stops. My truck loaded with trailer and box for a month trip and she pulls in 6th at highway speeds no problem at 1600 rpm. This is why the do gearring is the way it is. I intend to go to 35” tires too. With the 6 speed, 5th and 6th are overdrive gears. I really think your over thinking this in comparison to older vehicles, when pulling at highway speeds, all you see changing is the boost gauge. I really doubt a hearing change will be necessary. Remember the useable RPM range on the diesel is idle to about 3000 rpm, versus the gas motor to 5500. This is why the gas motors benefit from the deeper gear ratio. They make their power between 3000 at redline. The diesel is making it from 1500 to 2500. And you have two times the torque.
#25
08-21-2018, 03:55 PM
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When building a 17 or an 18 on the website, there were 4 choices for SRW trucks with the 6.7. 3.31 and 3.55, either Open of E-locker. 3.31 open was the default, 3.55 was a no cost button click, either of the E-lockers were a few hundred dollars.
Not sure why they would change it for 2019.
Not sure why they would change it for 2019.
#27
08-21-2018, 04:23 PM
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#28
08-21-2018, 04:31 PM
My F450 (4.30 gears, 225/70R19.5 tires) climbs mountains at 70 MPH with my 6.7 spinning at 2768 RPMs in 5th.
A F350 with 3.31 gears and 275/65R20 tires will climb mountains at 70 MPH with the 6.7 spinning at 2724 RPMs in 4th.
Both trucks will have the same power going to the road. The 4.30 in my axle (along with my smaller tires) simply makes my 440 HP point hit perfectly at 70 MPH in 5th gear vs the same 440 HP point hit perfectly in the SRW at 70 MPH in 4th gear. Short axle gears just help get the rig going. Once it's going, having a drive ratio that yields max power at the speed you want to climb is all that matters.
A F350 with 3.31 gears and 275/65R20 tires will climb mountains at 70 MPH with the 6.7 spinning at 2724 RPMs in 4th.
Both trucks will have the same power going to the road. The 4.30 in my axle (along with my smaller tires) simply makes my 440 HP point hit perfectly at 70 MPH in 5th gear vs the same 440 HP point hit perfectly in the SRW at 70 MPH in 4th gear. Short axle gears just help get the rig going. Once it's going, having a drive ratio that yields max power at the speed you want to climb is all that matters.
#29
08-21-2018, 07:09 PM
My F450 (4.30 gears, 225/70R19.5 tires) climbs mountains at 70 MPH with my 6.7 spinning at 2768 RPMs in 5th.
A F350 with 3.31 gears and 275/65R20 tires will climb mountains at 70 MPH with the 6.7 spinning at 2724 RPMs in 4th.
Both trucks will have the same power going to the road. The 4.30 in my axle (along with my smaller tires) simply makes my 440 HP point hit perfectly at 70 MPH in 5th gear vs the same 440 HP point hit perfectly in the SRW at 70 MPH in 4th gear. Short axle gears just help get the rig going. Once it's going, having a drive ratio that yields max power at the speed you want to climb is all that matters.
A F350 with 3.31 gears and 275/65R20 tires will climb mountains at 70 MPH with the 6.7 spinning at 2724 RPMs in 4th.
Both trucks will have the same power going to the road. The 4.30 in my axle (along with my smaller tires) simply makes my 440 HP point hit perfectly at 70 MPH in 5th gear vs the same 440 HP point hit perfectly in the SRW at 70 MPH in 4th gear. Short axle gears just help get the rig going. Once it's going, having a drive ratio that yields max power at the speed you want to climb is all that matters.
I may be way off base, but I've always tried to ride the torque in Diesels, rather than the HP curve like I would on a Moto. Plus, you're using a lot less fuel to do the same amount of work.
#30
08-21-2018, 07:21 PM
This is all assuming the 6.7L PSD. The 6.2 has other options as noted above.