Axle Ratio?
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2003
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Axle Ratio?
I'm planning on a new O4 F150 XLT Supercrew w/ the 5.4 for towing a 4,440 lb dry weight travel trailer. I anticipate it will be maybe 6,500 lbs loaded. The XLT has two possible axle ratios, 3.55 (8,200 lb tow rating) and 3.73 (9,200 tow rating). Since I will be towing well under 8,200 lbs, I assume the 3.55 would be more than adequate and give me better milage when not towing, which would be the greater use. Is my thinking corrrect or should I get the 3.73 ratio?
New User
Joined: Aug 2003
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I'm in a similar situation and decided to order my truck with a 3:73 LS instead. Reason's being:
- I'll be towing enough and would like the extra capacity just in case.
- I live in the foothills and figure the taller gears will make the frequent climbs easier on the truck
- The 3:73 is a good compromise between the 3:55 and 4:10 and I don't think the gas mileage will be that much worse.
Not scientific but there you go.
- I'll be towing enough and would like the extra capacity just in case.
- I live in the foothills and figure the taller gears will make the frequent climbs easier on the truck
- The 3:73 is a good compromise between the 3:55 and 4:10 and I don't think the gas mileage will be that much worse.
Not scientific but there you go.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 470
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From: NE TX
If gas mileage is your primary concern, such as if drive a lot of miles not towing (>15K), I'd go with the 3.55 ratio. If you want better acceleration and overall performance towing or not, then go with the 3.73 ratio. I'd also suggest driving trucks with both. It doesn't matter what kind of truck as long as they have the same trans, engine, body style, 4x2 or 4x4. What I mean is compare similar RC if SuperCrew isn't available and you'll notice the performance advantage of 3.73. I understand that the 5.4L has more power and torque so either will be adequate. You are getting a heavier truck though and lower gears help torque application especially in hills. If you don't put many miles on the truck, the mpg advantages of the 3.55 will be less effective. I would prefer a 5.4L w/3.55 over a 4.6L/3.73 in this particular truck.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Holland, Michigan
i have an 01 with 5.4 and 3.55 gears. i also put 33" tires on reducing the ratio oven more. i pull a 6500 boat at 75mph on the highway no problem. BUT i never tow in overdrive.
the new 5.4 has the peak power moved up in rpm, (frankly a little out of the normal driving range) so i went with the 3.73 gears on my 04 that has just arrived.
bottom line. the 3.55 will pull your trailer no problem if not using overdrive to tow ( otherwise maybe some frequent downshifts)
but the gas mileage is so crappy anyway that i went with the 3.73
this time.
so, my suggestion/ buying a $35,000+ truck, go with the higher gears. it will perforr better, put it in the new powerband better, and the crappy mileage just comes with this truck.... at least the supercrew gas tank is bigger with the 04 model!!!
the new 5.4 has the peak power moved up in rpm, (frankly a little out of the normal driving range) so i went with the 3.73 gears on my 04 that has just arrived.
bottom line. the 3.55 will pull your trailer no problem if not using overdrive to tow ( otherwise maybe some frequent downshifts)
but the gas mileage is so crappy anyway that i went with the 3.73
this time.
so, my suggestion/ buying a $35,000+ truck, go with the higher gears. it will perforr better, put it in the new powerband better, and the crappy mileage just comes with this truck.... at least the supercrew gas tank is bigger with the 04 model!!!
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 73
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From: TN
For what it is worth. I would not even consider the 3.55 if I was going to tow anything over 1000 pounds. It is always better in towing to have more than you need. Frankly, I don't think the milage even when you are not towing is going to be significantly different and will depend more on your driving style than ratio. With that much weight there would be no consideration. I tow too much on the highway.
Several friends tow boats in the 3500-4000 pound range with the earlier 5.4 and 3.73. They have pulled many miles in OD.
Several friends tow boats in the 3500-4000 pound range with the earlier 5.4 and 3.73. They have pulled many miles in OD.
New User
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: GRAND RAPIDS, MI
AXLE
I just took delivery of my 04 XLT, 4X4,8200 lb..I love it. I ordered it like six months ago. Ordered XLT, snow plow prep, rear backup sensors, 6 disc cd, key pad on drivers door lock, anyway it has a 4:10 axle. I roll along at 90 barely pulling 2500 on the tack.. So far I have 312 miles on my first tank of gas.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 470
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From: NE TX
The 4.10 isn't available in anything without #8200 because they use 10.25" rear. And #8200 isn't available in SuperCrew because it has a different wheelbase, it's only avail. in RC and EC form with the 8' box. SuperCrew don't get the long bed either. Now if you had a 3.73 or a 3.55 or taller tires (and recalibrated speedo) you'd run even less rpm at 90. But most of our points were to tow a load, you should be want your rpm's up to where you have enough torque to pull the load. If you are max in tow capicity, you'll need to be near max torque 365@3750. If the new engines power is at higher rpm, I'd definitely want lower gears which will have higher numbers like 3.73 or 4.10. I'm sure it produces as much hp and torque at the lower rpms as the 2V did though. And MPG won't be any better either but I ain't complaining yet. Gas may be high but I ain't walking yet either.
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