7.3 gearing question
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 2,581
Likes: 1,661
From: NW Wyoming USA
F250 4x4 7.3 4.30 295/70/18 34.5’s here, at 70 mph it’s turning 1900 rpm’s at 65 mph it’s turning 1700 rpm’s. With my setup it has no problem towing my 5k lbs TT in 10th. I would like to go to 315/70/18 35.7’s to bring the rpm’s down at bit more.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,424
Likes: 697
From: Minnesota
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 9,366
Likes: 1,726
From: AKRON ohio
that looks about right for my 3.55 gears with the stock tires 18" wheels. Thankfully I didn't get 4.30 gears. 2000 Rpms at 70 mph? And who does the speed limit? 75-80 mph would be horrible
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 329
From: Ontario
Love towing a 13 plus ft tall, 14k toyhauler on cruise in 10th with 4.30's and no tranny hunting. DRW tires are 31" so 2000 rpm at 70. I'd buy the same set up again. It tows like the beast it is and I can still go 80 or more if I want. At 80 or more it doesn't matter what gear you have at this point. You'll be drinking the gas.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 4,005
Likes: 2,329
Not in my experience, it does matter at that speed. The 3.xx will have the 9th and 10th that can comfortably cruise around 2k rpm at that speed while the 4.30 will be approaching 3000rpm unless the torque converter is fully locked. The 3.xx won't be winning any MPG contests but it is a lot more relaxed than 4.30 at higher speeds.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 329
From: Ontario
Not in my experience, it does matter at that speed. The 3.xx will have the 9th and 10th that can comfortably cruise around 2k rpm at that speed while the 4.30 will be approaching 3000rpm unless the torque converter is fully locked. The 3.xx won't be winning any MPG contests but it is a lot more relaxed than 4.30 at higher speeds.
While towing fairly heavy I do enjoy that the 4.30 gear allows setting the cruise at 65 mph at 1900 rpm while holding 10th, unless there's a strong head wind in which case it will usually hold 8th or 9th.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 4,005
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Well then you should stick to the right lane with your 4.30, as long as you are not impeding traffic you do you.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,220
Likes: 1,423
From: CA
Not in my experience, it does matter at that speed. The 3.xx will have the 9th and 10th that can comfortably cruise around 2k rpm at that speed while the 4.30 will be approaching 3000rpm unless the torque converter is fully locked. The 3.xx won't be winning any MPG contests but it is a lot more relaxed than 4.30 at higher speeds.
