3.73 or 4.30 ??
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 2,044
Likes: 1,336
I am very sorry if I sounded dramatic. I did not intend to. Just wanted to share my opinion in a thread asking for opinions. I have no desire to argue. I'm just really glad we have choices. I'm happy knowing that 4.30s are a good choice for me, I'm happy that 3.73s are a good choice for you, and I hope the OP will be happy with his choice.
I also sincerely hope that you have a great day!
I also sincerely hope that you have a great day!
but thanks for wishing me a wonderful day I wish the same for you as well. We’re just debating trucks so I’m not sure why you’d think it was any deeper than that to begin with to where we need to clarify that we don’t mean each other any harm lol
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 4,295
Likes: 2,418
From: Everywhere and nowhere
One was Rapid Red with carpet and the other is Antimatter Blue with Vinyl floors. Other than that they were identical.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 235
Likes: 84
From: West TN
If it's possible you're going to upsize the tires the 4.30 are even a better choice to put your final gearing in between the two on the highway.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 1,468
Likes: 545
From: Wasilla, AK
A couple of days ago I picked up a new ATV and trailered it home on a 16 foot dual axle flat bed trailer. I'm guessing the trailer and ATV weighed 3,000 pounds. The truck shifted in and out of gears 8,9 and 10th running 65 on the interstate with minor hills. It reconfirmed I did the right thing by ordering the truck with 4:30's
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 4,295
Likes: 2,418
From: Everywhere and nowhere
At 55-60mph with 3.73s in 10th gear my instant mileage readout stays around 20mpg. With 4.30s I have to be around 45mph to be at the same rpm and same mileage. With 4.30s it will shift into 10th gear by 36mph if you are just putting around and 3.73s will shift in 10th around 45mph. The worst thing about 4.30s with my truck is the 1-3 shift at 6mph. The worst part about it is that it tries to lunge forward once it shifts into 3rd. When I turn off advance trac or put it in tow/haul it will shift 1-2-3 and hold 1st and 2nd gear for longer. This isn't an issue on the newest trucks because they changed the shift strategy to not skip shift.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 2,596
Likes: 1,673
From: NW Wyoming USA
Air dam is trimmed, it only hangs down 2 inches.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 713
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / Worst Features Of The 2025+ Ford Expedition
Brett Foote
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition
Joe Kucinski
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 2,044
Likes: 1,336
That’s some abysmal gas mileage for short highway samples
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 2,596
Likes: 1,673
From: NW Wyoming USA
I think 16.1 mpg at 65 mph and 15.3 mpg at 70 mph is good considering it’s a 7.3 with 4.30’s, 34.5” mud tires at 50 psi front/45 psi rear, trimmed air dam at 5000 feet elevation. MPG isn’t something I’m concerned about.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 9,375
Likes: 1,734
From: AKRON ohio
the fact that it’s nicer to be under 2k rpm if you’re on a faster interstate. Makes for a nicer ride.
And the fact the 3.73s are going to pull most any trailer guys with gassers are pulling anyway so why go with a gear that sucks down interstates to really gain nothing for most people’s use?
one of this forums biggest proponents of 4.30s or die tows a trailer that doesn’t even weigh 4000lbs. The question he should’ve considered is if he needed a maverick or a ranger lol.
And the fact the 3.73s are going to pull most any trailer guys with gassers are pulling anyway so why go with a gear that sucks down interstates to really gain nothing for most people’s use?
one of this forums biggest proponents of 4.30s or die tows a trailer that doesn’t even weigh 4000lbs. The question he should’ve considered is if he needed a maverick or a ranger lol.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,400
Likes: 319
From: Whittier, CA