Narrowed Down My Choices
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Senior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 452
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From: Mesa Arizona
Narrowed Down My Choices
I know this is a tired question but....
I'll be ordering an F250 in a few weeks and have narrowed my selection down to this basic configuration:
F250, Lariat, 4x4, CC, V10, 6sp manual, LB
I'm stuck on deciding between the LS 3.73 and LS 4.30. Assuming that I am willing to accept the lower gas mileage and that I will not be towing much beyond a camper or a small boat what is the real difference bewtween the two in real life application/ day to day driving?
Does the higher RPM with the 4.30 "ware out" the engine more so than the 3.73?
Do you get better off the line acceleration with the 4.30?
Do you loose passing acceleration with the 4.30?
Thanks!
When on two wheels:
FXSTC
Mesa- AZ
I'll be ordering an F250 in a few weeks and have narrowed my selection down to this basic configuration:
F250, Lariat, 4x4, CC, V10, 6sp manual, LB
I'm stuck on deciding between the LS 3.73 and LS 4.30. Assuming that I am willing to accept the lower gas mileage and that I will not be towing much beyond a camper or a small boat what is the real difference bewtween the two in real life application/ day to day driving?
Does the higher RPM with the 4.30 "ware out" the engine more so than the 3.73?
Do you get better off the line acceleration with the 4.30?
Do you loose passing acceleration with the 4.30?
Thanks!
When on two wheels:
FXSTC
Mesa- AZ
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
Narrowed Down My Choices
First off welcome to FTE!!
>Does the higher RPM with the 4.30 "wear out" the engine more
>so than the 3.73?
NO.
>Do you get better off the line acceleration with the 4.30?
YES.
>Do you lose passing acceleration with the 4.30?
NO.
If I was buying a pickup truck, not only would it be spec'd out like yours but it would be turning 4.30 gears in the rear.
>Does the higher RPM with the 4.30 "wear out" the engine more
>so than the 3.73?
NO.
>Do you get better off the line acceleration with the 4.30?
YES.
>Do you lose passing acceleration with the 4.30?
NO.
If I was buying a pickup truck, not only would it be spec'd out like yours but it would be turning 4.30 gears in the rear.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 204
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From: Stratford, CT
Narrowed Down My Choices
I agree with NOMO. I just bought a 2002 F-350 Crew Cab Lariat 4x4(which I ordered)with the V-10 and 4:30 gears. Mine is an automatic. For the extra few hundred dollars you should get a 350. I am extremely pleased with the truck so far. The only downfall to the 4:30's is worse gas mileage but no one buys a truck like this for the gas mileage. I also got the 4:30's because I plan on lifting the truck 6" and installing 35" tires and I don't want to have to re-gear the truck down the road as that is very costly.
-Rich
-Rich
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,496
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From: Calgary Canada
Narrowed Down My Choices
My truck's specs are in my signature. I'm here to vote for the 3.73's. If you travel a lot of highway miles, especially empty or lightly loaded, they keep the V10 in the "sweet spot" of about 1800-2000 rpm at highway speed. I've noticed a definate drop in mileage when running outside this range.
I don't think acceleration/power difference would be noticable, or only slightly so, between the two, but I can't say for sure. If the V10 doesn't have enough for you 3.73's you're a regular John Force
Passing power with the V10 is sweet, I turned some heads on the way home this long weekend
I drove a V8 with the 4.10's and hated it, it was way to "revvy" and was always shifting.
Both these trucks were autos, you'll have some control over rpm in that way, but not alot.
Waxy
I don't think acceleration/power difference would be noticable, or only slightly so, between the two, but I can't say for sure. If the V10 doesn't have enough for you 3.73's you're a regular John Force
Passing power with the V10 is sweet, I turned some heads on the way home this long weekend
I drove a V8 with the 4.10's and hated it, it was way to "revvy" and was always shifting.
Both these trucks were autos, you'll have some control over rpm in that way, but not alot.
Waxy
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 452
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From: Mesa Arizona
Narrowed Down My Choices
Thanks for the advice!
...but now I have another problem...F250 vs. F350...
The only reason I picked the F250 is because I was thought the ride would be less stiff and more responsive. Am I mistaken? Is the ride quality essentialy the same? I am scrutinizing every detail in this purchase as I expect to keep the vehicle for a while. For example- I decided on split bench over the captains chairs today. The center console on the captains chairs version seemed a little flimsy and insubstantial for such a powerfull truck.
Thanks,
When on two wheels-
FXSTC
Mesa- AZ
...but now I have another problem...F250 vs. F350...
The only reason I picked the F250 is because I was thought the ride would be less stiff and more responsive. Am I mistaken? Is the ride quality essentialy the same? I am scrutinizing every detail in this purchase as I expect to keep the vehicle for a while. For example- I decided on split bench over the captains chairs today. The center console on the captains chairs version seemed a little flimsy and insubstantial for such a powerfull truck.
Thanks,
When on two wheels-
FXSTC
Mesa- AZ
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,429
Likes: 2
Narrowed Down My Choices
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 22-May-02 AT 10:26 PM (EST)]
>F250, Lariat, 4x4, CC, V10, 6sp manual, LB
If you want this combination with the 3.73 axle and want the LS option you will have to go with the 350.The 3.73 reg.axle,4.30 reg.axle and 4.30 LS axle are available in the 250 with a manual trans.They should ride the same.The main differences that come to mind are ride height(approx.2in.),truck camper certification,and the 350 has a bit larger tires,which is a good thing in my opinion.
With the 6spd. manual the gear ratios in the transmission are close enough (no large gaps in rpm between gears) that I don't believe the 3.73 ratio will hurt your performance much.If it was a regular cab I'd say go for the 3.73's but since it's a CC,LB I'd say it's a toss up.If you were tow heavy loads a lot with a CC,LB I'd say go with the 4.30's.
>F250, Lariat, 4x4, CC, V10, 6sp manual, LB
If you want this combination with the 3.73 axle and want the LS option you will have to go with the 350.The 3.73 reg.axle,4.30 reg.axle and 4.30 LS axle are available in the 250 with a manual trans.They should ride the same.The main differences that come to mind are ride height(approx.2in.),truck camper certification,and the 350 has a bit larger tires,which is a good thing in my opinion.
With the 6spd. manual the gear ratios in the transmission are close enough (no large gaps in rpm between gears) that I don't believe the 3.73 ratio will hurt your performance much.If it was a regular cab I'd say go for the 3.73's but since it's a CC,LB I'd say it's a toss up.If you were tow heavy loads a lot with a CC,LB I'd say go with the 4.30's.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 467
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Narrowed Down My Choices
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 23-May-02 AT 02:43 AM (EST)]Go with the 4:30s. They will help with towing light or heavy loads and if you decide to go with a little larger tires, you won't have to worry about paying about $1500 to regear. And as for gas milage... I was getting 12.5 mpgs city driving with my truck (see bottom for specs and I have an auto trans) with only about 1000 miles into the engine. Of course this was before I lifted it :P
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 377
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From: Cary USA
Narrowed Down My Choices
Truck specs below....
First let me say that I am thrilled to own my F250!
I too have a small boat and plan on getting a small camper....
Knowing what I do now, if I had it to do over, I would have gotten the 350 configured exactly as below. My understanding is that the physical difference between the two is not very significant, but the load rating for the two is. I don't do a lot of heavy towing or hauling on a regular basis but when I want to, it would be nice to know that if the DOT guys ever check me I have that extra (800 lb or so) saftey margin.
There have been several threads related to this discussion - check out the following:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/superduty/2783.html
Gary M.
2002 F250 SD, SC, SB, 4x4, 6.8L v10, 3.73LS, 4spd Auto, Reverse Aid Sensor, Class IV Hitch, Offroad Package, Manual Hubs, 40/20/40 Bench Seat, Camper Package, Lariat, White, Putco Locker Side Rails, Mud Flaps, K&N Filter, Vent Visors....
First let me say that I am thrilled to own my F250!
I too have a small boat and plan on getting a small camper....
Knowing what I do now, if I had it to do over, I would have gotten the 350 configured exactly as below. My understanding is that the physical difference between the two is not very significant, but the load rating for the two is. I don't do a lot of heavy towing or hauling on a regular basis but when I want to, it would be nice to know that if the DOT guys ever check me I have that extra (800 lb or so) saftey margin.
There have been several threads related to this discussion - check out the following:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/superduty/2783.html
Gary M.
2002 F250 SD, SC, SB, 4x4, 6.8L v10, 3.73LS, 4spd Auto, Reverse Aid Sensor, Class IV Hitch, Offroad Package, Manual Hubs, 40/20/40 Bench Seat, Camper Package, Lariat, White, Putco Locker Side Rails, Mud Flaps, K&N Filter, Vent Visors....
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 50
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From: Durango U.S. of A.
Narrowed Down My Choices
My '02 F250 is exactly like your spec, except I have the shortbed. I ordered the 4.30ls and am very happy with it. I have been averaging 14.6 mpg, so the mileage doesn't seem to be affected. Also, when I do go to some 35" tires, the effective gearing is right at 3.73. I don't see a downside to the 4.30's.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,328
Likes: 0
From: Medford USA!
Narrowed Down My Choices
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 25-May-02 AT 10:49 AM (EST)]If you live in an area with DOT issues, go with the 350. A long bed CC will only have a "legal" payload to carry a bag of potato chips in a 250 configuration. The 350 won't ride any different. I like the 3.73's as 95% of the time I'm empty (and so's the truck ) The 3.73's keep you under that 2000 rpm "wall" at 65mph where after that, mileage in mine starts to drop off dramatically. The 3.73's work fine for hauling my (large) slide-in camper and boat combo.
If you're going to haul a lot get the 4.30's. If you want better acceleration, go to the 4.30's or better yet, buy a Mustang
) The 3.73's keep you under that 2000 rpm "wall" at 65mph where after that, mileage in mine starts to drop off dramatically. The 3.73's work fine for hauling my (large) slide-in camper and boat combo. If you're going to haul a lot get the 4.30's. If you want better acceleration, go to the 4.30's or better yet, buy a Mustang
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,208
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From: Conyers
Narrowed Down My Choices
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 25-May-02 AT 10:55 AM (EST)]>
>>F250, Lariat, 4x4, CC, V10, 6sp manual, LB
>
>If you want this combination with the 3.73 axle and want the
>LS option you will have to go with the 350.The 3.73
>reg.axle,4.30 reg.axle and 4.30 LS axle are available in the
>250 with a manual trans.They should ride the same.The main
>differences that come to mind are ride
>height(approx.2in.),truck camper certification,and the 350
>has a bit larger tires,which is a good thing in my opinion.
>
>With the 6spd. manual the gear ratios in the transmission
>are close enough (no large gaps in rpm between gears) that I
>don't believe the 3.73 ratio will hurt your performance
>much.If it was a regular cab I'd say go for the 3.73's but
>since it's a CC,LB I'd say it's a toss up.If you were tow
>heavy loads a lot with a CC,LB I'd say go with the 4.30's.
>
WHAT 350...that's Chebbie territory, Ford makes a 330ci (AKA 5.4) and a 6.8 V-10 which is somewhere around a 416ci.
Edit...oops, I was thinking abut the high-revvin, POS chebbie 350. Sorry about that ya'll...The (F)350 RULES!
>>F250, Lariat, 4x4, CC, V10, 6sp manual, LB
>
>If you want this combination with the 3.73 axle and want the
>LS option you will have to go with the 350.The 3.73
>reg.axle,4.30 reg.axle and 4.30 LS axle are available in the
>250 with a manual trans.They should ride the same.The main
>differences that come to mind are ride
>height(approx.2in.),truck camper certification,and the 350
>has a bit larger tires,which is a good thing in my opinion.
>
>With the 6spd. manual the gear ratios in the transmission
>are close enough (no large gaps in rpm between gears) that I
>don't believe the 3.73 ratio will hurt your performance
>much.If it was a regular cab I'd say go for the 3.73's but
>since it's a CC,LB I'd say it's a toss up.If you were tow
>heavy loads a lot with a CC,LB I'd say go with the 4.30's.
>
WHAT 350...that's Chebbie territory, Ford makes a 330ci (AKA 5.4) and a 6.8 V-10 which is somewhere around a 416ci.
Edit...oops, I was thinking abut the high-revvin, POS chebbie 350. Sorry about that ya'll...The (F)350 RULES!
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: DALLAS TEXAS
Narrowed Down My Choices
>Thanks for the advice!
>
>...but now I have another problem...F250 vs. F350...
>
>The only reason I picked the F250 is because I was thought
>the ride would be less stiff and more responsive. Am I
>mistaken? Is the ride quality essentialy the same? I am
>scrutinizing every detail in this purchase as I expect to
>keep the vehicle for a while. For example- I decided on
>split bench over the captains chairs today. The center
>console on the captains chairs version seemed a little
>flimsy and insubstantial for such a powerfull truck.
>
>
>Thanks,
>
>
>When on two wheels-
>FXSTC
>Mesa- AZ
Sir I have two question to ask you how much are you pulling and how often? I will agree if your pulling or hauling a very heavy load all the time then buy the f350 but if your riding back and forth to work empty and just every now and again pull a trailer or a heavy load then I would have to disagree with the f350 heck go ride in one empty
their like riding in a dang chuckwagon just my opion for what its worth.
>
>...but now I have another problem...F250 vs. F350...
>
>The only reason I picked the F250 is because I was thought
>the ride would be less stiff and more responsive. Am I
>mistaken? Is the ride quality essentialy the same? I am
>scrutinizing every detail in this purchase as I expect to
>keep the vehicle for a while. For example- I decided on
>split bench over the captains chairs today. The center
>console on the captains chairs version seemed a little
>flimsy and insubstantial for such a powerfull truck.
>
>
>Thanks,
>
>
>When on two wheels-
>FXSTC
>Mesa- AZ
Sir I have two question to ask you how much are you pulling and how often? I will agree if your pulling or hauling a very heavy load all the time then buy the f350 but if your riding back and forth to work empty and just every now and again pull a trailer or a heavy load then I would have to disagree with the f350 heck go ride in one empty
their like riding in a dang chuckwagon just my opion for what its worth.