I live in wisconsin and mostly stay within 100 miles. I would like to go once a year out west or into North carolina. Why don't dealers order these with the 4:30 gears all I see are the 3:73. If I buy one with the 3:73 can the dealer change them to 4:30 for me and what would it costs?

Thanks

 

I have 3.73s and pull about 8000# all the time. Not a problem. I have entertained the idea of lower gears but when the dealer gave me the price tag of $2400, I think I will be just fine with my 3.73s. You already know what your max would be and your truck is within that limit, you will be fine.

 

hang 10 said:

Quote:

I have 3.73s and pull about 8000# all the time. Not a problem. I have entertained the idea of lower gears but when the dealer gave me the price tag of $2400, I think I will be just fine with my 3.73s. You already know what your max would be and your truck is within that limit, you will be fine.

I totally agree!! Personally I think he'll be okay.

I believe the 3.73's were removed as an option, so the dealers have no choice on that in 2004 and later. I was told by an LA dealer the 4.30 is now standard in 2004/2005. Am I right on this?

Holy cow!!! only $2400 to do yours?? Is that a 4x4?? I took my van in for service and they tried to tell me at the dealership it was 2400 for just one axle. I couldn't get the van out of the service bay fast enough.

I took it to an independent garage and told the mechanic what Ford wanted. He charged me $75 bucks to pull the cover and tell me what I already suspected...Ford lied about having to change the R&P. It was still okay.

I think I'd go with a gear vendor for that price first. At least I can turn it off for four wheeling.

 

3:73 limited slip is still an option on 2004

 

Yup, it's a 4x4. Parts at the dealer are about $950 and the rest is labor. Like I said, I 'entertained' the idea. It isn't something I really need to do. I just thought if the price was within reason, I might have gone on with it. I am happy and fine with the 3.73s.

 

I glad you are happy. I haven't really given mine the acid test yet. But if you are happy, I am sure I'll do just fine. Not as flat here as Kansas, though!

It took me nearly a year to put my 5.4 on a long haul and wring it out. Hope I have enough summer left to try this baby out. Local campgrounds usually close the day after Labor day. At least one stays open till Thanksgiving Day.

 

Chris Ill have to agree with POPS and the reason why is as follows. I have a 2002 F-250 super duty crew cab 4x4 V-10 3.73s and I have gone over and over this I mainly pull a 26ft travel trailer weighing at 6,200 dry and loaded with 3 kids 2 dogs wife and gear Im prob around 9,000 and the truck is 6,700 dry. I have ran many trips to the lake and around local camp grounds and have done the job quite well but I was going to take a trip to colorado and was concerned about pulling the mountain passes. I asked the same question and a post and felt that I knew as much after many opinions as I did before Their are many dif. opinions on this subject and they are all good and have reason but for me I can say the 3.73s do everything I want and then some I pulled the passes in colorado and any of the mountains here in South Dakota with no problems and just as fast as I wanted to go!! You are in a good place to get the answers you are looking for I have found some great info here and as long as Monsta doesnt get tired of my loooong posts I hope to stick around Go for The 2004 and dont think about it again it will do FINE
For the guys with the lower gears dont get me wrong you have a good thing but IMO you dont need it for the average week end camper and once a year long trip
Take Care
Jason

 

If a manual transmission is an option for you,I believe 3.73's will work well because of the closer ratio spacing between gears due to an extra gear as compared to an automatic trans.In other words....no wide ratio gaps between gears,plus a granny low and overdrive to boot.

 

I live in Colorado, pull a 9k horse trailer 2 or 3 times a month all over this state and have now problems with my 3.73 LS, 4 spd auto. I have a 2004 F350 SC XLT 4x4. My trailer is a bumper pull, so I am pretty much doing everything you say you will do. I have no problems whatsoever. On some of the grades upon approach I take it out of O/D and it climbs 'em like dream.

You will have no problems. Would it be that much easier with the 4.10s? YES. Is it necessary? NO. Will you spend a lot on gas? YES, I do. Although with what I've done to my truck I will say I now avg 10mpg loaded and 13 unloaded on the hwy. City miles are almost a constant 10mpg.

It will be a great and capable truck for you, so what are you waiting for?

 

AAAAMMMMEEEENNNNN brother speak the truth

 

I have a 2000 Excursion v10 4X2 with the 3:73 LS. I tow a 30ft travel trailer that weighs in at very close to 7000 lbs ready to go. Loaded for a long weekend trip the entire rig w/family weighed in at 15,180lbs. I live in central Illinois, but have taken trips to South Dakota, Indiana and Southern Missouri this summer. I can easily run between 70-75mph. On flat ground I can keep it in OD most of the time. The only time I had to turn off the OD was on the return trip from SD I hit a strong head wind. I know your trailer weighs more than mine, but my truck weighs more than yours. It just about evens out. You will have no problems!! I would not hesitate to pull this combination to either coast. As a matter of fact, I am planning a trip to Utah next summer. Will the 4:30's pull better? Without question. The question was do you need them. I would very strongly say no, you do not NEED 4:30's to tow the way you describe.