Long time lurker here!

I am currently negotiating with my dealer to take my 01 f250 CC V10 4X4 on trade for a 2005. The truck will be ordered and optioned out the same as the current one, which is a Lariat. I have added the Brake controller and Upfitter switches, but the problem I am having is deciding whether to go to 4.30's or stay with 3.73's. I tow 9000# for three weeks a year for vacation and approx 6 or 7 weekends during the year - not a lot of towing. I went from a 99 F250 SC V10 4X4 with 4.30's to the 01 with 3.73's. The increase in HP & Tqe from the 99 to the 01 more than made up for the difference in gears, however there were a few times I wish I had the 4.30's in the 01 when I was towing, so with the increase in HP & Tqe for 05, I am wondering whether to go back with the 4.30's, or if the 3.73's would be sufficient for the amount of towing I do. Any comments or insight would be appreciated.

 

Um, was your '99 equipped with aftermarket gearing? I'm not aware of Ford offering a factory 4.30 ratio. If you mean 4.10's, I would go with that for any towing.

 

I'm pretty sure they were 4.30's on the 99 - limited slip (not the first time I'd be wrong though) and it appears that for 05 the 4.10 non limited slip is standard with option of 3.73 or 4.30 in the limited slip

 

Ford does offer a 4.30 ratio but only with the V10.

 

My '00 had 3.73s, and my '01 has the 4.30s, exact same truck except for the color and gears. I didn't notice a whole lot of difference between the two, RPMs are a few hundred more, a little less downshifting maybe,and the mileage was the same. For the weight you're towing I'd get the 4.30s, just for the little extra grunt in getting started.

John

 

The ordering guide I have for the 05's does not show 3.73s available with the 3v V10. standard gears are 4.10s with 4.30s optional. For your situation 4.10s look to be a good choice.

 

I was going to tell the guy to go for 4.30s until I saw the 4.10s are offered for the 2005 models.

If this is true I'd go for the 4.10s. I bought mine with 3.73s and I regret it and wish I'd gone for the 4.30. The 4.10s should be a perfect compromise for occasional towing.

 

I have an 2001 V10 with a 4.30 LS. I put 315/78x16 tires on it with a 6" lift this brings my final ratio back to about 3.90'S seems to have good take off grunt like this. if your not going to install larger tires then go with the 4.10's other wise look at the 4.30's

 

Thanks for the responses - this does solve my problem as it appears that the 4.10's will be a good compromise. The truck will be remaining stock.

Thanks all

 

i have an 03-250-v10 with 4.30. When i ordered it, the i could have gotten a 3.73 or 4.10 (non-limited slip) OR a 3.73 or 4.30 limited slip. Since i do not tow with the truck, i was looking at the 4.10, but wanted a limited slip.

I went with the 4.30 limited slip. I figured that i would just put a bigger lift and larger tires than i originally planned.

No I figure that have a V10 and 4.30 limited, I should be able to run 35" (with a 4" superlift lift) and all should be fine.

Unless someone here knows differently.

 

Had 3:73's and a V10 and when towing heavy the truck would want to hunt in and out of OD if I brought the speed up past 60 or so, now with the 4:30's and V10 I can set the cruise at 70 and still run in OD. That is the only real dif I can see.

 

I could be wrong, but I don't ever recall anybody saying "boy, I wish I had gotten 3.73's instead of 4.30's" Don't fear the gear!

 

something elce to think about, if you get the 4.30 gears in 05 you get the 35 spline shafts like the big trucks get (up front). other wise you get the small axles like that are currently in use.

petersons 4x4 magazine had a write up in it this month check it out to get more info.