Rear Axle ratio question

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Feb 14, 2006 | 12:50 PM

#16

tcesni

Elder User

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 828

Likes: 0

If there is any likelihood of towing go with the 3.73 rearend. If you ask anyone at one of the fishing forums like bassboatcentral they would insist on 3.37s minimum.

Feb 14, 2006 | 05:04 PM

#17

rodneysch

Junior User

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 61

Likes: 0

From: imperial beach ca

3.55 ratio

I have a 2004 Scab Lariat with the 3.55's and 5.5 bed. It never hunts on long

grades and drives great. Right now my mileage meter is reading 17.6 mpg but
last tank calculated to 17.0 even. I think the winter fuel is hurting it a little
since last summer I averaged 17.5 to 18.0 mpg with a best of 20. I like the
3.55 ratio and don't do any towing but find it hard to believe I couldn't
easily. My truck accelerates good and gets what I consider darn good
mileage so I'd recommend it.

Feb 14, 2006 | 07:34 PM

#18

jazzman007

New User

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 1

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by 92merc

A 3.55 would probably be the wrong gearing if you're on 20 inch tires.

Hey All-

I'm familiar with how gearing works & affects drivability, and 92merc sounds right on target...bigger heavier wheels or bigger tires would, if anything, require lower gearing.

So I'm curious why on the '06s, when you configure an F-150 with 20" wheels it makes you select the 3.55 gears? The tire sizes are nearly identical (32.07" w/ 18s, 31.90" w/ 20s), so why the higher gears?

Thanks!
John

Feb 14, 2006 | 07:40 PM

#19

WhëëlMå1

Super Moderator

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 8,547

Likes: 6

From: MA

Ford likes to do that. For years, when you selected the FX4 package on the F150s, you couldnt get anything other than 3.55LS. Maybe Im just old fashioned, but wouldnt you want the lowest gear you can offer for an "offroad" package?