Should I be afraid?
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New User
Joined: Feb 2007
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Should I be afraid?
I just purchased a new 2006 F150 XLT Super Cab. The truck has the 5.4l v8 as well as 3.55 gears.It is a 4x4. After doing the deal this morning I found this website and was quite concerned about some of the issues presented here.I do not take delivery until next week as they are bringing the truck in from another province.
I did test drive a truck with the 5.4,auto and 3:73 gears.At 100kmph the tach showed 1800rpm.Any idea what the tach will show with the 3.55 gears.I will be doing most of my driving empty or pulling a small fishing boat,I am wondering whether the tranny will shift in and out of O/D with the 3.55 at highway speeds.Does anyone have this combination and what are you getting for mpg?
I did test drive a truck with the 5.4,auto and 3:73 gears.At 100kmph the tach showed 1800rpm.Any idea what the tach will show with the 3.55 gears.I will be doing most of my driving empty or pulling a small fishing boat,I am wondering whether the tranny will shift in and out of O/D with the 3.55 at highway speeds.Does anyone have this combination and what are you getting for mpg?
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 546
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Definitley do a search. I just finished reading through a bunch of threads on this issue. I have the 3.55 gears but don't plan on towing anything and will be doing highway driving. From what I read if you are towing you will want the 3.73 gears. On a plus side you could always change them out later.
New User
Joined: Oct 2005
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Unless you are running really short tires, less than 30 inches tall i would not try and tow too much with 3.55 gears maybe 5000 pounds. as for your question on the RPM at speed, you can use the caluclator on the below link, course you will have to convert klicks to MPH, and know your tire height. Mine has the 3.73's and i pulled a 8000 pound trailer half way across the US and in places it was scarry, didn't like hills much with that much weight. lots of guys on this forum pull this ammount all the time, but i feel it was a bit of a stretch given the powertrain. good luck with your truck.
http://www.richmondgear.com/101032.html
http://www.richmondgear.com/101032.html
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,547
Likes: 6
From: MA
Welcome to FTE slauso. I don't think you have much of anything to worry about with the 2006 model. Yes, Ford had some issues with the MY2004..... but they should be cleared up by now. I traded my 04 in for an 06... and I have been smiling ever since. FWIW.... I have never been a fan of the 3.55 gearing due to what you mentioned. I guess it all depends on the average grade of the highway you travel. I got 3.73s in the 06, but would have gladly jumped at 4.10s if offered in my particular configuration. Search the main page for a 'unofficial gas mileage' thread. It should at least give you a ballpark. I hope your new ride gives you years of trouble free service!
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 308
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From: Michigan
Slauso, I have a 2004 model with the exact combo you purchased. Don't worry about the truck shifting out of OD under normal driving conditions. If you are towing less than 3000 pounds, you will hardly even know it is back there on level ground. Just stay within the towing specs for your setup, and you should be fine (turn OD off for heavy loads especially if trans. hunts wile towing uphill or heavy). Have fun with the new truck.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 172
Likes: 17
From: Claremore OK
I have an '06 Screw - 5.4 W/3.55's
I tow a 21' ski boat all summer long (3500lbs not incl. trailer) with NO problems at all.
I work my truck pretty hard, and even though I mostly run empty, I've pulled many, many loads. (once had 9000# on a flat bed weighed at a scap yard)
The 3.55's in theory should get you BETTER fuel economy than 3.73's
I have said before - I dont feel like I realize any real savings in gas.
I also don't think I suffer any real loss from the higher gears either.
34,500 miles in 13 months - I still love my truck - best I've ever had
I tow a 21' ski boat all summer long (3500lbs not incl. trailer) with NO problems at all.
I work my truck pretty hard, and even though I mostly run empty, I've pulled many, many loads. (once had 9000# on a flat bed weighed at a scap yard)
The 3.55's in theory should get you BETTER fuel economy than 3.73's
I have said before - I dont feel like I realize any real savings in gas.
I also don't think I suffer any real loss from the higher gears either.
34,500 miles in 13 months - I still love my truck - best I've ever had
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,945
Likes: 1
From: Wasaga Beach, ON
Mathematically there is not very much difference between the 3.55 & 3.73 rear ends. It's only 5%. I just got an 07 Screw with 3.73's but I the dealer also found some with the 3.55's. It seemed that here in ON the dealers ordered 3.55's with 20's and 3.73's with the 18's even though the tire sizes are the same on the road.
I would drive on and have fun with it. It'll tow your boat with no problem. Heck if this Ford can't tow 5000lbs without working overtime I'll be dissapointed myself. My old GMC towed a car on a flatbed trailer though the mtns in NY state without any trouble and it was old & tired.
I would drive on and have fun with it. It'll tow your boat with no problem. Heck if this Ford can't tow 5000lbs without working overtime I'll be dissapointed myself. My old GMC towed a car on a flatbed trailer though the mtns in NY state without any trouble and it was old & tired.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,514
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From: Maple Grove, PA
yeah, i pick my truck up friday....07 Super cab 5.4 with 3.73's ....i can't wait to get some weight behind it and see how she does going up north in PA through the blue mountains....my 4.6 L 5 speed does ok but i'm shifting a lot...i usually take 2 cord of white oak up in the spring....thats about 8,400 lbs.....the 4.6 slows down pretty fast on the hills so i'm excited to see how this baby does...
my 4.6 had 33" tires with 3.55 gears and a 5speed so this should be much better
my 4.6 had 33" tires with 3.55 gears and a 5speed so this should be much better
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