v-10 gears
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From: fairfield usa
v-10 gears
I'm trying to figure out if I should and how to have my F-350, V-10, 3.73 changed to a 4.30 rear. Any thoughts on this or advice?
I understand the mileage gets worse, I'm towing a fifth wheel and that's not going to be good mileage anyway.
I understand the mileage gets worse, I'm towing a fifth wheel and that's not going to be good mileage anyway.
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From: OK
v-10 gears
How much do you tow and how heavy is your trailer? Or, a better question- will 4.30 gears allow you to run in OD while towing?
If you're just a weekend camper, it's probably not worth the expense of changing gears.
Also, if the truck will still down-shift when towing, then keep the 3.73 gears. Your RPMs in the 1:1 gear (you didn't say which tranny you have) will be sufficient to pull the trailer. If you install 4.30s and the truck still down-shifts, then you're unneccessarily turning higher RPMs and using even more fuel.
Basically, it's my opinion that it's desirable to get the 4.30s from the factory but it is NOT worth the expense to replace 3.73s in the aftermarket. You'd be better off to spend the money on power for the engine (chips, exhaust, etc.).
If you're just a weekend camper, it's probably not worth the expense of changing gears.
Also, if the truck will still down-shift when towing, then keep the 3.73 gears. Your RPMs in the 1:1 gear (you didn't say which tranny you have) will be sufficient to pull the trailer. If you install 4.30s and the truck still down-shifts, then you're unneccessarily turning higher RPMs and using even more fuel.
Basically, it's my opinion that it's desirable to get the 4.30s from the factory but it is NOT worth the expense to replace 3.73s in the aftermarket. You'd be better off to spend the money on power for the engine (chips, exhaust, etc.).
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Martinez, CA
v-10 gears
After having a 2000 with 3.73s and a 2001 with 4.30s, there is little difference in the milage.It will run about 300 RPM higher with the 4.30,and towing in O/D it won't downshift as much. You have to ask yourself if it is worth spending about $500 per axle to change gears, when the only thing you are losing is a little speed on the hills.
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From: Upstate NY
v-10 gears
I tow a 6500lb dry tt / 8000 loaded with 3:73's I lock out OD, unless i am on level or downhill and above 65mph............all else i keep it in drive, the v10 loves 3000 rpm. also better control in drive. I do not care what the ford manual states, in my mind OD is for cruising not towing!!!! gas mileage is bad enough with 3:73's, you want less get the lower gears...........
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From: OK
v-10 gears
V10man-
That's another great reason to buy the truck with 4.30s. But changing from 3.73 to 4.30 doesn't change the "sticker values" on the door. He's already got the "wrong" gears.
Fishin'-
With these newer transmisions, "overdrive" is actually just a 4th gear. Unlike the "old" days, it has the same strength as all the other gears, just a .71:1 ratio. If your truck can pull in OD, then it's perfectly safe to do so.
That's another great reason to buy the truck with 4.30s. But changing from 3.73 to 4.30 doesn't change the "sticker values" on the door. He's already got the "wrong" gears.
Fishin'-
With these newer transmisions, "overdrive" is actually just a 4th gear. Unlike the "old" days, it has the same strength as all the other gears, just a .71:1 ratio. If your truck can pull in OD, then it's perfectly safe to do so.
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From: fairfield usa
v-10 gears
I'm not sure what you are saying. Is there more difference between the stock F-350, V-10 with 3.73 rear and the F=-350, V-10 with 4.30 rear?
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From: OK
v-10 gears
A truck that comes from the factory with 4.30 gears has a higher GCWR. While there is no difference (other than gear ratio) between the trucks, merely changing gears from 3.73 to 4.30 does NOT increase the "legal" GCWR. This "legality" may not be an issue to most of us, but if you plan on using the truck commercially or towing in some places (like anywhere in Canada) you will want to be sure to not exceed the GCWR posted on the door placard.
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Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Mesa
v-10 gears
NoMo is right. Changing to 4.30's will "unofficially" change the tow ratings but if you get into a wreck all that will matter is what the sticker says. You're gonna be liable or at least face a expensive legal battle.
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