gear ratios
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gear ratios
I've decided to purchase a new truck and have settled on the SuperCrew because of styling and interior room. I tested one with a 5.4 and 3.55 gear ratio. It seemed a bit lazy and was wondering if the 3.73 ratio would be better? Also what's the difference on gas mileage between these two ratios? Main use would be as a people mover, but would be pulling a 1,800 lb boat on weekends. Future plans would be to pull a 24 foot trailer.
Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.
Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Delaware
gear ratios
GPS,
I have a 2002 SC with 5.4 engine and 3.55 gears and I am happy with it. I'm getting about 15/16 mpg with about half of that mileage on the highway. I haven't towed anything yet but the power seems fine to me. I had 30 bags of mulch and two 50 pound bags of grass seed in the bed last saturday, and the only difference I noticed was it rode better!
If you are planning on towing a 24 footer, You probably should consider the 3.73 gears. It will pull better, obviously, and I don't think the mileage will be much worse..
Bru
2002 F150 Super Crew
Black 4X4 Lariat
5.4 Engine Ford Chrome Bars
1979 Bronco 351M 75K orig
I have a 2002 SC with 5.4 engine and 3.55 gears and I am happy with it. I'm getting about 15/16 mpg with about half of that mileage on the highway. I haven't towed anything yet but the power seems fine to me. I had 30 bags of mulch and two 50 pound bags of grass seed in the bed last saturday, and the only difference I noticed was it rode better!
If you are planning on towing a 24 footer, You probably should consider the 3.73 gears. It will pull better, obviously, and I don't think the mileage will be much worse..
Bru
2002 F150 Super Crew
Black 4X4 Lariat
5.4 Engine Ford Chrome Bars
1979 Bronco 351M 75K orig
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gear ratios
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 23-Apr-02 AT 02:59 PM (EST)]Why don't you try and test drive one that has the 3.73 gears? Personally, I would go with the 3.73 especially if you are going to be towing. It will help the engine and the MPG shouldn't be that differetn at all, if even noticable. To give you an idea on the MPG change, this has been discussed on the SD forum between the 3.73 and 4.30s and the 3.73s only get about 1-2 mpg better. Thats with a 0.57 change in gears. You will only change 0.18 going from the 3.55 to the 3.73s so the mpg should only be about 1 to less than 1 mpg difference.
Also, the option to the larger gears from the dealership is about a $400 option (thats what I paid to have the option of the 4.30s over the 3.73s on my SD)? If you get the stock 3.55 and decide you want the larger gears later on, it is going to cost you about $1000-$1300 to get the truck regeared from an aftermarket place (parts and labor). Hope this helps.
Also, the option to the larger gears from the dealership is about a $400 option (thats what I paid to have the option of the 4.30s over the 3.73s on my SD)? If you get the stock 3.55 and decide you want the larger gears later on, it is going to cost you about $1000-$1300 to get the truck regeared from an aftermarket place (parts and labor). Hope this helps.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: OK
gear ratios
I'm not sure you can even get (from the factory) a 5.4L with 3.73 gears- except with the 7700# pkg (not a S'crew). Before worrying too much, I'd make sure there is even a choice other than LS or non-LS.
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Auburn USA
gear ratios
I have a 2001 SC with the 5.4l and 3.55 regular axle. With 6000 miles on the clock, I find it to be surprisely sporty(read fast). I am pleased with the performance. I have pulled a boat and trailer (2500lbs) and it handles it with ease. Even towed with OD engaged on the interstate and it didn't "hunt". Although with a heavier load and or steep terrain you should tow with OD off. I think the 3.74 gears and 5.4 l would be a great package for your 24ft trailer.
Gas mileage in town (combination) is 16mpg and all highway is 18 mph.
Guyro
2001 SC,Black/gold pinstrips,XLT,Leather,ARE topper,Moonroof,:
Gas mileage in town (combination) is 16mpg and all highway is 18 mph.
Guyro
2001 SC,Black/gold pinstrips,XLT,Leather,ARE topper,Moonroof,:
Senior User
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From: Alvin, Texas, usa
gear ratios
I am having the same problem. I want to purchase a new super crew with the 5.4 L engine and 3.73 gears to pull my 28' travel trailer, but it is not available!!! You can get the 3.73 gears in a 4x4, but I don't want or need a 4x4!! You can get the 3.73 gears in a supercab 4x2, but not in the supercrew 4x2. You can get the 3.73 gears in a regular cab 4x2, but not in the supercrew 4x2. You can get the 3.73 gears in an expedition, but not in the supercrew 4x2. DOes this make sense to you?? Not to me.. They are making the best trailer pulling vehicle on the market for a family, and not even offering the 3.73 gears as an option. Please do like I have and go to the ford.com site and voice your displeasure though email. I even called the consumer 800 number hotline and voiced my opinion. MAybe if enough of us do that , they will wise up and offer more options for 2003 or 2004. Anyway, best of luck to you in your search for a new vehicle.
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gear ratios
Thanks for the comments above. Unfortunately the only option available in an FX4 is the 3.55. 
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