3.55 or 3.73

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01-06-2009, 06:25 PM

eskew11

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3.55 or 3.73

I have a 2004 F150 4.6 with 3.55 gears.Which would be the better ratio for towing? Will mainly be towing a 22' car hauler with a 2800lb race car on it. I had 1992 5.8 with 3.55 that seemed to do all right,just a little slow on the take off.

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01-06-2009, 06:30 PM

FTE Ken

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I think you'll manage fine with that load, its not overly heavy. 3.73 would certainly make it easier, but so long as you're not driving through the mountains your setup will do okay. I'm guesing the trailer is about 1500 lbs?

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01-06-2009, 08:01 PM

eskew11

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1500lbs sounds like a good estimate,probably lighter. my brother has a 2001 4.6 with 3.55 and his seems to do ok. He would always out tow my 1992 5.8. Seems like the 4.6 triton has more power than my 351 5.8.

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01-07-2009, 12:52 AM

Tylus

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the newer 4.6 does have more power than the 5.8...but it's in a heavier truck than the 82-97 models

If you are going to do the gear swap, I really recommend you skip the 3.73 gears and go straight to 4.10. A 3.73 gearset is so close to the 3.55 set, that IMO you will be wasting a pretty big chunk of money for very limited gains.

that will do 2 things for you. It'll help your towing capacity and let the truck do the job alot easier with less wear/tear on the drivetrain...and the best part is that it will make your truck a new animal

Just some food for thought

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01-07-2009, 04:51 AM

shorebird

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If towing is the primary purpose for the truck then go for the change to the 4.10 set for the reason that tylus suggests. Remember that your mpg will also shift downward .

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