3.55's Only...WTF??
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
3.55's Only...WTF??
So I'm on the Ford site building my '10 F250, and with a diesel, the thing will not let you select anything but a 3.55 gear. Even 3.73 it tells you to switch to V-10... What's up with that??
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
I think it likely has something to do with people complaining about MPGs.
Remember, down in the 6.4 forum we normally get someone complaining about MPGs every week! How many complain that the 6.4 can't tow their trailer? Never seen one myself. Heck, even with 9,000 lbs behind me the tranny stays in overdrive and never has to downshift.
I believe 3.31 is standard now and 3.55 is the option in the F250s. Almost certainly to make the truck drink less while loaded. Also, the F250 is less likely to be dragging 15,000 lbs, and is more the type of truck people expect to tow occasionally and get reasonable fuel economy unloaded.
Makes sense to me, although I still wouldn't want less than my 3.73s.
Remember, down in the 6.4 forum we normally get someone complaining about MPGs every week! How many complain that the 6.4 can't tow their trailer? Never seen one myself. Heck, even with 9,000 lbs behind me the tranny stays in overdrive and never has to downshift.
I believe 3.31 is standard now and 3.55 is the option in the F250s. Almost certainly to make the truck drink less while loaded. Also, the F250 is less likely to be dragging 15,000 lbs, and is more the type of truck people expect to tow occasionally and get reasonable fuel economy unloaded.
Makes sense to me, although I still wouldn't want less than my 3.73s.
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 24,308
Likes: 42
From: SW Virginia
According to the 2010 Order Guide, you can only get the 3.31 or 3.55 on an F-250 or 350 SRW truck with the diesel like Tom said above. You have to step up to the F-350 DRW to get the 3.73 in the diesel. They even changed the Tow Boss package this year. It used to have the 4.30 gears and now has the 4.10s.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,521
Likes: 11
From: Greenwood, SC
I tend to agree on this, kinda bites. But, maybe with the 6 speed trans. it won't be too much different than a 3.73 with the 5 speed?
It's an expensive experiment but we'll have to wait for somebody to tell us what it drives like. More power, 6 speeds, 3.55 might work out ok.
Maybe we'll get lucky and have a way to lock out OD when we need the HP going down the road.
It's an expensive experiment but we'll have to wait for somebody to tell us what it drives like. More power, 6 speeds, 3.55 might work out ok.
Maybe we'll get lucky and have a way to lock out OD when we need the HP going down the road.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,626
Likes: 7
From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN
That takes me out of the ordering game for awhile. I won't go back to 4.10s. There is a huge difference between 4.10s and 4.30s while you are towing it is unbelievable.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
I tend to agree on this, kinda bites. But, maybe with the 6 speed trans. it won't be too much different than a 3.73 with the 5 speed?
It's an expensive experiment but we'll have to wait for somebody to tell us what it drives like. More power, 6 speeds, 3.55 might work out ok.
Maybe we'll get lucky and have a way to lock out OD when we need the HP going down the road.
It's an expensive experiment but we'll have to wait for somebody to tell us what it drives like. More power, 6 speeds, 3.55 might work out ok.
Maybe we'll get lucky and have a way to lock out OD when we need the HP going down the road.
Trending Topics
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,384
Likes: 1,868
From: Frederick, MD
I think everything is the same till Jan 2010 when the new emissions come into play. Then that will be the big switch.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / Worst Features Of The 2025+ Ford Expedition
Brett Foote
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition
Joe Kucinski
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,626
Likes: 7
From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN
I never could understand any of that anyway. Too many negatives(in my opinion) and this is just another one here.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From: LAS VEGAS USA
I was a little uneasy abou this topic as well. In january I traded in my wifes toyota camery for an 09 F-250 6.4 4x4 SC. Good riddance to that bucket! I expressed my concern to the salesman regarding the 3.55LS dana 60 rear end it listed. Im used to the lower the gears the better but he pretty much said the same thing, if i want lower gears i have to buy a gasser. They made me such a killer deal i couldnt let the truck go. I towed a friends chevelle from his place in vegas down to san diego to be restored. I figure I had a total of 7k behind my truck. I made it to San diego burning 23 gallons (350ish miles away) cruising 65mph. It was cake! i averaged about 16mpg on the trip. i was very impressed. I am confident it could handle much more with the same ease.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,320
Likes: 13
From: Mid Atlantic
I think the gearing on the new 6 speed tranny will help alot plus give you the improved mileage when not towing.
The videos ford has put out about the towing ability of the new SD shows it's not lacking in the grunt department that's for sure!
The videos ford has put out about the towing ability of the new SD shows it's not lacking in the grunt department that's for sure!
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
I was a little uneasy abou this topic as well. In january I traded in my wifes toyota camery for an 09 F-250 6.4 4x4 SC. Good riddance to that bucket! I expressed my concern to the salesman regarding the 3.55LS dana 60 rear end it listed. Im used to the lower the gears the better but he pretty much said the same thing, if i want lower gears i have to buy a gasser. They made me such a killer deal i couldnt let the truck go. I towed a friends chevelle from his place in vegas down to san diego to be restored. I figure I had a total of 7k behind my truck. I made it to San diego burning 23 gallons (350ish miles away) cruising 65mph. It was cake! i averaged about 16mpg on the trip. i was very impressed. I am confident it could handle much more with the same ease.
WOW! I can get that unloaded at 65-70 MPH, but with any kind of trailer I'm down in the 12-13s at best. 10 or less with an enclosed trailer!
I agree with you, though. These trucks are really amazing! I just drug 11,000 lbs 750 miles in my enclosed trailer and the truck hardly ever even had to downshift to pull hills. Many hills that my last truck, which was an '07 5.4L F150, would have needed to be in 2nd gear to pull were easily conquered in overdrive.
I love my truck. I do NOT love the fuel economy!