3.31 or 3.55 any real difference?
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From: Upstate, NY
3.31 or 3.55 any real difference?
I'm going back and forth on which gears to order. I like the look of the 20" wheels, but the 3.31 gears may help with MPG unless the 18" tires cause the gearing to be basically the same as the 3.55 with the 20s.
Any comments?
thanks
Any comments?
thanks
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Joined: Apr 2009
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There is a post here someplace where all the math for all the ratios and tire sizes has been calculated. There is no statistically significant difference between 18 inch and 20 inch rims with the factory installed tire sizes. Ford agrees because they rate the trucks to handle exactly the same loads and tow exactly the same weights. I tow 13000 pounds of fiver with my F350 SRW CC SB FX4 with 3.55 gears and 20 inch rubber.. It weighs 22300 pounds which is 1200 pounds under GCVWR. The truck pulls the fiver as fast as I want to go. It will pull 9% 3 mile long grades at 65 mph. I am completely satisfied with its ability.
Regards
Regards
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Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Upstate, NY
There is a post here someplace where all the math for all the ratios and tire sizes has been calculated. There is no statistically significant difference between 18 inch and 20 inch rims with the factory installed tire sizes. Ford agrees because they rate the trucks to handle exactly the same loads and tow exactly the same weights. I tow 13000 pounds of fiver with my F350 SRW CC SB FX4 with 3.55 gears and 20 inch rubber.. It weighs 22300 pounds which is 1200 pounds under GCVWR. The truck pulls the fiver as fast as I want to go. It will pull 9% 3 mile long grades at 65 mph. I am completely satisfied with its ability.
Regards
Regards
I'll look for the post you mentioned.
Thanks again
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The tire revolutions per mile are too close to make a measurable difference. Hyper milers may see some improvement. The real issue is this. When you get your new truck, it is so much fun to drive that mileage becomes secondary to the unbelievable acceleration this 8200 pound truck exhibits...not too good on fuel when you are having that much fun. I really liked the look of the 20 inch wheels and the Michelins.
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From: Upstate, NY
The tire revolutions per mile are too close to make a measurable difference. Hyper milers may see some improvement. The real issue is this. When you get your new truck, it is so much fun to drive that mileage becomes secondary to the unbelievable acceleration this 8200 pound truck exhibits...not too good on fuel when you are having that much fun. I really liked the look of the 20 inch wheels and the Michelins.
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Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Tempe, AZ
I went with the 18" wheels, because a guestimate before purchase was that with those, my F350 would be an inch or so lower than with the 20" wheels and stock tires, and I'd be able to clear the garage door.
Well, it clears, as long as there's no dust on top of the cab or on the bottom door seal,
and the 18" wheels and tires are better looking than what was on the '05, but there's no doubt the 20" wheels and tires look better yet.Joe
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Yeah, that was one of the two things I ended up not liking about my '05 (the other was the 6.0 Navistar).
I went with the 18" wheels, because a guestimate before purchase was that with those, my F350 would be an inch or so lower than with the 20" wheels and stock tires, and I'd be able to clear the garage door.
Well, it clears, as long as there's no dust on top of the cab or on the bottom door seal, and the 18" wheels and tires are better looking than what was on the '05, but there's no doubt the 20" wheels and tires look better yet.
Joe
I went with the 18" wheels, because a guestimate before purchase was that with those, my F350 would be an inch or so lower than with the 20" wheels and stock tires, and I'd be able to clear the garage door.
Well, it clears, as long as there's no dust on top of the cab or on the bottom door seal,
and the 18" wheels and tires are better looking than what was on the '05, but there's no doubt the 20" wheels and tires look better yet.Joe
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As long as we are talking about tire sizes......I have 18's with 3.31. I would like to eventually put 20's on, is that a problem with the 3.31 axle?
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From: Tempe, AZ
LOL. I live in the desert. Mud is rarely a problem.
BTW....What's this ice stuff you guys keep talking about?
I've got the 3.55, and really didn't consider having it any other way. Some option I can't remember--maybe the FX4 or the E-locker--triggered the 3.55 only, and Bob was my uncle.
Joe
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If you look at the video's from the "Ohio Meet", Crazy001's truck has 18 inch tires. Mine has 20 inch Michelin's. Our times were too close to call. I have 3.55 gears and I think he does as well...Based on how strong my truck is with 13000 pounds behind it, 3.31 with 20's will work well.
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