What Gear Ratio is everyone running

[cariboocreek]

3.42

[ifallsguy]

2016 F-150 2WD 5.0L with 3.55 E-locker and tows without effort on flats and in mountains.

Better than my '09 with 5.4L 4X4 with 3.73 under the same conditions.

[bogadel]

Originally Posted by Dustdevil

Gear ratios for towing are somewhat dependent upon what sort of engine is in the TV. Gassers, regardless of displacement, are more likely to be in the 4.10:1 or lower category, because gassers tend to develop their HP at higher rpm than, say, a diesel. Using a 3.73:1 on a gasser subjects that engine to lugging when pulling hard up steep hills, which won't end well.

Diesels run slower, for a whole host of reasons, but they develop their peak torque and HP at lower rpm. So, the 3.73:1 and 3.55:1 are more appropriate for those. It also depends upon transmission ratios, which can vary from model to model, and from manual to automatic. For towing packages, manufacturers generally select the lower ratios if there is a range of more than one available in their lineup. It's just not as hard on the engine when pulling out of the hole or when dropping into the next higher gear while accelerating. It also has benefits on the downhill side so you can use engine braking. But I would not put a 4.10:1 axle on a diesel, if that's what you are thinking.

3.55:1 is likely ok for a diesel that produces its max torque below 2000 rpm and max Hp below 2500, or on a truck that isn't optioned for towing. I think I'd feel more comfortable with the 3.73:1 on a diesel pickup. This may be the reason there are a lot of them still left on the lot with 3.55:1 axles.

X2 what he said!

[SouthCo]

Duramax with 6spd Allison and 3.73's

[ctbailey]

Originally Posted by JeremiahM

That's a GAS 6L, completely different. You probably would like 4.30s even better, gassers don't have the low end torque like the diesels

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Totally agreed. (My apologies if I missed the OP.... was this a diesel discussion?). LOL I can't keep these threads straight. [emoji3]


Craig Bailey
New Hampshire
Jayflight 32 BHDS
Chevy 2500HD CC

[SkyBound]

I would run 4.30s on a diesel and put 44in tires on it. But that's just me.

[JeremiahM]

Originally Posted by SkyBound

I would run 4.30s on a diesel and put 44in tires on it. But that's just me.

Just as a reference, ford uses 4.30s stock with the 6.7L powerstroke in the F450, that's over 40,000 lb gross when paired with the diesel, just shows ya difference between gas and diesels

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[jal0710]

We have a 2012 D/A combo with a six-speed Allison transmission and a 3.73 rear end. Had a 2011 Dodge Ram diesel with six-speed manual and a 3.42 rear end and, after nine months, traded it for the GMC. Just couldn't get used to the manual and lack of oomph compared to the GMC I had before with the same ration, 3.73. Perhaps it was just a question of getting used to driving a manual, but even with the 3.42 the Ram sucked at gas mileage and really bogged down when trying to tow my FW and Crestliner boat.

[JeremiahM]

Originally Posted by jal0710

We have a 2012 D/A combo with a six-speed Allison transmission and a 3.73 rear end. Had a 2011 Dodge Ram diesel with six-speed manual and a 3.42 rear end and, after nine months, traded it for the GMC. Just couldn't get used to the manual and lack of oomph compared to the GMC I had before with the same ration, 3.73. Perhaps it was just a question of getting used to driving a manual, but even with the 3.42 the Ram sucked at gas mileage and really bogged down when trying to tow my FW and Crestliner boat.

Standard shift trucks are a completely different animal, no torque converter to aid in take off with the load, plus the boost you loose between shifts, and the fact that the power output of the Cummins hooked to a manual is substaintally lower than ones paired with the auto transmissions

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[repacs0103]

Originally Posted by JeremiahM

Standard shift trucks are a completely different animal, no torque converter to aid in take off with the load, plus the boost you loose between shifts, and the fact that the power output of the Cummins hooked to a manual is substaintally lower than ones paired with the auto transmissions

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Stock modern manuals just don't compare either (and only Ram even offers one). I've got a tuned up 12 valve Cummins in a 95 Chevy 3500HD with a Fuller 6 speed that gives my 6.7psd a run for its money until it runs out of gear- but the pump is tuned so that it fuels and boosts hard right off throttle/idle. Of course it burns a little more diesel for it, but it still gets about 2 mpg more than the psd and the truck weighs about 1500# more


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[Atlee]

My F150 with the Heavy Duty Package as well as Max Tow came OEM with 3.73 rear.

[Jopopsy]

3.55 here.

[spotdog14]

Went with 3.31 on our F-150. Same gear ratio that is in our Expedition. We are happy.

[sean_cj7]

Well I appreciate all the responses. I have about 3500 miles on the new Ford F350, and I must say I don't notice the 3.55 gears at all. The 6.7l motor has all the power I need and has made towing effortless.

[Loboclone]

2015 F450 only choice available still 4.30. 9.5 MPG pulling a heavy Seismic 4212

[sobuck1]

2017 Ford F 250 SRW LB 430 gear 6.2 gasser, Pulled the Smokies dropped 1 gear 10 Mpg pulling our 2016 28.5 RSTS HT, Sweet spot was 64 mph

[neil0215.ns]

2017 Titan XD 5.6l gas, 3.55

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[Wusaah]

My 04 F350 dually has a 4:10 rear gear and it works well for our Seismic 4212.

Rob

[Packerbacker_TX]

Originally Posted by sean_cj7

Looking at new trucks, mainly left over 2016 Ford F-350's with the 6.7l. And what I'm seeing is a lot of 3.55 gear ratios. I'm currently driving a 2000 F350 with the 7.3l and have 3.73 gears. Mine is ok for towing, but a never considered going to higher gears like 3.55. What is everyone's experiences.

Thanks

New to the subject myself but here's what I had and have now:
* 2015 Ford F150 XLT 3.5L TT, auto, 4x4 SCREW standard bed w/3.55 and max tow package. I believe it was rated upwards of 10,700lbs towing w/1,700lbs payload.
* 2017 Ford F250 XLT 6.2L, auto, 4x4 SCREW LB w/3.73 and towing rated around 12,300lbs with 3,000lbs payload.