What Gear Ratio is everyone running

[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

[jcoyle]

I'm not sure when you get into 1 tons, but most the 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks I see with tow packages are in the 4.10 range for gears.

[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.

[Ruth]

07 Silverado 2500HD 6.
0 vortec 6 spd with towing pkg with 4.10 gears.

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

[Witt74]

I have the 3.73:1 in my truck. Pulls well.

[NVGun40]

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, There are variables. My rig runs a 3.73, coupled with a manual transmission. I do a lot of wood cutting and hauling, so I will always stay in the 3/4 ton to 1 ton truck range. Whether it's a diesel or gasser, I prefer a manual transmission over an automatic.

[Midnightmoon]

My first 2 Cummins Rams 1992 and 2001 had 3.54 gears. My 04.5 and current early 2007 have 3.73's. All pulled extremely well.

All new single wheel Cummins powered Rams come with 3.42 gears. No option is available unless you move to a dual real wheel and then they offer 3.73's and 4.10's along with the 3.42's.

The torque that these modern diesels make work well with higher gear ratios. I wouldn't think you are going to have any issues with the Ford 6.7L 3.55 gear combo unless you are pulling extremely heavy.

[Subaru297]

We have a 3.73:1 in an F250 gasser.

3.55 in a SRW diesel would be the preferred ratio for towing.

For 2016 and single rear wheel I think your only options are 3.31 and 3.55.

If you wanted 3.73 or 4.10 they are available in the dual rear wheel models.

Cheers

[TCNashville]

Originally Posted by Subaru297

3.55 in a diesel would be fine.

Yep, I have the 3.55 in my Ford and no problems towing 10K.

[JerryMathers]

4:10 8.1L 4 speed pass everything but the gas stations!

[northwindone]

My V10 F350 has 3.73 with the 4R100 automatic. The 3.73 ratio is one of the only things I hate about my truck and I don't know why they would ever put a 3.73 in a truck that came with the tow package AND the camper package.

I would love to change over to 4.10 or 4.30, but with it being a 4x4 it would be a bit expensive and I'm not sure it would be worth it. At least I get good gas mileage!....for a V10 running on CA gas that is.

[WVDusty]

4.10 in my 05 ram 3500 srw.
You can get by much better in the newer trucks with higher gears because they now have 6 to 8 speed automatics v/s the old school 3 to 4 speeds.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[need-a-vacation]

Sean,

While you may have 3.73's in your current truck, what speed trans do you have? Is it a 4spd, or possibly a 5spd.

If the new truck has a 6spd trans, it will probably pull better than your old truck just based on trans and axle gearing, not even considering the new motor vs old.

Good luck deciding!!!

[Crabman]

4.10 on my old 2004 2500.

[RPreeb]

My F-150 3.5L EB with tow package has 3.55 gearing. Tows my TT just fine. I usually lock out 6th and it climbs most hills in 4th or 5th, rarely goes over 3000 rpm. It runs about 2200 rpm at 65 mph, which is just below the peak torque at 2500 rpm. Last tank of gas got 10.9 mpg towing about 260 miles (actually only took about 24 gallons of the 36 gallon gas tank).

[robkelly]

3.42 - didn't have any other choice unless I went DRW.

When towing I always use Tow/Haul mode and have had no concerns with pulling power

[Grumpy]

Chev Dmax with Allison 6 sp and 3:73 , avg 11mpg towing at 65mph.

[Bookemdanno]

My old 2500 with the 3:42 towed the 5er fine, but the new 3500 dually with 4:10 is a huge increase in the get up and go from a stop...not that I'm flooring it. Gas mileage will definitely suffer with the higher gears!

[norty1]

My 06 F350 SRW PSD came with 3.73: 1. 2wd.

Pulls like a mad bull.

My previous F350 CC dually with the 7.3 PSD had a 4.10. I prefer the 3.73.

[etex211]

My '96 Chevy crew cab dually with the Vortec 454 has a 4.10 rearend. I am convinced it would get better gas mileage with a 4.56 rearend because of the reduced number of 4 to 3 downshifts.