Not happy with towing capability
07-07-2016, 07:23 PM
#21
I believe, could be wrong, Ford came out with the 3:31's to make the E.P.A. Mileage look better.
The salesperson was trying to save you some Gas money or didn't understand how important gearing is when Towing?.
I've always had the 3:55 or 3:73's. I 'm in a lot off Colorado Mountain driving.
It's not that easy to take a Truck back for another one.
Good Luck. You need to do some research before you make your next Very Large Purchase?
The salesperson was trying to save you some Gas money or didn't understand how important gearing is when Towing?.
I've always had the 3:55 or 3:73's. I 'm in a lot off Colorado Mountain driving.
It's not that easy to take a Truck back for another one.
Good Luck. You need to do some research before you make your next Very Large Purchase?
07-07-2016, 09:51 PM
#22
Senior Member
I'm not sure what any of the transmission ratios are, but I've never seen any that weren't 1:1 in top gear, not including OD. Gears 1-4 and OD may vary slightly between manufacturers, but 5th should be 1:1.
All of the issues I'm reading about claim plenty of power in the lower gears with them dying in 5th with the engine seemingly not putting out the power it should.
I realize 3.31 gears aren't ideal. These trucks are rated for 9,000 lbs and that is probably optimistic. But we're talking about 2000-3000 lbs here. I've pulled that much weight with 3.08 gears. If these guys were having issues with 6000-7000 lbs I'd blame it on the gearing. The 3.31's aren't helping, but there is something else happening here.
All of the issues I'm reading about claim plenty of power in the lower gears with them dying in 5th with the engine seemingly not putting out the power it should.
I realize 3.31 gears aren't ideal. These trucks are rated for 9,000 lbs and that is probably optimistic. But we're talking about 2000-3000 lbs here. I've pulled that much weight with 3.08 gears. If these guys were having issues with 6000-7000 lbs I'd blame it on the gearing. The 3.31's aren't helping, but there is something else happening here.
07-07-2016, 09:59 PM
#23
These posts always puzzle me. I've seen multiple of them, yet I have 5.0/3.31 with 33s and regularly tow a 6000 lb boat. I lock out 6th and tow in 5th. I have not experienced what the OP is stating. Something has to be wrong with you truck
07-07-2016, 10:07 PM
#24
Lemon law it. If they can't fix it, then they must replace it or buy it back. That's how I would pursue it. For one thing, they are not comparing like vehicles, for another if a 3.5 with 3:15 gears can pull the same trailer with ease, then there is an issue with your truck.
07-07-2016, 10:34 PM
#25
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In general the programming will favor a lower gear and downshift rather than lug, so I agree with this. Something seems to be up with this combination.
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07-11-2016, 03:57 PM
#27
100%
Salesman don't really have any clue what they are selling, those that do are rare, and bury their nose in the details. Same goes for buying a trailer. Those who sell them really have NO clue how to pull them, they just do it for commission.
07-12-2016, 10:17 AM
#28
I towed my 5700 lb Travel trailer 1170 miles this weekend with a 2014 F 150, 5.0, 3:31. I was in tow mode & the tranny was shifting between 6th & 5th gears on a somewhat flat surface. It would drop into 4 & 3rd at times depending on the grade. Biggest grade was 6% & was in 3rd & 4th gear. I was in 55-60 mph range most of the time. RPM's were 1500 in 6th & 18-1900 in 5th. 4th gear would be 2200rpm. When it dropped into 3rd at 60 mph rpm's were 3000-3100. That was the lowest gear it dropped into. My tranny & engine temps were consistent & normal towing in the 93 degree Florida temp. 
07-12-2016, 12:58 PM
#29
Senior Member
Changing the gears can be quite diffucult. You have to get the gears to mesh with eachother within certain tolerances. Otherwise you could grenade your rear end. Probably best just to pay someone to do it.
Expect to pay $150-200 for the ring and pinion and another $300-600 for the install.
Expect to pay $150-200 for the ring and pinion and another $300-600 for the install.