daveantonio92

Got a 5.0, 3.73 and she boogies.

I work at ford of smithtown and I could deffinately feel difference from one to another

kbass24emtp

I have driven all three of the different gears in the 5.0 and there is a big difference between the 3.31 and the 3.73. Off the line it is not too big a difference, but on the highway going up an incline the difference is huge. The 3.31 will loose speed and need to drop a gear the 3.73 keeps the speed and does not need to drop down a gear. Difference between the 3.55 and 3.73 is not that big, but hills seperate them. After driving a 15 5.0 with 3.73 makes my 12 with the 5.0 and 3.73 feel like i'm dragging an anchor.

BoozeDaily

iTrader: (2)

I wouldn't consider you a normal driver. You know about gearing and engines so you are more cognizant of it while you're driving and test driving. The normal guys coming on here for the first time and learning for the first time about different gearing wouldn't know that.

I agree with you that there is a difference. Some guys can feel it, others can't. I can't. I could probably tell the difference between the three engines without being told which is which, but I'd be completely guessing if asked what the gearing was.

daveantonio92

are you in Suffolk? I'm in port Jeff

kbass24emtp

You really have to drive all three of the ratios to really tell the difference. You are right that the average grocery go getter driver would never know the difference. You really have to drive the 3.73s to know the difference and finding a 5.0 with 3.73 at a dealer is about as hard as finding a four leaf clover. I have only seen two in my area. It is a joy to drive.

JHG

Can't comment on the tread because I have a 3.5 Eco, but someone wanted to know if you could switch gearing with the E-locker. Yes you can, not an issue at all. I went from 3.31 to 3.55 on my 4X, cost me but went very smooth and with my heavier wheels and tires I am super happy with the outcome. Much more power throughout the band, which I felt I lost when I put the heavier shoes on. Now she drives better than stock.

savagecanuck

The biggest difference between the 3.73 and higher gears is that the transmission can pull taller gears without down shifting as much. I pull a small work trailer 5 days a week and I live in the mountains of bc. My new F150 holds 6th and 5th gear up gentle inclines,where my previous 5.3 3.42 silverado was always down in 3rd or 4th.Contrary to what most people think I am getting better fuel economy towing and around town with the 3.73, s as the engine doesn't has too work as hard constantly downshifting and grabbing revs. Hwy on the flats the advantage would go to the 3.31.No flat land where I live and I am exactly 50%towing on the tow computer mileage. I did notice that with my 275/60 20 tires over the stock 18,s that some hills I could pull in 5th it's now dropping to 4th. Love my 5.0 3.73 and I ordered my truck the way I wanted it.The dealers here order plenty 5.0 3.73 trucks.

fringe_remnant

I special ordered my 5.0 with 3.73 precisely because it doesn't have to work as hard in town to muster up torque below 2500 RPM. The bonus is that she's a real screamer above that number, and tows like a banshee. The taller rear ends will not match the 3.73 at ANY point.... they are marketed to help FORD meet EPA requirements for fuel consumption in its lineup, at the expense of performance.

I've been driving my 3.73 for two years now, that 9.75" final drive will never let you down. Screw those lighter gear sets.

bigandtall

I don't think I can even order the 9.75" gear sets now. I've seen a few trucks within 100 miles of me with the 3.73 ratio that are almost optioned like I want but I think the new rear gear sets are an 8.8" ????

This is a good discussion because I plan to own long term and don't want to feel stuck with my purchase after a few years. My Dad has a 2012 Chevy Avalanche with the 3.08 rear gear set and it's horrible. Enjoyment of driving is a huge factor for me so it sounds like I would be happiest with the 3.73.

Of course there are several trucks on the lots right now that I like as equipped except that they have the 3.55 rear.

StevieP65

These should not be mutually exclusive. Snow Plow Pre (68P) available on XL, XLT, and Lariat (not NOT KR or PLat!) in all three cab configurations (no mention of options).

You cannot get the plow prep package with the ecoboost. Must have the 5.0L engine and 4x4.