GreenScrew

Looking at the ordering guide, it suggests that 3.73 gears aren't an option but are included in the Heavy Duty Payload pkg. Which is listed as late availability.


Why would this be? I ordered 3.73 on my existing '11 EcoBoost and with plans to lift and put oversized tires on my next truck too, my mindset like many others is that 3.73's is the way to go. I don't haul a lot, but with the big tires it's my assumption I wouldn't be as happy with 3.55 axles.


Is this old school thinking that I need to get over? I've been looking around at the possibility of going with a 2014 rather than first year 2015 and an EcoBoost with 3.73's is hard to find....


Nothing too radical - 4" lift and 35" tires on 10" wheels... maybe someone has experience with a similar combo running 3.55's as is seemingly the norm?

GearheadGeek

I think with the torque available at low RPM from the Ecoboost it'll be OK, though I'm sure the combination of oversized tires and a heavy trailer would be noticeably slower than 3.73 gears in the same setup.

Is your concern mainly the timing of the '15 availability with HD Payload? Because even if you're willing to wait, it looks like HD Payload will again be available only on the longest wheelbases. That's my dilemma... I'd like to have the extra payload but I don't really want the extra foot of wheelbase. I think it's a plus that Max Tow is on the 3.55 this time around, even my old 5.4 does OK with the Airstream with the 3.55, though it's a leisurely climbing up to passes in Colorado.

PS: I have several friends towing trailers in the 8k lb range with Ecoboosts and 3.55 gears and no complaints, but again they are running stock tire sizes.

Milton6001

It varied by model and package even in 13. I could only get them if I ordered max trailer tow, or 4X4 Off Road package with my XLT. I think that they were available on FX4 without any additional package.

I could not get heavy duty payload with the 5.5ft bed crew cab. If they have really limited 3.73 to heavy duty payload trucks I am fine with it as long as they are offering the heavy duty payload option for all versions of the truck.

GearheadGeek

The ordering guide suggests that HD Payload will again only be available on XL, XLT and Lariat trims, and only in regular cab+8', SuperCab+8', SuperCrew+6.5' configurations.

The 3.73 diff is available as an option OR packaged with HD Payload for the 5.0, but for the Ecoboost it shows only as being available packaged with HD Payload.

GreenScrew

Right, which for all intents and purposes to me means that its effectively unavailable (Screw 5.5). Disappointing really, but I will assume, and hope, that this is being done because its of limited/no benefit for the EcoBoost and I won't have any disappointment when I throw heavy 35" tires on the corners. <fingers crossed>

Daytoman

You're gonna need a gear change if you want to be truly happy with your set up. Being that it's an EB makes it more complicated...3.55 gears with those tires are gonna have the turbo boosting it's ballz off constantly. Anyone who tells you the 3.55s work fine is delusional. I had 33s on a lifted truck with 3.55s and it was a dog until I re-geared.
Just plan on budgeting in 4.10s when you do your lift. Problem solved.
Don't count on Ford to give you what you want (3.73). Today's Ford gives you what they think you need. That's it.
Listen to yourself, you're already falling in line. You know the 3.55 are going to make it a dog but your "hoping" "Ford knows what they are doing for the benefit of Exoboost"??? Lol!!!
Yeah maybe for the benefit of the EB with STOCK wheels and tires! Come on man!! Don't be a lemming.
Sorry to be so harsh but, damn.
Good luck.

Brad2013FX4

i have 37's with 3.55's and ecoboost pulls them great. I tow 6000lb boat at least twice a week no problems.

GreenScrew

This! Is good, real-world information I was seeking. Thanks!

Stage3Motorsports

I have 37s and 3.73s on my 12 Ecoboost FX4. Planned to do 4.56 gears once we got the 37s on, but the ecoboost motor has no problem tuning them.

FordEver

No doubt the Eco can do it. But guys, your trucks must be dogs on gas?? But WTF, its a truck right.