Need some opinions from guys that may have this setup. I'm looking at a 2018 f150. After thinking about going with an XLT model I also saw an XL that was pretty sharp. I'm a plain guy and don't need all the bells and whistles; however the XL with the STX appearance package really gives you more amenities than I would ever need. I'm 100% sure I want the 5.0 motor. This XL also has an FX4 package on it. The gear ratio is 3.31. Will this be a dog and a mistake? I don't tow often but will occasionally pull a trailer under 6000 pounds. Should I go with lower gears or is 3.31 adequate?

 

Just me knee jerk reaction.

If I'm getting a 5.0 im getting 3.73 gears. Those engines like to rev. With the vast gear spread of the 10 speed transmission its probably less of an issue. But Id still insist on 3.73.

Generally speaking the XLT equipped trucks have vastly better rebates available than any other trim package. Including XL or STX. When I was truck shopping I could literally get an XLT cheaper than an XL because the rebates were so good on the XLT.

XLT will always have better resale value.

 

Maybe you could meet in the middle and get a 3.55 geared truck? I got a 5.0 with 3.55 and I'm very happy with it, if your towing weight increases for some reason you'll be very glad you have the lower gears. I know because I had a Chevy with 3.08 and it wasn't fun towing with it. Little bit of an extreme example but it was gonna be nearly 3K to change the gears (4wd). From my experience, go with the 3.55 or 3.73s.

 

I like my 3.55 gears. Have had experience with 3.42 and 3.73 gears on another brand truck.

Recommend a test drive in a truck with each of the three gears 3.31, 3.55, and 3.73. I did. Look at engine rpms at 65 or 70 mph for each. It will be easy to see where you want to be.

 

I'm 100% sure it won't be a dog!

 

I got a 3.31 in my 2016 3.5EB because I do a lot of highway runs at 70+ MPH... but if I had it to do over, I would probably have done 3.73s. I don't think it much matters on the MPG.

Also consider that, if you want to go to tires that are *any* larger, you're basically hosed. With 3.73s, you can make a minor upgrade and still have an effective gear ratio. With 3.31s, you're at 3.1 or less pretty fast.

 

I wonder why they only offer 3.31 grar ratio if you get the FX4 package with 5.0? Seems odd to me?

 

You’ll be fine with the 3.31

But you’d be better with the eco-boost (says a guy coming from a 5.0 going to a 3.5 EB)

 

The 2018 I believe has a lower torque peak than my 2017 5.0 but with 3.55 gears mine is certainly not a dog. First gear is almost useless in it. I’m sure for your uses you’ll be fine with the 3.31 but if you find one with the lower ratios you’ll love it even more. Don’t put too much stock into the eco boost naysayers, at almost any speed at any time you get on it the “weak” 5.0 has ***** for days. I doubt you’d hardly notice your occasional 6000 pound trailer except on the hilliest roads.