So I have a 2013 f150 4x4 with 3.55 gearing and a 6" lift with 35s. I don't tow anything but my boat, a 17' center console on a single axle trailer. Nothing too crazy heavy. Towing is an absolute nightmare it doesn't want to stay in 6th and it jerks and is not fun at all to drive while towing.

My question is would i be better off referring to 4.10 or getting a programmer that has a tow tune on it? (For shift points and whatnot). My regular mileage is around 13-15 normal and towing it's about 9-10.

I eventually may do the gear swap myself as it doesn't look too bad, I also put my lift in myself. Thanks for the replies in advance!

 

I'm not a big proponent of gear swaps, having done many in my garage on my cars and 4x4s. But in your case, going up to large tires, you really need a deep gear to help any with towing. The tuner isn't going to fix your downshifting issue. The Coyote needs more RPM to get into it's powerband.

 

From what I've seen and read 35s really need the 4.10 gears. The tuner won't have the huge effects that it can have with the boosted engines so I'd just pony up for the gears... and then get a tune anyways....

 

Regear for sure.

 

In that truck 6th and 5th gears are both overdrives. 4th gear should be considered top gear anyway. You should never tow in 6th even with stock tires. Lock out 6th and 5th gears when towing and consider it a 4 speed. You, and the truck will be happier.

 

I had the same problem with my truck towing my 16' ski boat and have since put 35's on it with a 4" lift, also have 3.31 gears, the programmer woke it up no doubt, shifting is fantastic and can hardly tell i'm towing anything.

Go for the programmer and never look back, it's a lot cheaper as well and will help fuel economy but the truck will be so much more fun to drive it'll be hard to keep your foot out of it lol.

I went with the Sctx4 and 5* custom performance/tow tunes, I also have MPT custom tunes but that's another story. Completely different beast than the one I drove off the lot. Don't depend on the stock or (canned) tunes the programmer comes with, while they are a little better than stock you won't realize the full potential you have under the hood until you get a custom tune.

My rig...



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Start with custom tune. SCT X4 programmer with 5star or MPT tunes.

Then get gears if it's not enough for you. You'll need a custom tune for this anyway to account for the ratio change.

One option is ~$400 and the other is ~$2000.

 

1. Go back to smaller stock tires and wheels. Larger and heavier reduce effective gearing. A16' boat should be no difficulty at all.
2 Regear if needed.
3. I am not a fan of a tune. You get more power by bypassing the longevity cushion engineered into your truck.

 

Got some data to prove that statement? Didn't think so, please refrain from making matter of fact statements based on ignorance and/or speculation.
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Yes I do have documentation. ...Ford voids warranty with a tune. It is because it places more stress on the drivetrain. If it did not, why would Ford not get in the act and offer Genuine Ford Authorized Tuners? Are you claiming Ford is ignorant or unknowledgeable about their own products?

If you plan on keeping your truck for 250,000 miles plus, why in the world would you add a tune? More power from the same engine is more stress on the components. Period.

Yes, there is a margin for safety in factory settings. Do as you please with your truck, but not abusing a truck is why one like my '93 in the driveway gets 225,000 miles on it with only good maintenance.