woodeye

OK, I'm ready to trade my '99 F150 supercab for a new Lariat. Short of pulling my 17' Bass boat, my driving is city and highway. So my question is which tranny should I be looking for, the 3.31 or the 3.55? Either way, I can't wait to get myself into this new model.

cole_ford

3.55 or 3.73, with the 5.4. Im pretty sure you can get 3.73 in the lariat, but they put the tow mirrors on when you upgrade.
What part of minn. are you. Im a car salesman in Grand Forks ND.

woodeye

I'm in Faribault Mn. 30 mi. south of Mpls.
I've been shopping the new Lariat, and have a very good idea of the vehicle I am after. I was under the asumption that the 3.31 would get me the best fuel economy, but I don't want to give up towing power either. I do think that I will wait untill May to see what the incentives will be.

cole_ford

The second quarter doesnt end until june 31st, and who knows what could happen. You may lose some incentives after that. We were a little concerned that they would lessen them come second quarter but they actualy increased them some, so that was good.
I would go with 3.55s then. Ive heard some of the guys that have boughten from the dealership I work at, with 3.55 gears say they average about 20-21 highway at about 70mph, and about 16mpg city driving.

laketrout

3.55's seem to be a good compromise in power and economy. I personally would get the 3.73's, but to do that in a Lariat requires the max tow and those big honkin mirrors.

I have 3.55s in my 02 Screw, and am looking to swap to 4.10s because it's a dog and my boat weighs 5000lbs. However, in the 09 with the regeared 6 spd tranny, you will have more power off the line with the extra low first gear. I think you will still feel some gear hunting on the hwy in and out of 6th gear though, depending on terrain.

woodeye

Thanks for the imput. I think that the 3.55 sounds like the right answer.
I took a test drive today in the '09 Lariat. What a sweet vehicle! It's a good thing that there is lots of room in the back seat, because I think I will be moving in 24/7!

Ranger2F150

Woodeye,
Where in Minnesota would you be pulling a grade that would effect you that much? When I was out there last year around your area..."Cottage Grove" it seemed pretty flat compared to SW Ohio.
Second thought you could always manually down shift to get your power then upshift.