Hi all-
I'm looking at getting a 2011 F150 Screw with ecoboost engine. I'm trying to decide between 3.73 with e-locker vs. 3.55 limited slip. I'm not planning on doing much if any towing, but I will be off-road quite a bit. I work in the desert in Nevada and have to go through hilly terrain with sand and loose gravel as well as caliche. Bottom line is I don't want to get stuck....so I was wondering which gear ratio would be better.
Thanks.

 

The difference between a 3.55:1 and a 3.73:1 gear ration is only an 1/8th turn of the drive shaft. If you're buying a 2 wheel drive I don't think either choice will make a difference in getting stuck or not.

Driving skill will have more to do with than the gear ratio.

 

I forgot to mention it will be 4x4. I managed to get a rental 2011 F150 5.0L 4x2 stuck on just a little bit of gravel.

 

Pretty much everyone that works for the company that I work for that has driven a 4x2 vehicle has gotten stuck. 4x2 vehicles can't handle the hills with gravel/sand. We are also limited to no faster than 20 mph due to dust concerns, so no running starts on the hills.

 

I'd get the 3.73 E-Locker. It's what I have an I'm very satisfied. I've only had it in the mud once, nothing too serious but it was great. The E-Locker is definitely more advantageous for offroad terrain than a limited slip rear end.

 

Love my locker. Good thing is it open normally so no clutches or tires to ware out faster. Then when you need it's there at the pull of a ****.