Help on deciding which gears I should go with on a 2012 ecoboost
04-02-2012, 11:40 PM
#11
I've been driving Ford trucks for 40 years. I have owned lots of personal and company service trucks. Everything from 150's to 350's both gas and diesel. I have been disappointed in anything less than 3:73 gears in a 4x4.
There is a reason the FX 4 only comes with 3:73 or 4:10 gears and the Raptor only comes with 4:10 gears. If you want little tires and 2 wheel drive, 3:55 would be ok, but I had 3:55 gears on one superduty diesel and it would not pull 35's. Had to regear the truck. Granted, the new 6 speed tranny helps, but I would not go less than 3:73 gears in a 4x4. No way.
There is a reason the FX 4 only comes with 3:73 or 4:10 gears and the Raptor only comes with 4:10 gears. If you want little tires and 2 wheel drive, 3:55 would be ok, but I had 3:55 gears on one superduty diesel and it would not pull 35's. Had to regear the truck. Granted, the new 6 speed tranny helps, but I would not go less than 3:73 gears in a 4x4. No way.
04-03-2012, 12:32 AM
#12
3.31 or 3.55 anything you get will get the job done with out a sweat. 3.55 if you plan on bigger tires in the future. If I had to do it over I would have went 3.31 for the low rpm cruize. A 3.55 at 65 mph is 1600 rpm in 6th
2200 rpm in 5th
2700 rpm in 4th
Really not a big deal because as you need more power the motor starts boosting first rather than downshifting first. Main thing though if your off road is get the locking rear so you can turn off all the so called traction devices
2200 rpm in 5th
2700 rpm in 4th
Really not a big deal because as you need more power the motor starts boosting first rather than downshifting first. Main thing though if your off road is get the locking rear so you can turn off all the so called traction devices
04-03-2012, 02:10 AM
#13
Not to hijack the thread, but I am in a similar predicament. I want to purchase an Ecoboost Supercrew 4x4 and will be towing frequently on 35" tires. I know that with the 4 speed trannys that I'm used to that a 4.88 would be the most logical choice of gearing, however, the 6 speed tranny is a different animal. I also know that turbo's love an engine under a load but I want to preserve the transmission. What gear ratio would someone recommend for this application? I'm thinking factory 4.10...
04-03-2012, 07:13 AM
#14
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I have 3:31 and if I drove mostly highway it would be good. If there is wind it can want to stay in 5th at 65. 75 seems to be a good highway cruise speed. However any stop and go kills it. I don't think you will have any problem with your trailer using the tow/haul mode. I think that overall 3:55 is prob best unless you are 90% highway driving.
If you do think you will put bigger tires on it, I would go 3:73.
If you do think you will put bigger tires on it, I would go 3:73.
04-03-2012, 08:28 AM
#16
Senior Member
Not to hijack the thread, but I am in a similar predicament. I want to purchase an Ecoboost Supercrew 4x4 and will be towing frequently on 35" tires. I know that with the 4 speed trannys that I'm used to that a 4.88 would be the most logical choice of gearing, however, the 6 speed tranny is a different animal. I also know that turbo's love an engine under a load but I want to preserve the transmission. What gear ratio would someone recommend for this application? I'm thinking factory 4.10...
Also, you mentioned towing frequently on 35 inches tires, are you talking towing serious weight?! If yes I'm not sure that's the best idea but it's your call
04-03-2012, 08:49 AM
#17
OP, if you are unsure, then the 3.55 is the safe bet. It's a very good compromise.
04-03-2012, 09:08 AM
#18
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04-03-2012, 09:21 AM
#19
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I have the EcoBoost with the 3.73 ELD. I have been carefully driving conservatively to figure out what sort of economy I would see and to date have not been able to get it above 15mpg. I am going to let it settle till around 3k miles are on it before I resign myself to a 13-15 mpg standard. I also haven't taken it on a long highway drive yet, will be doing that later this month and see what it looks like.
I have the tonneau on, and use regular gas.
I have the tonneau on, and use regular gas.
04-03-2012, 01:40 PM
#20
I'm talking about frequent light towing (~3 times a month) with occasional heavy towing (35 horse tractor on 3,000lb trailer about once or twice a year). I realize that towing and big tires aren't the best choice but how do you get the best of both worlds?