Hey gang,

I hope I don't get any flack for this, as I certainly am not doing this to become another one of the those repetitive threads. I have researched the issue all day and have got a general idea, though can't find anything pertaining to my exact situation. I picked up a 2012 F-150 XLT CrewCab 4X4 with the EcoBoost last year. First ever new truck and was a tad overwhelming for me. It was in my price range and I was able to get the few options that I did want including the Chrome Package, XLT Plus Package, etc. I love the truck and have never doubted my decision.

I purchased a leveling kit for my truck last weekend and was planning on putting a set of BFG 305/65/18 on my stock 18" chrome package wheels. I originally intended on 34" tires (either 295/70/18 Trail Grapplers or 325/65/18 BFG A/Ts). I then came across a thread about gears. Don't know a ton regarding the subject other than the basic duties for each. I automatically asssumed I had the 3.55 rear until to my surprise and utter stupidity, I found my window sticker reading "3.31 RATIO REGULAR AXLE".

I do a ton of highway traveling for work at the moment, which I guess isn't that bad for the 3.31 rear, though I don't care that much about gas mileage. I tow very occasionally and when I do, it's either a car or jetskis. I haul an ATV when I go hunting or fishing and also do odd jobs such as hauling mulch and rocks once in a while. I have no real desire to to tune my truck or get a programmer though I'm sure it would be awesome.

Am I stupid for thinking about putting 33"s on my truck with a 3.31 rear? I feel like an idiot for even getting a truck with that rear and not realizing it until now. I don't want to make my truck a slug though I can't see the EB really being a slug. Am I missing out on the real potential of the EcoBoost? I've read some stories on guys who love 3.31s and some who hate them.

I apologize if this is a long-winded and redundant post, but I'm really hoping for some advice or clarification. I don't want to sound dramatic, just kinda' bums me out since I've worked construction and landscaping in the past pulling heavy trailers and would like to have the peace of mind that I still can should I ever decide to do that again.

Thanks a ton,

Chris

 

33s arent all that big man. youll be fine.

people run 33s with 3.31 rears all day. i wouldnt worry about it.

 

+1

They're only 1 inch bigger than stock tires. It may feel a bit more sluggish, depending on tire weight, but with the torque of the EB, I think you should be fine.

 

I don't think it will be much of a problem. The ecoboost makes enough torque that you might not even notice the difference.

 

Like the others said the diameter difference of 1" won't make that much of a power difference. But if you want to go bigger slap some 3.73's or 4.10's in it and call it a day.

 

As long as you aren't towing or hauling anything super heavy you will be fine. I have a buddy with a 08 running that same size tire with 3.31 gears and he hauls quads etc in the back. He said never anything heavier than that. I believe he has about 35,000 on it with that setup.

 

+2. The height is nothing but if the tire is heavy, that'll cause more sluggish performance then the 1" added height.

 

Don't feel bad. I made a bone head move and got 3.15s :doh

 

I have 3.15s (**** me) with 33's and a tune and I'm fine, still a horse.