2014 5.0 scab with tow package & 3:31 rear gear. I just got back from a 10K trip pulling my 6100 lbs (loaded) Travel Trailer. I averaged 12.5 mpg on regular gas. It was slow on hills & getting onto hwy. Lots of downshifting & at a few spots it shifted to 2nd & revved up to 5,500 rpms at times when in cruise control. my avg speed was 62mph. Temps were always normal. I would like to change out the rear gears for something lower. I'm thinking 3:73's, any advice on that ratio & what the cost would be? Truck now has 30K on the odo. & under full warranty.

 

how often do you pull?

2WD or 4WD?

3.73 is probably the lowest i'd go, that's in the FX4... If I only pulled a few times a year I wouldn't worry about it. I doubt your MPG will change much but it will pull easier with new gearing. Maybe look at a tuner to help change the transmission program?

 

If you're going to spend the time, money, and hassle of a gear swap, go with 4:10's at least.

 

similar boat as the o/p. im looking at a 2012 with 5.0 and 3:31 gears. i tow a 6000 lb setup around the southeast 8-10 times a yr. like him the gears are already in the truck.

seems like only the super high optioned trucks have the 3:55 or 3:73. dont feel like buying a truck then immediately toss 2000$ at it in changing gears. is the 3:31 really that bad?

 

Pretty sure the 4x4 5.0's come in 3.55 or higher gears. So I assume it's a 4x2

I could be wrong though

 

maybe but no 4x4 for me. simply no need for the added weight opr cost. truck never see any off road

 

On the older trucks with 3 or 4 speed transmissions it was much more critical to have the lower rear end ratio for heavy towing as fewer gears provided less chance for being in the proper torque/rpm range.
The newer trucks having 6 and 10 speed transmissions are not so critical as you can now run a lower transmission gear whenever necessary while towing and have the higher gearing for non tow driving.
It boils down to being at the proper RPM for your engine torque as you pull up the hills.
If I were buying a new truck to be daily driver and tow occasionally, either the 3:31 or the 3:55 would be my choices.
If I was buying a truck for everyday towing, a 3:73 or possibly a 4:10 would be better choices and utilize all of the transmission gears.

 

if you buy that truck and put on 33 or 34 inch tires, your going to go from 3.31 < not good towing gears down to 3.15's or even less. When i got my truck i searched high and low for a 5.0 s.crew with 3.73's.


but i wood get 4.10's if you re gear.

 

My 2011 5.0L screw with offroad package came with 3.73's...

gear upgrade would be much easier, and cheaper, for a 2WD guy.

 

for me its strictly stock setup. my racecar is the one that gets all the mods. (and spends more time on the lift than ever!!) 17" wheels from the factory thats what the truck will ride on with highway tread