TerriLove

I tow gooseneck around 6400 lbs loaded. I researched and think I need a 373 to feel safe. Hard to find a used one. I also use my truck to drive to work every day.

Salesman told me I'd have to get a FX4 off road to find 373, and it would be leather/fancy interior, which I don't want to pay for.

Can I find a used F150 5.0 Supercrew w/373 and tow package?

Am I being silly to insist on the 373? (I'd like to take some trips in the mountains)

jonbar87

Not silly at all. I had 3.55s and hated them. I regeared to 4.56 and love it. I wouldn't go any higher than 3.73, if not 4.10.

TerriLove

How hard would it be to buy the 355 and have it geared to a 373? Would that work after market?

jonbar87

I wouldn't waste the money. If you're going to spend the money to regear, might as well go with at least 4.10s

Boulevard

5.0's with the 3.73 gear set are fairly common so keep on looking. I myself tow 6000lbs with the 5.0 and the 3.55 gear set. I would feel very comfortable pulling 7500lbs with this truck.


The only difference between the 2 trucks is the gear set and nothing else. They are both 100% identical in every other respect. If you were to buy the 3.55 truck and than try to have it 'upgraded' to the 3.73 the shop would probably take your money and then laugh your face. The 3.73 is virtually identical to the 3.55 and does not offer any sort of effective change. 4.10's as mentioned, is another story.


Please realize that every FORD dealer in of north America must have been instructed to upsell their product. If they aren't pushing the ecoboost than they are pushing the 3.73 in an upscale model like the FX4. Stick to your guns and buy what you want.

TerriLove

Do you think the 373 is easier to find in certain parts of the states? I live around KC, and they are very hard to find.

DarrenWS6

Look for axle code B6 ( 3.73 Limited slip ) or at minimum code 16 ( 3.73 open rear ).

3.73 seems common but with the mpg issues we are forced o comply with Ford sticks to 3.55s most often these days. With the 6spd auto, they claim the 3.55s in 6spd trans are an equal match to the previous 4r75w 4spd with 3.73s. So I would imagine the 3.73 would pull very well.

TerriLove

DarrenWS6,
When you say "look for axle code", do you mean to look at the sticker inside the driver door? Or is it in VIN code?

A7B2FX4

I don't think most Ford dealers got the instructions to upsell their F150's in the performance part of the options. Here in the Mountain West dealer's stock 3.55 axles. 3.73 if you special order mainly the work truck types. If they were upselling there would be a lot more Max tows and HD package trucks on the lot.
What they upsell are all the bling options which turn the F150 into a high profit margin unit but at the same time make it a Extra Large car not a truck.

raisin

When I was buying in April '14 local (Michigan) and on line I saw no 3.73's XLT's on lots. So I ordered mine. Wouldn't pay to go 3.55 to 3.73 on your dime.