Forum Discussion

Jguetch's avatar
Jguetch
Explorer
May 30, 2013

3:31 or 3:55

Probably going to buy 2013 F150 Crew Cab 4x4 w Ecoboost. Dealership has 2 that are priced about the same, but the one with more options only has 3:31 axle ratio......Other one with less options has 3:55.

I currently pull a 2013 Zinger 28BH. Dry weight 6400ish/estimated full to be 7500lbs. Live in Northern IL and don't travel through the mountains regularly but may consider a trip down the road.

Trailer Life Towing guide lists 3:31 as having a 9200 rating and 3:55 as having 9600 pounds. Anyone see a big difference between the ratios?

Thanks

14 Replies

  • Jguetch wrote:
    Probably going to buy 2013 F150 Crew Cab 4x4 w Ecoboost. Dealership has 2 that are priced about the same, but the one with more options only has 3:31 axle ratio......Other one with less options has 3:55.

    I currently pull a 2013 Zinger 28BH. Dry weight 6400ish/estimated full to be 7500lbs. Live in Northern IL and don't travel through the mountains regularly but may consider a trip down the road.

    Trailer Life Towing guide lists 3:31 as having a 9200 rating and 3:55 as having 9600 pounds. Anyone see a big difference between the ratios?

    Thanks


    I'd go with Plan C, none of the above. Get the truck you want with the gear you want. Have the dealer order or find it for you. I would want the 3:55 or lower if possible.
  • 4x4ord's avatar
    4x4ord
    Explorer III
    I have used my F350 with the 3.55 gears for hauling trailers over 30,000 lbs fairly regularly and have absolutely no regrets. If I was only going to be towing trailers up to 15,000 lbs or so I would want the 3.31 gears. Guys with the 3.31 gears are getting better fuel mileage than what I can get with mine. To put things into perspective the Ford 6.7 in low gear with the 3.55 rear end is capable of putting more torque to the rear axle than what two 2004 Cummins 5.9's hooked in tandem would be able to do with 4.10 gears.
  • I'd get the 331 and reap the benefits of a more optioned truck with better empty fuel economy (which I'm guessing you will be using it empty a majority of the time). Drop a gear on the hills when needed.

    That isn't a big jump between axle ratios, and you already see that it has a 400lb difference in towing capacity.