3:73 to 4:30 on Excursion V-10

pipefitr wrote:
I know there are some guys running excursion v10s on here with 4:30 gears was wondering if anyone started with 3:73s? Got a quote from a local shop for 1500 installed with factory gears in the rear and an aluminum cover for the rear. I thought it would be more so I think I am going to have him do it in November once the season is over I was looking for opinions. I am towing a Summerland 2670 around 7300 loaded and it tows ok but it's really hilly in NE Pa and I think 4:30 would help a lot plus I may go a little bigger in the future :) . Your opinions are appreciated. Thanks

Paul

I have towed about 7K with a F250 2wd with 5.4 and 3.73 axle up into Vermont and down to South Carolina.

Started with a 97 F250 light duty (heavy half) which had a whopping 235 HP, then to a 2003 F250 SD which had 265HP, then 2006 F250 SD with 3V 300 HP and now 2013 F250 SD with 6.2.

I can't say that a 4.3 axle would be needed with ANY V10 unless you are hauling more than 10K. The 97 struggled with 9% grades at 45 mph and the 2003 made those at 55 MPH the 2006 made them at 65 MPH and the 2013 doesn't even know they exist.

Before dumping a bunch of money into new gears I would suggest just driving as is. Even if you find the vehicle is struggling to keep up to the speed limit then simply don't worry, move to the right lane and take your time and enjoy the scenery.

For some reason folks feel they need to climb the mountains while towing faster than a Ferrari...