Difference between 4.30 & 3.55 gears

lakeside013104 wrote:
My 2011 F-350 has a 3.55 geared rear end. The new 2017 F-450 only comes with a 4.30 geared rear end.

Basically the same engine (6.7 turbo diesel).

Does that mean better or worse fuel consumption (towing comparable weights)?

Does that mean that the rpms will run higher with the 4.30 versus the 3.55 assuming one drives at the same highway speeds 62 - 65 mph?

Just wondering.....:@

Lakeside

Can I ask how often you'll be towing with the truck?

If mostly used for towing, get the F350 or F450 with the 4:30 gears and wide track front axle. When towing I doubt you'd see any difference in mileage.

If it's mostly a daily driver, then I'd consider a lower numerical ratio.

I use my F450 with 4:30 gears daily running around with 3000lbs in the bed and typically get 14.5-15.5 mpg all city driving, and around 15.5-16.5 on the highway. A little higher when empty.

The F450 comes standard with a 225 tire that's 32 inches in dia. I switched to a 245 tire that's 33.6 inches in dia. I noticed that my mileage didn't change much at all when towing, and maybe improved .5 mpg when empty.