Hello!I recently sold my truck to move to a crew cab. I have come across two F-150's that are very similar save the rear end gear ratio. One has the 3.55 and the other the 3.73. The difference in towing capacity is 1000 lbs (9200 vs 8200). Either weight will be fine for the TT I have. The rear GAWR is the same between the two trucks as well. For background, I tow in a relatively flat area, around 120 miles one-way (at most), and about 6 times a year (again, at most).So, my question is will it make a large difference for me? I know I would save gas with the 3.55's as the truck is my daily driver. The cost difference between the trucks is $1,000.I appreciate any opinions you all care to share. Thanks!

I don't think it would make a big difference. If your TT is closer to 7000 - 8000#, I'd go 3.73. The mpg difference will hardly be measurable.In a recent test, Picuptrucks.com tested two GM trucks, one had a 3.23, the other a 3.42 axle. They were so close in mpg it didn't matter.

I had a 2013 Ram 1500 single cab with the 5.7, 6 speed and 3:55 rear. Traded it for a 2014 quad cab, same engine, 8 speed and 3:92 rear. I realize the transmission made quite a difference, but the heavier quad cab gets noticeably better mileage. This may be an apples to oranges comparison but I really like those 3:92 gears much more. It accelerates and pulls so much better. Purchase either, but I promise you wouldn't regret the 3:73. The difference in fuel burn, if any would amount to next to nothing, but the satisfaction difference will be much much more.

ib516 wrote:I don't think it would make a big difference. If your TT is closer to 7000 - 8000#, I'd go 3.73. The mpg difference will hardly be measurable.In a recent test, Picuptrucks.com tested two GM trucks, one had a 3.23, the other a 3.42 axle. They were so close in mpg it didn't matter.I agree. The closer you are to 7,000+ the more I think you would rather the 3.73.

Not worth $1000 for 3.73s in your scenario.

More information would help.Year of the two? What engines do they have? What transmissions do they have?Engine size and transmissions can make more difference than axle ratio.

Difference in Gearing | Good Sam Community

Massey16
Explorer
Feb 20, 2015
Right, the half ton Avalanche. The 3/4 ton only came with the 8.1L that is a gas hog. Yes, all of the half tons are designed to ride as well as possible, but they still have rear leaf springs unlike the SUV's and Avalanches.

I would consider the 1500HD that you're talking about, but for normal use, I don't need something that will suck that much gas.

Just having issues finding something in my price range that doesn't have a ridiculous amount of miles.
BenK
Explorer
Feb 20, 2015
Massey16 wrote:
Thought about an avalanche for a bit, but decided the suspension would be too soft.

I will be using the vehicle for things around the house, so I'll need some sort of bed.

ALL half ton pickups are designed to be more 'car' than truck...except
for the fake half ton that is really a 3/4 ton for folks who insist
on only owning a half ton

Assume you drove a half ton Avalanche...not the 3/4 ton, right?
TomG2
Explorer
Feb 20, 2015
It won't make a lot of difference. As someone pointed out, a hundred rpm's one way or the other at cruising speed is not a big deal. You will be in third instead of fourth (Overdrive) when towing anyway.
Massey16
Explorer
Feb 20, 2015
So you're saying that the 3.55 will be just fine?

I can negotiate using that as a bargaining position that this really isn't what I want and see what the guy says.
TomG2
Explorer
Feb 20, 2015
About eight years ago, I traded F-150's to get the 3.73 axle. That wasn't the problem, the 5.4 is just not a powerhouse engine. 4.10 might help, but either way, you are going to experience a lot of rpm's with that motor. You will be running in 2nd when you think it should be in 3rd, or 3rd when you expect 4th.
Fordlover
Explorer
Feb 20, 2015
If I had 3.55 gears, I would not spend 1,000 dollars to swap for 3.73 gears. I wouldn't pay 500 either. I would pay 500 bucks to go from 3.31 to 4.10 however. The reality is you need to make that kind of jump in gear ratios to make a noticeable difference.
Massey16
Explorer
Feb 20, 2015
Just found out the one with the 3.73 is sold, so I guess I may be stuck with the 3.55 unless something else comes along shortly. Bad time of year to be in WI without a second vehicle.....been kinda rough riding my motorcycle to work!
Gr8life
Explorer II
Feb 19, 2015
4-speed, get the lowest (numerically highest) ratio available. 6-speed or 8-speed, really won't notice the difference as it is all about what rpm's match up with the speed you want to travel. 6-speed, jut move up or down a gear to get what you want. We all have our budgets, but the 6-speeds really improve the towing experience over the 4-speeds.
steve-n-vicki
Explorer
Feb 19, 2015
about 125 rpm in drive and about 85 rpm in OD is the difference between 3.55 and 3.73
Massey16
Explorer
Feb 19, 2015
Thought about an avalanche for a bit, but decided the suspension would be too soft.

I will be using the vehicle for things around the house, so I'll need some sort of bed.