Ford F-250 7.3 Gas Engine Axle Ratios

theoldwizard1 wrote:

Personally, I would go with the 3.73 and electronic locking differential.

Me too.

The original non turbo 7.3 was designed as such in 80s. The T444E, a replacement for the I6 DT360, to compete with the C5.9 for longevity etc. Which it did. The idi7.3 had a lifespan of 100k miles, as it was designed also to compete price wise with the gadmotors GM and For had. When international decided to scrap building using gas motors. There is only like 3 parts that are the same between to two 73 diesel variants.
The 6.9 and first 7.3 shared more common parts. Both initially were gas blocks. Put a different crank, heads, intake, you have the diesel version vs gas.

Marty

My hearing aids pick up the road and engine noise of our 7.3 diesel more these days. Hearing inside the cab to my bride of 57 years is more difficult. Some might say it is an advantage!

It is my understanding the 7.3 diesel engine (International 444T) was designed for International school buses and garbage trucks in the 80s. Perhaps that explains why kids used to come out with their school books when I pass down a street!

Considering this, it sure would be nice to have a quiet cab with upgrades that help with safer driving and towing, like lane change alerts, backup cameras and 360 degree cameras. Not to mention heated seats for my old bones!

The larger gas tank, if an option, would be something to consider.

theoldwizard1 wrote:

TECMike wrote:
Is there much difference in towing milage, and around town/highway mileage with the new F-250 7.3 gas engine with rear gear options?

Considering 3.55 or 4.30 axles ratios. Any input is helpful.

The only transmission available is the new 10R140.

The 4.30 would be great for pulling stumps or towing over 10,000 lbs, but the fuel economy would not be very good. It depends if they can program the transmission to start in 3rd or even 4th with a light load (driver only).

Personally, I would go with the 3.73 and electronic locking differential.

3:73s are only available in the F350.

kellem wrote:
All I needed was a simple but powerful tow vehicle that only gets driven 5K per year.
Got the F250 7.3 10spd....very impressed so far.

I'm still learning the new tech coming from a 2004 Ram 2500 bare bones truck.

Used to be just a matter of setting the radio presets and done!:)

Jerry

All I needed was a simple but powerful tow vehicle that only gets driven 5K per year.
Got the F250 7.3 10spd....very impressed so far.

I'm still learning the new tech coming from a 2004 Ram 2500 bare bones truck.

Thanks for the input, everyone. I would like to think old 7.3 diesel is in good shape. We keep good Bilstein shocks on it, Michelin tires, kept all the fluids changed and never abused it. Garage kept. Most of its life, and has been pulling trailers and highway use, but that are what diesels are engineered for. I probably won't wear it out; it will wear us out!

However, the 7.3 gas engine was engineered for simplicity, hard use, and built with HD parts, I read. I admire that. So it is certainly an option for us if we ever decide to part with our trusty "Bubba". Just wish reported MPG was better.

3.73 is a great all around gear ratio.
Positraction or the equivalent matters.

TECMike wrote:
Been pulling trailers 45 plus years, starting with pop-ups. Most of our travel trailer towing these days is about 600 miles one way to 8K ft. mountains, the Texas coast, and to Nashville, Tennessee.

Our trailer weighs 6000lbs wet and loaded, with about 400 lbs. of generator and gear in bed of the truck. Currently we have an old bullet proof 7.3 2002 diesel which wife and I have owned and enjoyed tremendously for 17 years. We average 13 mpg towing. But like me, our wonderful truck is getting old with 255,000 miles on it.

Do not want to plan long trips going from gas stations to gas stations, as a couple we travel/camp with must do with their 2012 Chevy 3/4 ton gasser towing about 7000 lbs. trailer.

We are Ford folks..Blue Oval all the way. Could afford a new 6.7 diesel, but there are a lot of new hidden maintenance costs that go along with all new 2020 diesels.

Just thinking our next truck might be the new Ford F-250 with the 7.3 gas engine. But the reported terrible MPG towing gives me a lot of pause.

Real world towing and around town mileage from 7.3 gas owners would be appreciated. Perhaps there has been improvement in the 2021 models?

I think the 7.3L gas engine would be good for your application, but it certainly will not get the fuel economy your trusty old 7.3L diesel does. I believe that they offer a large gas tank on them now which would likely help alleviate your concerns of frequent stops for gas. Another option would be to shop for a mint 7.3L diesel truck, but be ready to pay premium $ for it!

TECMike wrote:
We are Ford folks..Blue Oval all the way. Could afford a new 6.7 diesel, but there are a lot of new hidden maintenance costs that go along with all new 2020 diesels.

I would not say the diesel maintenance costs are "hidden", unless, like you, you have an older diesel that does NOT require DEF !

TECMike wrote:
Just thinking our next truck might be the new Ford F-250 with the 7.3 gas engine. But the reported terrible MPG towing gives me a lot of pause.

Real world towing and around town mileage from 7.3 gas owners would be appreciated. Perhaps there has been improvement in the 2021 models?

I would not condemn the gas 7.3L just yet. Give it a full year and keeping looking for feedback !

Ford put a lot of money into that engine (and the 10R140 transmission) in order to replace the old V10. They had two goals for a gasoline engine : more power and better fuel economy than the V10. With the 4.30 rear axle, it will pull a ton, but that will hurt fuel economy.

Check the fuel tank size !