What would you choose 3.55 gears vs Turning radius

Kayteg1 wrote:
I have never compared the front suspension, but since F450 is wider on front, the turning radius will be cut off by extra width when you maneuver between tall object.

However, that’s not when people are worried about turn radius. The rear tires are about as wide on F450 vs F350 in any case.

The extra front width allows the tires to turn at a much steeper angle. Fwiw, my F450 with Crew Cab turns much tighter than my Supercab F350 did. It’s really night and day difference. Kind of shocking, really.

That's interesting point.
I have never compared the front suspension, but since F450 is wider on front, the turning radius will be cut off by extra width when you maneuver between tall object.
And don't pay attention to nan-sayers who never drove those trucks.
I was pulling 7000 lb trailer with additional 2000 lb on bed on 7 miles steep grade east of Bakersfield and with 3.55 the truck never downshifted keeping 60 mph.
The temperature rose by few degrees, but cooled down immediately once I got to flatter part.

3k isn't a lot of money for better turning, bigger tires, bigger brakes and heavier suspension. Gvw aside, f450's have a lot more going on underneath than 350's.

That being said, the f450 your looking at doesn't have 4.88's does it?
If so, get the f350 hahahah


Edit: 450's also have a wider footprint so better stability as well.

Just FYI I have a3.55 in my f350 and tow 18,000 5th wheel no problem. Would love the tight turning of the 450.

romore wrote:
The 3.55 may be nice unloaded on flat ground but you likely will regret it towing or hauling a TC.

Even if it was a F350 gasser (it's not with 3.55s, it's a Pstroke), 3.55s would still haul any TC no problem whatsoever.
Being a diesel, 3.55s will haul a TC and tow a significant trailer at the same time without issue.

To the OP, F450, pickup I assume, would be nice for the overkill chassis if it's a big camper, but aside from that it would be less favorable in every other category to me. (Daily driving, fuel mileage, rough riding 19.5s)

I know that driving closer to 60 will net big savings with these tall RV's. I was curious if the 19.5's were in fact a taller tire. That would make a difference. Need to take a tape measure with me next time I go to the dealer. I will be going with a Diesel so I cannot see where it will struggle with 3.55s. I also plan to get 4x4.

There is also the tire difference and suspension difference if a f450 with 19.5s. As far as gearing goes, that depends on how fast you drive. There is a big difference in mpg between 60 and 70 with my 4.30s.

I wanted better brakes, turn radius, suspension, and the stronger 19.5s. MPG suffers, however.

The 3.55 gears haul and tow just fine. I've no trouble pulling any freeway grade in 6th gear with the camper and a trailer.

But I'd sure like the smaller turn radius. Doesn't the 450 have 19.5" tires, larger in diameter and therefore the final gearing (mph/1000 rpm) closer to the same than it might seem?

The 3.55 may be nice unloaded on flat ground but you likely will regret it towing or hauling a TC.

My old bus conversion would not make Uturn on 8 lanes, so whatever the truck gives me is good.
I drove 2000 superduties and they had much bigger turning radius than newer trucks
I specifically order 3.55 differential for my dually. still could use overdrive as the beast engine take all long grades without downshifting.