Forum Discussion

austinjenna's avatar
austinjenna
Explorer
Apr 12, 2016

Gear ratio advice 3:73 or 4:30 on Super Duty

I am in the beginning stages of looking for a new TV and was looking at the Fords to start off with. (Dont worry Dodge fans I will look at them next) I see that Ford has either the 3:73 or 4:30 gears for what I would be interested in, 4wd, dually, crew cab. Currently my fiver is only 11k but all the new ones we look at are in the 16K range so I am looking to future proof myself a bit. My truck is also my daily driver.

My question is what gears would you recommend. Will I notice any big changes in MPG? We are currently weekend campers with one/two longer trips a year, but in the next 5-6 yeas that might change to more longer trips.

There is a 3K towing difference between the 2 gears but honestly if I am getting something that weighs 26k I will probably get a MDT.

Any advice?
Tow Vehicles
  • romore's avatar
    romore
    Explorer II
    Apr 12, 2016
    You are likely better off with 3.73 for mileage and driveability, the 4.10 will allow you to pull a barn but the engine will be revving high and thirsty at highway speeds.
  • Chuck_thehammer's avatar
    Chuck_thehammer
    Explorer
    Apr 12, 2016
    the 3;73 and 4;30 are for the Gas 6.2L and over 10k you want the 4:30

    mpg loss is small between the two.



    I have a 2012 F 250 6.2L with e-lock 3:73... and trailer is 8,300 pounds.

    and I get 9 to 10 pulling the trailer
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Apr 12, 2016
    Unless you plan on going really heavy, I think the 3.73 would work fine. I have a 2012 F350 SRW 6.7 3.55 and it pulls my 12,000# + high profile 5er fine, even over Colorado mountain passes. Cruises in overdrive at 65-70 and ~1,600 rpm over relatively flat highway, rarely downshifting.
  • nohurry's avatar
    nohurry
    Explorer
    Apr 12, 2016
    For the diesel 3:73 will work fine. You have to get dual wheels for the 4:30 I think? Someone here will come along that knows for sure. Mine has 3:55's and pulls like a freight train, and has a very nice highway rpm. Good luck in your search.
  • rjstractor's avatar
    rjstractor
    Nomad
    Apr 12, 2016
    By listing 3.73 or 4.30 and the weight of your trailer I'm assuming you're looking at a DRW model. All things being equal, the 4.30 will perform better. Having said that, the 6.7 diesel has an almost insane amount of pulling power and should easily handle a 16K trailer with the 3.73.
  • Bedlam's avatar
    Bedlam
    Moderator
    Apr 12, 2016
    I don't think towing mileage will be that much different between the ratios, but unloaded mileage will suffer with the higher ratio (especially if you drive in faster speed zones).

    Many will argue that the 6-speeds allow you to tow comfortably in 5th while under heavy load but do not look at the initial stress off taking off from a dead stop on an incline. The higher ratios will save your transmission and joints if you towing heavy in hilly or mountainous terrain.

    I am happy with my Ram's 4.44 ratio but do not drive faster than 65 mph. If you plan on driving faster than 70 mph for any length of time, get 4.10's and you will still have good capacity.
  • lawnspecialties's avatar
    lawnspecialties
    Explorer
    Apr 12, 2016
    My 2011 F450 had the 4.30. Sold it a few years ago. My present F350 has the 3.55.

    Unless you are pulling in the mountains or just always doing stop and go driving while towing, I say get the 3.73. The 4.30 is just overkill. My present rig is around 26,500 total and the 3.55 does the job very well. On the interstates, I just set the cruise and roll on.
  • YnotTurbo's avatar
    YnotTurbo
    Explorer
    Apr 12, 2016
    I have the Dodge 3500 and have the 4:10 gears. I find that if you are using it for a daily driver that the mileage is not too bad. The difference in towing is roughly 5000 lbs. less if you get the 3:73 gears in the Dodge. My past 3 Rams have all had 4:10's.

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