Towing 9,500 Pounds with 3.31 gears

[Kampfirekid]

Looking for experience here. Found a nice deal on a 2013 Superduty with the 6.7L smoker. If it comes together, I'll say goodbye to my 6.4L Harley. The new rig has the 3.31 electric locker. I'm hearing with the diesel, it doesn't matter much towing under 10k - especially with the 18" wheels. Since I will daily drive this truck, I want the economy of the 3.31 rear with 18's. My dad pulls 18-20 continually with his 6.7L, and I'm sure it's the 3.31. Will this hurt me? Remember, I tow the Midwest. Hills, not mountains. The Flight is probably 9,500# on a bad day. I'm thinking I may have to get on it to move the load at first, but that's it. Thoughts?

[wmoses]

Kampfirekid wrote:
Thanks everyone. Pick her up tomorrow or Monday. 3.31 it is!

Good move. Enjoy!

[Kampfirekid]

Thanks everyone. Pick her up tomorrow or Monday. 3.31 it is!

[Rjdreyer]

Recent Ford diesels come with two axle ratios, 3:31 for 18 inch and 3:55 for 20 inch tires.

[45Ricochet]

Your good, enjoy it.

[wmoses]

OP, I would bet that you will have no issues whatsoever. Like someone alluded to, the pulling capability does not only depend on the rear differential gear ratio given the modern 6-speed transmissions. It is the combination that counts. And torque (as opposed to horsepower) which the new Ford diesels have torque in spades.

The 2013 Super Duty is not a "smoker". Beautiful efficient engines, no smoke as far as I have seen.

If I had the money right now that would be my choice, although the 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 HD is also very interesting, but it would have to be competitive with the Ford on both price and feature combination I would want. We'll see in early 2014 when it becomes available.

[jerseyphil]

I have a 2011 F250 diesel with the 3.31's. I tow a Keystone Cougar 318SAB. I know it is over 10,000lbs loaded up and my F250 EASILY tows it.

[Ivylog]

With a 6spd tranny and torque converter, higher gear ratios (3.73) are not that important any more. Way more truck that what you need for that light a load... go for it with a 3.31. Even if down the road you get something much bigger, and need more power... turn off the OD. As for getting started, that's what a torque converter does for you.

[artguys]

Join Ford Truck Enthusiasts...that forum is loaded with members that would be anxious to answer that question.

[nremtp143]

You won't know the difference! As stated above, hook up and enjoy. The only thing to be aware of is that your face may begin to hurt from all that smiling you will be doing!!!!

[The_Mad_Norsky]

You should be fine.

Hook up and enjoy that beast.

[Turtle_n_Peeps]

It will be fine. If you do the math Ford really only has one ratio anyway............or close enough.

The rule is, the more HP you have the less gear you need.