3.55 vs 3.73 diff ratio

[bruceb58]

Re: 3.55 vs 3.73 diff ratio

BTW, the Ford has built in sway control standard if that concerns you.

Please explain this.

Edit: Looked it up. Helps to have to have electric brakes(or electric/hydraulic) and order the integrated brake controller for this to work the best but even without does something special with applying brakes on either side of the vehicle. Very interesting though.

 

[cwhite6]

Re: 3.55 vs 3.73 diff ratio

Please explain this.

Edit: Looked it up. Have to have electric brakes(or electric/hydraulic) and order the integrated brake controller for this to work. Very interesting though.

From what I can tell, you do not a controller or anything. It works with the trucks advanced track system to control sway thru braking and such. Below is their write up.

Standard on the 2010 F-150, Trailer Sway Control (TSC) builds on the AdvanceTrac? system with segment-first* Roll Stability Control? (RSC?) to help maintain trailer control through selective wheel braking and reduced engine power.** The result: noticeable stability and control, which provides greater driver confidence when towing the largest loads.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 3.55 vs 3.73 diff ratio

I like the Toyota if I could get over the way it looks. Jeez that thing is Fugly!

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 3.55 vs 3.73 diff ratio

From what I can tell, you do not a controller or anything. It works with the trucks advanced track system to control sway thru braking and such. Below is their write up.

Yes, I looked into it more and edited my post above.

It sounds like it is good to get the integrated controller though. I have electric/hydraulic.

"An industry-first, Trailer Sway Control, on vehicles equipped with the Integrated Trailer Brake Controller and a properly equipped trailer, will use the knowledge of trailer connection and integrate the trailer?s brakes into the system to mitigate trailer sway even more quickly and effectively"

 

[cwhite6]

Re: 3.55 vs 3.73 diff ratio

Yeah, I can see the local Chevy dealer from my back yard but I have no interest in a Goverment Motors vehicle, especially since the wife drives a 2008 Tahoe and I'm not fond of it. Uftring Ford is just down the hill so I could feasibly drive a test truck home and try-out its pulling prowless in less than an hour. I would be trading in a 2006 Ford Fusion so that may have its advantages as well, maybe not though. The closest Dodge dealer would be more of a challenge because I'm not thrilled about towing my 5500 lb rig thru Peoria traffic on a Saturday

The 3.55 does worry me based on the above comments though. My boat is quite heavy and lengthy and we do make occassional boating excursions out of state so I want to be sure I have the right power to ground when I need it most.

Please keep the comments and opinions coming!!! Believe it or not, it is helping me!!!

I pulled a 6500# camper with a F150 with the 3.55 gears all over the place including steep hills and such. Pulled just fine. The new 6 speed auto transmission that Ford has is awesome and will pull your boat just fine. The 2010 F150 (mine comes in next week! ) with a crew cab, 5.4l, 3.55 gears and the towing package is rated to pull 9800#'s. I use the rule of not exceeding 80% of a trucks tow rating to keep me comfortable. To get a true tow rating, you have to look at GVWR of the truck. Weigh your truck and subtract that from the GVWR. That is the true tow capacity of your truck. I also pulled that camper with a GMC 5.3l with 3.55 (I believe) gears and it pulled fine to.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 3.55 vs 3.73 diff ratio

I have always wondered what the big deal would be that would casue the tow rating to change between a 3.55 and a 3.73 assuming everything else was equal. If you think about it, the only time you would ever notice the difference would be from a dead stop. Once you are up to speed, the transmission doesn't really know any difference. For example, lets say you were on level ground with the 3.55 or on a slight incline with the 3.73, the force on the tranny is exactly the same.

 

[DJ]

Re: 3.55 vs 3.73 diff ratio

The point has been made that few can tell the difference between a 3:55 and a 3:73. That was the original question-right?

There are differences in vehicle makes; tire size, etc. Differential size is also a NON issue. Efficiency over size matters. Why drag around that extra mass (non towing) when not needed? How many of us tow 100% of the time? Very few.

With todays engines, Horsepower, really, is a misnomer. It's all in how the engine/trans. was programmed.

There isn't an engine out there that can't make tire squealing HP. But, those fall flat on torque where one needs it-towing. Low RPM.

I guess that's all "belt buckle pull up and sniff-Mine's better than yours argument".

My job is knowing trucks.

Here's a lesson.

1. Torque gets a load moving, up to about 60 MPH.

2. HP keeps a load moving after 60 MPH.

3. Drag (frontal area=wind resistance) becomes exponential (not linear) at speeds over 60 MPH. Example: it takes four times the HP at 80 MPH as 60 MPH to keep the momentum.

With all that, HP is not that important, unless you tow at 80+ MPH. WHICH I DO NOT RECOMMEND. And, if you are doing that, you are a danger.

I would want an engine/transmission package that delivers peak torque at a very low RPM. Where sane people tow.

300+ HP is more than enough to keep almost any load rolling at 60+MPH, the rest is just gas going out the tailpipe and "bragging rights".

If you really think about it, what speeds does one tow at? My experience tells me-about 50-average.

There are other issues too.

1. What chassis supports the load best?

2. What chassis "feels" better towing.

There are some "Hot Rods" out there that I would NOT tow with. The chassis doesn't support the load well.

Food for thought.

 

[JaseBosto]

Re: 3.55 vs 3.73 diff ratio

The point has been made that few can tell the difference between a 3:55 and a 3:73. That was the original question-right?

There are differences in vehicle makes; tire size, etc. Differential size is also a NON issue. Efficiency over size matters. Why drag around that extra mass (non towing) when not needed? How many of us tow 100% of the time? Very few.

With todays engines, Horsepower, really, is a misnomer. It's all in how the engine/trans. was programmed.

There isn't an engine out there that can't make tire squealing HP. But, those fall flat on torque where one needs it-towing. Low RPM.

I guess that's all "belt buckle pull up and sniff-Mine's better than yours argument".

My job is knowing trucks.

Here's a lesson.

1. Torque gets a load moving, up to about 60 MPH.

2. HP keeps a load moving after 60 MPH.

3. Drag (frontal area=wind resistance) becomes exponential (not linear) at speeds over 60 MPH. Example: it takes four times the HP at 80 MPH as 60 MPH to keep the momentum.

With all that, HP is not that important, unless you tow at 80+ MPH. WHICH I DO NOT RECOMMEND. And, if you are doing that, you are a danger.

I would want an engine/transmission package that delivers peak torque at a very low RPM. Where sane people tow.

300+ HP is more than enough to keep almost any load rolling at 60+MPH, the rest is just gas going out the tailpipe and "bragging rights".

If you really think about it, what speeds does one tow at? My experience tells me-about 50-average.

There are other issues too.

1. What chassis supports the load best?

2. What chassis "feels" better towing.

There are some "Hot Rods" out there that I would NOT tow with. The chassis doesn't support the load well.

Food for thought.

Thats good stuff....My 200 hp V6 does well.

 

[DJ]

Re: 3.55 vs 3.73 diff ratio

Thats good stuff....My 200 hp V6 does well.

Glad to hear it. You've figured it out. It looks like your tow rig and boat are nicely matched.

Carry on!

 

[JaseBosto]

Re: 3.55 vs 3.73 diff ratio

yup. 2003 Silverado V6 4.3 auto w/3.42:1 rear locker, towing, some options..... It pulls fine, up hills, down hills, and everything in between. My next truck will probably be a small v8 only because it looks like the mileage isn't much different. about 22mpg on the highway...

 

[northernmerc]

Re: 3.55 vs 3.73 diff ratio

A lot of this is personal preference; not everyone likes the same thing.
Of the four makes mentioned, my order of preference is: GMC/Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota, Dodge.

Here are my prejudiced views. I know a couple of guys with new F150 4x4 pickups, and they like them. They are getting very good fuel mileage. However, I can't get too excited about the prospect of owning a Ford pickup.

Having owned several new Toyota pickups, my wife and I took a new Tundra for a test drive. We could not get over how ugly it is, inside and out. IMO, Toyotas are overrated. They've made various problematic engines, and have had lots of rust problems, even in more recent models.

The bodies don't seem to stand up on the Dodges, although I like their diesel engines.

Overall, I prefer the style and quality of the GMs, especially when loaded up with leather, etc. The GM locking diff (govloc aka govbomb) can take a lot of abuse.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: 3.55 vs 3.73 diff ratio

I will say that the 3.73 will probably be about equal as far as gas mileage is concerned. I have an 08 F150 SuperCrew Lariat with the 5.4L/3.55LS. It's a great truck and I don't have a single complaint. However, if you want to help acceleration go with the 3.73's. Nothing wrong with the 3.55LS, but if you really do tow 15 times a year or so, it may be worth it.

As far as Dodge vs. Ford vs. Chevy: they all have their pros and cons. Dodge's have a terrible (and rightly so) reputation for weak transmissions and lots of recalls. GM's in my experience (pontiac and chevy) have had a lot of electrical glitches and cheap interiors, but the engine's/trannies are usually good. I can't count the number of people who own 99-up GM's which have speedometers or gas gauges not functioning. Door window motors going out all the time, etc. Ford mainly just gets the hit on not necessarily being the "best" in any category, but doing all things equally well. Engines and trannys are strong, but not the most horsepower, interiors are #1 in my opinion, and I like the styling.

If it's any consolation to you, the 2011 F150 will beat out all the others for HP numbers because the 6.2L with 400+HP will be in the lineup, as will the twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 with 365HP.

As to why the Ford's are rated higher for towing than anyone, it has very little to do with engine horsepower and everything to do with suspension/drivetrain. The frame/suspension of the F150 is simply designed to handle more than the other manufacturers, but I still wouldn't want to tow much that was pushing the 11K lbs Max Tow.

 

[skargo]

Re: 3.55 vs 3.73 diff ratio

LOLOL, gotta love truck arguments, and the misinformation that comes along with them

Drive them all, if the dealer is reputable they will let you take it overnight and hook your trailer up and try it out. See how it performs, and tows, and if it's comfortable to you. I've had all 4 of the makes mentioned here and they will all do the job, properly equipped.

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: 3.55 vs 3.73 diff ratio

With an ultra low first gear the 6 speed automatic & 3.55 axle equipped F150 will have no problem pulling a good load from a standstill and the double overdrive is a real ~Fuel Pincher~ on the highway.

2007+ F150 6R80 gear ratios. 1) 4.17 2) 2.34 3) 1.52 4) 1.14 5) 0.86 6) 0.69

 

[This_lil_fishy]

Re: 3.55 vs 3.73 diff ratio

Ah hell...lemme throw my personal experience in for fun. I run and tow with all three of the big three trucks....


GM: As was mentioned, we've had no end of electrical problems. Right down to misfiring ABS systems on a regular basis. The bodies hold up great, as do the engines. These trucks take a beating so we see replacement trannies every 100K Km though. We also see a lot of front end work...again..likely to the beating they take. Decent ride and handling though. I find these trucks to be the MOST uncomfortable (as with most GM vehicles) to drive. It really seems to me that they are built for midgets. Very poor leg room, and pedal/steering wheel geometry.

Dodge: Bodies rusting...the worst of the three. Trannies and rear-ends seem to be the biggies on these trucks. Otherwise they seems to hold up reasonably well. I also find them very comfortable to drive, if not a very smooth ride, but it is a truck.

Ford: The most comfortable and best riding of the bunch. Handling and driveability are good Bodies hold up decent, but the paint finish seems thin and scratches easily. GM wins with this, as their paint finish is very durable. Engines and trannies seem to hold up well, with a few transfer case issues that were minor (solenoids) on the 4x4's. Fit and finish of the interior is the best of the three. They always feel under powered stop light to stop light, but they seem to be the least effected by load (seat of the pants). Seems the accelleration stays the same no matter how much I tow. Ford also seems to require a fair amount of front end work...a la GM. Typically tie-rods and ball joints.


Now for my end personal feelings. Get the 3.73 if you can, but be aware that the 3.55 on 5.4 is suitable. I routinely push the 10K Lbs load limit, but on some really steep hills the 3.73 seems just a bit better. The 3.55 with the limited slip is fine though. If you get any of the smaller engines, definately go 3.73 or better though...as they barely have the power to move these big trucks around empty.

My personal fav is Ford, not because of horsepower/mileage/***** enlargement, but because when buying new, they have THE BEST options list. You can literally take a base truck and put a single option on it without buying a whole 'package' of options. Seems Dodge and GM just want you to buy the truck they want to build that day.


Also keep in mind...Ford decided they didn't need our tax dollars to support poor business practices.

Ian

 

[skargo]

Re: 3.55 vs 3.73 diff ratio

Also keep in mind...Ford decided they didn't need our tax dollars to support poor business practices.

Ian

Never been a Ford fan, but if I were to buy new, my money would go to them, since my money has already went to the other 2, against my wishes.

Of course, I will NEVER buy a new vehicle again, so the point is moot. My rusty Dodge is 12 years old, but it's only got 150K on the clock, nothing for the Cummins engine. I'll drive it at least another 2 years, then buy something 2-3 years old.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: 3.55 vs 3.73 diff ratio

I will say that the 3.73 will probably be about equal as far as gas mileage is concerned. I have an 08 F150 SuperCrew Lariat with the 5.4L/3.55LS. It's a great truck and I don't have a single complaint. However, if you want to help acceleration go with the 3.73's. Nothing wrong with the 3.55LS, but if you really do tow 15 times a year or so, it may be worth it.

As far as Dodge vs. Ford vs. Chevy: they all have their pros and cons. Dodge's have a terrible (and rightly so) reputation for weak transmissions and lots of recalls. GM's in my experience (pontiac and chevy) have had a lot of electrical glitches and cheap interiors, but the engine's/trannies are usually good. I can't count the number of people who own 99-up GM's which have speedometers or gas gauges not functioning. Door window motors going out all the time, etc. Ford mainly just gets the hit on not necessarily being the "best" in any category, but doing all things equally well. Engines and trannys are strong, but not the most horsepower, interiors are #1 in my opinion, and I like the styling.

If it's any consolation to you, the 2011 F150 will beat out all the others for HP numbers because the 6.2L with 400+HP will be in the lineup, as will the twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 with 365HP.

As to why the Ford's are rated higher for towing than anyone, it has very little to do with engine horsepower and everything to do with suspension/drivetrain. The frame/suspension of the F150 is simply designed to handle more than the other manufacturers, but I still wouldn't want to tow much that was pushing the 11K lbs Max Tow.

If it's any consolation to you, the 2011 F150 will beat out all the others for HP numbers because the 6.2L with 400+HP will be in the lineup, as will the twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 with 365HP.

The eco boost if left alone will shake the indrustry as hard as the orignal 7.3 power stroke......It has averaged up to 26 mpg on the hwy in a 4x4..But some at ford do not like the ecoboost overshadowing the new 5.0..

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: 3.55 vs 3.73 diff ratio

The eco boost if left alone will shake the indrustry as hard as the orignal 7.3 power stroke......It has averaged up to 26 mpg on the hwy in a 4x4..But some at ford do not like the ecoboost overshadowing the new 5.0..

I hope so, direct-injection on the gasoline engines seems to be the next "new thing". It will be a question as to how long to twin-turbo'd EB engines will last with the boost and tons of heat they produce.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 3.55 vs 3.73 diff ratio

I thought the topic was 3.55 vs 3.73!

 

[JaseBosto]

Re: 3.55 vs 3.73 diff ratio

I can't count the number of people who own 99-up GM's which have speedometers or gas gauges not functioning. Door window motors going out all the time, etc. QUOTE]

I can't count them either, because I have never seen or even heard of that complaint until now. I know at least 6 Silverado owners 99 and up, not one of them has a single complaint.