3.73 or 4.30? - Diesel Forum

dunney · 03-27-2002, 05:40 AM

Just orderd a V10 CC and went with the 3.73 that I always had in my PSD's but was
wondering if I should have gone with 4.30. I dont tow a lot just mainly a lot of payload a lot.
I was wondering the difference in gas milage and the drivability on the highway,meaning are
you running at real high rpm. Any other input would be great.
Thanks dunney

dan4x4 · 03-27-2002, 09:47 AM

I have the 4.30 in my 2002 CC 4x4 V10 and love it! IMHO, the 3.73 is not enough gear for this big of a truck. I had a 2001 (same truck) with the 3.73 and was not happy with the gearing.

The 4.30 gets this truck off the line easier (and I am not talking about racing either) and keeps the tranny from downshifting on the hills.

Drive-a-bility? My vote goes to the 4.30. Seems like that gearing helps the engine not work as hard to move the 6000+ lb truck. Towing is a breeze with the V10 and the 4.30.

Gas mileage has been almost the same between the differently geared trucks. The 3.73 got about 1 mpg better on AVERAGE. The best I got from the 3.73 was (I swear) 16 mpg going from Denver to Wichita (empty). The best I have made yet in my 4.30 is 14 mpg on the same stretch.

If you ever want to put taller tires on your truck, the 4.30 gear IS the only choice.

If you don't live in an area with a lot of city stop and go driving, I would suggest the 6 speed. It will help mileage (maybe 10%) and is a lot stronger tranny than the auto. I find the 6 speed a blast to drive, although I opted for the auto for all my stop and go driving.

Dan

docsilva · 03-27-2002, 02:19 PM

My 2002 F350 V10 with 4.30 turns 2100rpm at 65mph, 2250rpm at 70. I don't think there is much difference between the 3.73 and 4.30 at highway speeds. Get the 4.30. Its better to have it if you need it, than need it and not have it. Fuel mpg so far. First tank 11 mpg, second tank 12.8. Mixed city and freeway.

dan4x4 · 03-27-2002, 06:05 PM

Ditto exactly on the RPMs. I double checked 'em today.

Dan

Foghorn · 03-28-2002, 07:29 AM

Dunney, I have the 3.73 and most of my driving is on the highway(70-80mph). I average 14-15 every tank. At work I drive an Excursion with the 4.30 and the engine does seem to respond better in town. I don't regret getting the 3.73 however Dan4x4 is right about putting taller tires or towing anything of significant weight - get the 4.30. I don't ever plan on putting taller tires on, and if I ever get anything bigger than my bass boat I'd want a dually and possibly... [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

The dealer may still be able to change the order. If it's not too late go and test drive one with the 3.73 and one with the 4.30.

Just be honest with how you're going to use your truck. For how I use my truck I don't regret getting the 3.73 [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

dunney · 03-28-2002, 05:01 PM

Thanks for the feed back, still not decided on what to do .
The truck was just orderd saturday so I can still change a few things
I was asking because I have a psd know and it handles the weight (usualy 1500-1600 lbs) in
the bed of the truck just fine.
Thanks dunney

ghunter · 04-02-2002, 05:55 PM

Go with the 4.30! The V-10 winds up better if you mash it, and when towing mine stays in gear longer and doesn't 'hunt' around as much as my buddies truck with the 3.73s.

rmr · 04-18-2002, 08:49 PM

Dunney, I was wondering why you went with the v-10 on your new truck over the PSD you had before? I can't make up my mind, V-10 or diesel,
was just wondering why you went with gas, since you have owned a diesel. The diesel cackle problem scares me and $4,000.00 will buy a lot of gas!

dunney · 04-19-2002, 05:13 AM

rmr
I have had 3 PSD's to my self, but know the wife started to drive the truck
since its a crew cab and putting the kids in the back. My 2002 CC
is a 6 speed and she cant stand driving it so had to get a new truck again,
so I drove a V10 and liked it. I dont really keep my trucks more than
2 years so what the hell ill try it and if I dont like it I can get the
new G2 in a few years. Oh ya the V10 is a lot smoother and quieter
than any of my PSD's and seemed to have plenty of power. sorry
not a big help on your decision.
Dunney

DRAGON · 06-04-2002, 10:38 AM

I got the 4.30 and put bigger tires on. I have the difference in RPM's listed on my webpage (in signature line)