Which Gears 3.73's or 4.10's????

[svt2205]

I'm looking at picking up an 06 F250 Super Cab 4x4 with a 5.4. Which is a better all around gear ratio? 3.73's or 4.10's? I drove one truck with the 3.73's and thought it felt kind of doggy, maybe it was just that truck????. What do you guys see for fuel mileage with either combinations? The truck would be used for occasional towing, load 4000 - 6000 pounds, plowing and daily commuting.

Thanks

[LeRoy Crosier]

I would say no less than 4.10 or maybe even 4.30. I don't exactly know what is available with the 5.4. I have a 06 V10 with 4.30 and I love it. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]

[svt2205]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm curious, how's the hiway fuel mileage on your truck? I'd not considered a V-10, but maybe I should.

thanks

[tsaelens]

We bought our 2001 V10 Reg Cab 4x4 used from a guy who had recently bought a 2005 Ex Cab 4x4 5.4 to replace the 2001. The 2001 has 4.30's behind the V10 and the new truck had the 3.73's. He was very animated and disappointed in the way the new truck performed compared to the 2001. With the increase in HP the 5.4 got the 2005 has about the same HP as an 01 V10 so the way I look at it was the 4.30's make a huge difference.

I personally wouldn't have the V10 without the 4.30's, and for the slight increase in cost I'd vote for the V10 over the 5.4. According to most of the reports I've seen the 5.4 offers very little increase, if any, in fuel mileage. But if you run alot of empty highway miles, it might be a better choice. Towing or in town mileage I think you'd be happy with a V10 over the 5.4.

Trinity

[someday]

i would get the v10 because for the same millage or slightly less u get a whole lot more engine for $500...your gvwr will be slightly higher and u might ending up towing larger...not to knock the 5.4 but that is available in the f150...if i had it my way, it would be the v10 or psd in the superduty or at least see more v10s

[Black Beauty]

V10 - Torqshift - 4.30LS
Sorry, that slipped out. I've had the V10 with the 3.73's and it's not nearly as much fun. Mileage between the two are virtually the same IF you can keep teach your right foot to behave [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]
Checking a Kelley Blue Book at Tractor Supply last weekend; the V10 option costs $600 but adds $975 at resale. Results may vary in your area.
Keep in mind the V10's are "tight" when new. Tolerences are very close which contributes to their 300k mile lifespan. The motor doesn't begin to loosen up until 6k-8k miles. Then it ROCKS. Do not get the 3.73's, you will be unhappy. I was [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

[SLE]

I'm just gonna clear things up a little, the 99'-04's were avalable with either 3.73s or 4.10s. When they revamped the V10 to be 3 valves the gearing choices changed. The only two choices that are currently avalable on 05 and up trucks are either 4.10s or 4.30s. There are no 3.73s avalable unless you put them in as an "after market" product. On the other hand I would gladly trade someone my 3.73s for a set of 4.30s, lol. The 4.30s are the way to go, mileage is negligibly different, the tow rating increases, and the way they handle a load is quite differant than the 4.10s. Good luck and Have fun buying your new truck!

[tsaelens]

[ QUOTE ]
I'm just gonna clear things up a little, the 99'-04's were avalable with either 3.73s or 4.10s.

[/ QUOTE ]

4.30's were an option in a V10 in 99-04, don't know bout the 5.4.

And you can still get 3.73's in 05-06, as long as it's a 5.4 or Diesel. Not sure where you got your info but I think it's wrong. Unless I just said what you were trying to say, and then you were right [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

Trinity

[SLE]

hillbilly, thanks for clearing that up, I was in the mind set that it was a V10 we were talking about, which isn't available with 3.73s any more. You are correct about the 5.4 and 6.0 though. Also I think in a SRW configuration (99-04's) that you couldn't get 4.30s but I could be wrong, I am thinking it was a Dually only option then.

I would still recomend the deepest gears, the mileage difference is maybe 1mpg and the rpms difference between 3.73s and 4.30s is roughly only 400 rpms but the the advatages are better perforance all the way around, a higher tow rating, and the added benifit of being closer to the power band at hwy speeds.

[tsaelens]

[ QUOTE ]
Also I think in a SRW configuration (99-04's) that you couldn't get 4.30s but I could be wrong, I am thinking it was a Dually only option then.


[/ QUOTE ]

Nope, it was an option for SRW V10's, I'm sure, we own one [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img].

And like your recommendation, it's the best possible option that truck could have. Makes it a very good tow machine for the average person who tows maybe once a month or less. And it's a blast to drive around town, as long as you realize that all that tire smoke will cost you at the pump.

Trinity

[6757]

I need to echo what everyone else is saying regarding the V10 and 4.30's.
Made the mistake of getting the 3.73's in my truck and with the 35" tires, it is a real dog when towing unless you leave it in drive all the time, which in turn kills the fuel mileage. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bleh.gif[/img]
Really want to order a new 06 with the V10 and 4.30's, just trying to justify the cost and if I can pick up enough side jobs to cover the payments. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

[sbrem]

My '05 F-250 has the 5.4 with the 3.73s. It works fine setup like this, but I think it would be even better with the 4.10s. Mines a 6 speed, so if you are looking at an automatic, I really have no idea how the 2 ratios compare.

[spartan]

I have a 2000 Excursion with a 4.30 rear and LSD. It was the only one on the lot with 4.30 gears. I've run 35" tires no problem. Currently run 295's without any problem. The V10 with the 4.30 will scream. Turn the over drive off, put it in second gear, wind the engine up to 3500 RPM and have fun.