New trucks with only 3:50 rear ends

[kip]

I went and looked at new trucks the other day and all the ones they had on the lot that were 1 ton crew cab 4x4's SRW had rear end ratios that were 3:50's. What happens when you but bigger tires on like most people do. What is the reason for the higher ratios ? To try to get better milage or is there enough power there now that you can use the higher ratio's when towing large trailers.

[powerstrokin03]

Ive heard the 2010 will have a 3:31 ratio.

[ndmtnsledder]

I have a 08 Job 3 F250 CC SB with the 3:55. Most I haul is around 10k and a lot of loads around 7k and it has no problems. I don't know if my mileage is any better but it can't hurt. I pull a couple anhydrous tank sets in the fall which weigh in just under 20k(I know I'm overweight) its mostly flat around here but the place were we get them is down in a valley. Coming out of the valley doing 25mph my 08 will easily be up to 30mph if I'm not paying attention(we have a 25mph speed limit with the tanks). My brother has a 02 F250 7.3L with a lower ratio not sure just 3:55 wasn't a option back then and hit the bottom at 25 and unless you really push it doing 20mph by the top. To me there is enough power to compensate unless your pulling huge loads.

[CowFarmer]

I pull heavy loads, 25,000lbs + and have no problems. I can drive 55mph or 70 mph in overdrive and have no issues. It definitely helps the mileage when unloaded by having 3.55's. Our dodges in the 90's all had 3.55's. We pulled heavy all the time with those too without problems.

[senix]

3.55 became the standard to help with fuel ecomony. There is enough power in the motor that it does not effect tow ratings so no change there.

You can still get other gearing if desired. If you are gonna do some long hauls then at least 3.73's or 4.10's.