Looking at an '07 XLT screw, 5.4, 4x4. I rarely tow, don't stoplight race, and probably won't drive it much in snow. I am really looking to get the best mileage. Mostly highway and some around town driving. I would think a 3.55 open gear would be fine. Why do I need limited slip and 3.73? Just more money all around. Your thoughts?

 

b/c of the weight of these trucks id go with the 3.73ls. These trucks are already underpowered, you need all the help you can get to get them moving. Plus driving will be a little bit better felling. I have 3.73ls gears and get around 17mpg highway going 75+mph. These trucks are way undergeared IMHO. this is just my 2 cents

 

What about the limited slip? Is it needed?

 

I agree go with the 3.73 LS, if you ever go with taller tires you'll wish you had! Not that much difference in fuel savings either.

 

I'd go for the 3.73's. I got the 3.55's and they're ok on the highway, the positives for me end right about there. Hilly terrain, not so good. Wanting 33's or 35's, not so good. Cost of adding 3.73's, very, very not so good. So a little better on the highway isn't worth the drawbacks for me personally. As far as LS or not, eh no preference here.

 

You are looking at a 4x4 but questioning the limited slip?

4x4 = big bucks
Limited Slip = little bucks

It's like ordering a banana split with diet whip cream.

 

LS is well worth the small cost. same with 3.73. Mpg diff is maybe .25 mpg? If its hilly, maybe get same or better with the 3.73 b/c it wont shift down. I had a 3.55 in last truck and now have 3.73 and the trusk will now pull hills in O/D where it used to shift down with the 3.55. Big diff there and big diff in top gear accel on the hwy. again my mpg is nearly identical.

 

3:73 and LS is the way to go.

 

A 3.73 LS is a CHEAP option (around $300.00?) and an absolute no-brainer in my opinion.....

 

X2

 

HHMM. I've got 3.55's and I've never thought my truck was underpowered. It cruises fine on the highway without skipping a beat.

 

Same here. I am averaging 20mpg on the open highway with 33's. I towed a accord from columbus, ga to houston, tx on a tow dolly in overdrive the entire time without a problem. transmission was never hunting for a gear. plenty of power for my taste. with cruise control set at 75mph and i might be turing 1900rpms. with my 27 gallon tank i can squeeze out ~425miles. now thats fuel savings.

Ox

 

If I were to upgrade my gear how much $ would we be talking about? I have 3:73 LS now.