OK so my '98 F150 with 185k miles is getting really tired and I don't want to drop a lot of money into it, especially since I need a bigger back seat for the new addition coming in Feb.

SOOO I think it's time Daddy got a new truck. I've been looking for some 2010 Supercrews with a 6.5' bed, but the few I could find by me in my price range with the options we like have the 3.31 rear.

I mostly drive around town, stop and go traffic to work (30 miles round trip) or highway trips to my parents cabin with just luggage and the family. I tow a small trailer with two quads a few times a year during hunting season and other than that once a year I get a yard or mulch for the garden.

That being said (and since I know nothing about the gearing) am I going to regret this purchase? I really wanted a 3.55 Limited Slip but like I said the one's I find either have the wrong options or the short bed.

Thanks in advance for your assistance folks!!!

 

The 3.31 gear ratio is pretty much suited to your needs..

The question is....

Are YOU going to regret it?

You obviously know enough to question it...

I personally think you should wait and find one with a .355LS or 3.73LS

I have the 3.73LS in my truck, and at around 100kph i'm revving 1800rpm... Great spot for the 4.6 2v motor which I have

 

I don't think you'll notice much. It sounds like your trailer is like 3000-4000 lbs max, which is well under the capacity.

You're probably best off with the 3:31 - the 6 speed transmission is very low in 1st gear and tow haul mode forces longer gears. Personally I prefer shorter gears because I think it means less shifts on the highway but that's just my preference.

Anyway, I wouldn't worry about the gears much. The truck will do what you want.

 

If you are going to keep this one for 12 years, get what you want.

Why do you think you need the extra 1' of bed? Do you regularly haul something that is exactly 6'?

 

In terms of the extra 1' of bed I find now that I could use an 8' one at times!!! I don't plan on getting a cap so when I go hunting or family trips we fill the back up pretty good and I like to keep the Tonneau cover on as much as possible.

I never bothered to look at what I had in my current truck in terms of the rear gearing before last night and it's been fine for me (turns out it is a 3.55 standard). For the few hundred pounds of luggage or gear I take on trips or the light trailer I pull seems like the driving I do 90% of the time a 3.31 standard will be just fine.

I was more concerned about the build (if that rear will not last as long as a 3.55) or if it couldn't handle my needs. I don't know much about autos so I try and learn as much as I can from folks with experience. Ask me about woodworking, building, plumbing, electrical or finance and I can hold my own but when it comes to cars/trucks I have lots to learn!!!

Thanks everyone!!!

 

Limited slip is a good thing to have...

And so is some grunt when you want it..

Make sure everything suits your needs

 

Limited slip or a locker is something you can always put in after the fact. Aftermarket units such as the TruTrak are better than the factory LS anyway. If you find the need for a lower ratio, you can always regear too!

 

I've got the 3.15 gears. So don't sweat it.

 

Your right about that I guess...

I got the gears I have because I need them..

And I'm considering a locker now...

I had one on my old truck and I miss the traction in snow..