I am dealing on a new 2006 F150, never had a Ford truck before, always GM (sorry everyone). Anyway, in the 2006 what's left, the only truck out there with my color and options has the 3:73 rear end. How big a deal is this, I do not tow anything, and use a Truck as a general vehicle, like most would buy a car. Is my gas mileage going to be worse? Will I be cranking a lot more RPM on the highway?

Any thoughts on this would be appreciated, I would hate for this to be a deal breaker, but don't want to make a 30K mistake either.

Thanks in advance.

 

What engine is in it? If it's the 4.6 you'll appreciate the extra oomph that the 3.73 will give you. If it's a 5.4 you'll appreciate the extra oomph that the 3.73 will give you. It will not affect mileage that much. On top of that, if you ever go to resale then the 3.73 might be a plus, especially if it's got the 5.4.

 

I'd get the 3.73s and not think twice about it...of course I run 4.10s so I'm biased.

Your RPM on the highway wonn't be too different, 3.73s aren't THAT short

 

that about the best gear for 33" tires most people that lift them or want more power love that gear set up

 

i think a 3.73 is good for city driving. gives you more torque so its easier to get going at a light. if i had a choice in my 02 i would want 3.73. i think the 3.55 are just too high.

 

If you ever go to a taller tire, you will appreciate the 3.73. You won't notice much difference otherwise.

 

i agree 3.73 is the way to go

 

The 3.73s will be fine, particularly with the way you drive. Not counting the speedo error, mine turns about 1900 at 70 MPH. The 3.55s would bring your revs down even lower than that - not good for MPGs or power.

 

3.55 will give you better mileage because you are running the RPM's lower. If you plan on towing anything and I mean anything with substantial weight, get the 3.73.

 

Think of it this way, there is only about a 5% difference. If you only use it mostly as a daily driver and the faster gearing of the 3.55 gave you a 100% efficiency in MPG gains (which it wouldn't) you would only loose 1 mpg. This is assuming 20 mpg highway probably a little high so you would gain even less with the 3.55. Bottom line is you couldn't go too wrong getting the 3.73 for the extra pulling power.

 

I've been sitting here scrooling through these forums trying to figure out if I have the 3.55 or 3.73 and the owners manual says squat about it. google isn't helping either. Is there a code er something?

 

Do a search for Axle Codes. THe Axle code is printed on the tag inside the door jamb. THe search feature will bring you to post that has them all listed.