I have a 2005 4.6, automatic, standard cab 150 with a volant intake, magnaflow cat back and Troyer custom tow tune. I tow a 24 foot enclosed car trailer that grosses out at approx 6500 lbs. several times a year for a total of less than 3000 miles. The rest of the time is non towing usage with 50/50 around town and highway usage. Current gas mileage ranges from about 14.2 to 18 depending on the town/highway mix. I would like to improve towing performance without killing my gas mileage. Current rear is a 3.55. Owners manual shows GCWR increases by 500 lbs (11700 to 12200) by dropping to a 3.73 rear. There are no specs shown for a 4.10. I am strongly considering lowering the rear end ratio. Does anyone know what weight capacity gain I would realize with a 4.10 vs. a 3.73? How much of a fuel mileage hit might I take with each of these rears over the 3:55? Sure wish someone made a supercharger kit for 2V 4.6 F150! Thanks in advance for any help!
Steve

 

I am struggeling with this same question.

I have a 3.55 rear with 20's, I loose 500#'s with 20's but according to Ford, I can gain as much as 1K#'s by going to the 3.73. I too have TP tunes so anyone that can help that would be great.

JP

 

I would personally go with the 4.10's, since going from 3.55 to 3.73 you are not gaining a whole lot. When I was getting my 94 F150 4X4 work truck with 3.08's regeared the shop asked what gears I wanted, and I said 3.73's. They said that if I was going through the money of getting this done I might as well just go with the 4.10's since I would be much happier with the low end torque of the 4.10's over the 3.73's. And they were right. They also said that they will refuse to do any regears that are less than .50 (i.e. 3.55-3.73 they wouldn't do) since 99% of the people won't be happy with than little of change.

 

Thanks, what should I expect to pay for upgrades in gears?

 

I paid right around $1500. This was for both gear sets, new front carrier, new Detroit locker in the rear, 2 rebuild kits, labor and all the other little things. Without the locker it would have been in the 1000-1100 range, these prices were for a 4WD also.

 

Thanks, do you tow often if so, do you think for me, going from 3.55 to 4.10 will make a difference in towing my TT, it weighs in a t 5050 dry and I guestimate around 6500 loaded with passengers, gear gas etc.

Thoughts?

I also have Troyer Tunes on an XcalII

 

I do tow a few times a month with both of my trucks. My 04 (the truck in my sig) has 3.73 gears and my 94 F150 4X4 with 300-6/5spd has the 4.10's. I have towed right around 14,000lbs (S250 Bobcat and a few attachments on 20" tilt bed equipment trailer) with both trucks and each of them do fine.

I would think that it will make big differance towing your camper. If you put on a few miles each year with towing and plan on keeping the truck for a while. I would go for it. I have thought about regearing my 04 to 4.56's, but I just can't justify doing it since I am only planning on keeping the truck for another 2-3 years. Then I am going to buy a F250-350 4WD PSD, so I know that I won't have any problems towing then...

 

Seems like you and I are in the same place....I love my 150, but I know all my problems would be solved with a F250, I have put it in stone that my next truck is a F250. I am waiting for the 08's to come around in late 07. So I may just keep what I have until then. I have over 8K in stereo and mods/tires0wheels etc....no need to put anything else in the truck as the stereo goes with me to the next truck and the wheels and tires....well, I suppose I have to send them with the truck since they won't fit on a 250. I totally appreciate your insight....

Since I am only towing 1-2 times per month and staying withing 150 miles of home each trip, I can wait for a 250....that and I am not ready to accept a 650+ per month car note.

I may have more questions for you later....again, thanks a bunch, you have really helped me out.

JP

 

No problem!! If you have any questions just ask away, I will help as much as I can.

Paul