Hey guys,

I was wondering if any of you have opinions on the difference b/w these two ratios...primarily regarding towing.

I really would prefer 3.73s, but my dealer was able to locate an Expy just how I want it, except that it has 3.55s. It has the Trailer Towing package, but I realize that's just the hitch, load leveling, and wiring harness.

I understand the 3.73s will help accelerate the vehicle faster, so we don't need to discuss that. I'm more concerned with towing issues. Obviously, the 3.55s will allow for a little better hwy gas mileage.

Thanks for any insight you can offer. I had a hard time finding an Expy with _my preferred_ options (want the leather, 5.4, TT, etc, but not the other upgrades---b/c I'll just be pulling them off anyway) and my dealer has offered me $200 over invoice. I know they get holdback and all that, but I think this is a decent deal.

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Wes Tarbox
90 LX 5.0 (10.69 @ 134.7)--586rwhp/587rwtq
96 Cobra (12.63 @ 114.5)--390rwhp/441rwtq
97 SHO
99 Lightning (13.20 @ 103.3)--362rwhp/444rwtq
http://members.aol.com/Wa2fsT/index.html

 

It also depends on the actual weight your going to pull. If it's going to be real heavy, I'd opt for 3.73's. But I will let the more experience people advice you what is real heavy.

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99 Expedition XLT
5.4L
4X4
3.73LS
17"AT/S
Airaid Intake
Superchip
Custom Edlebrock shocks
Magnaflow 3"
Helwig Sway Arm
Polk speakers

 

I don't believe the 3.73 ratio is available any more. If your load is more than 7000 lbs and you tow frequently, then you should probably consider an Excursion.

Also, if you are planning on installing big tires, you'll want lower gears (4.10s or 4.56) anyway. So, basically, 3.55 with limited slip is about the best you can get from the factory.



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1997 4x4 Expedition- 4.6L, true dual exhaust w/glass-packs, K&N air filter, SuperChip, airbox mods, Edelbrock shocks, 285/75R16 BFG ATs, 2000 "XLT" wheels, 4.10 gears, Auburn LS, Clarion In-dash CD player, Smitty Bilt push bars and nerf bars.

2000 4x2 F150 XLT Reg. Cab LWB- 5.4L, Tow Pkg, 3.55LS, CD player,Remote Keyless Entry, Sliding back glass, Special Appearance Pkg., tinted windows, Line-X bedliner, and Prime #155 wheels.

http://members.visualcities.com/NoMo

 

Thanks for the quick responses guys. I know I've had a lot of ?s lately.

Nomo, the 3.73s are still available, but mostly in the 4x4 versions...I'd be getting a 2wd one. I found one 2wd w/ 3.73s but it was on a $39k (MSRP) one. I'll pass.

However, I've looked through several owner's manuals (one being my '99 Lightning) and Ford lists the F150s that have the 3.55 gears as having the most towing capacity (even over the ones with 3.73 gears). Strange, but that's what all the manuals I've seen say.

In any event, 3.55s would be plenty I'm sure. Heaviest thing I'll tow for any real distance is my '90 LX (~5000+lbs with trailer) when I go to a couple of races 2-3 hours away. Usually I just drive the car, so I'm talking 2-3 times a year max and down here in TX where I am the terrain/roads are F-L-A-T.

Again, thanks for the responses!

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Wes Tarbox
90 LX 5.0 (10.69 @ 134.7)--586rwhp/587rwtq
96 Cobra (12.63 @ 114.5)--390rwhp/441rwtq
97 SHO
99 Lightning (13.20 @ 103.3)--362rwhp/444rwtq
http://members.aol.com/Wa2fsT/index.html

 

That's good about the 3.73s. I was told they were "listed", but not being installed. So much for rumors!

The towing pkg is a lot more than just the hitch, 7-pin wiring harness, and LLS- which used to be a seperate item. Anyway, you also get a heavy-duty radiator, a tranny cooler, and an engine oil cooler (with the 5.4L engine) as well as the electrical system to handle the load of a trailer. In my opinion, this is money well spent. Especially since you'll be towing close to the rated limit of the bumper and I do believe it gets mighty hot down there during the summer months.


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1997 4x4 Expedition- 4.6L, true dual exhaust w/glass-packs, K&N air filter, SuperChip, airbox mods, Edelbrock shocks, 285/75R16 BFG ATs, 2000 "XLT" wheels, 4.10 gears, Auburn LS, Clarion In-dash CD player, Smitty Bilt push bars and nerf bars.

2000 4x2 F150 XLT Reg. Cab LWB- 5.4L, Tow Pkg, 3.55LS, CD player,Remote Keyless Entry, Sliding back glass, Special Appearance Pkg., tinted windows, Line-X bedliner, and Prime #155 wheels.

http://members.visualcities.com/NoMo

 

Thanks for the clarification, nomo.

I should have stated all the other things that come with the TT package. That was my mistake to infer that it was only 3 items. Must've had some brain fade, b/c used to that's about all it really did come with. It was a cheezy way for Ford to make some money. But, I have it on my Lightning too, and indeed its well worth it. There's no way I'd get the Expy without it, and there's no way I'd tow with the bumper anyway...gotta be a Class III hitch, IMO.

And yes...it gets pretty darn hot down here.

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Wes Tarbox
90 LX 5.0 (10.69 @ 134.7)--586rwhp/587rwtq
96 Cobra (12.63 @ 114.5)--390rwhp/441rwtq
97 SHO
99 Lightning (13.20 @ 103.3)--362rwhp/444rwtq
http://members.aol.com/Wa2fsT/index.html

 

Wes Tarbox
Go for the 3.73, My 99 came with 3.55 and 17" wheels. It would down shift with no trailer. With my trailer it would have a hard time on a hill in 3rd.


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1999 EB X 5.9 4.1 gears, Borla catback, Vortech supercharger,superchip