Who is towing 13000lbs+ with the 6.4 and 3.55's?
I don't think I would like that rear end.....??

I'm looking into a 2009 SRW, and it's looking like 3.55 is all that is available unless ordered with 20" wheels.
And I don't want 20's.

Is this Fords attempt at improving the fuel milage complaints?

 

BINGO on both accounts!!!!





Fuel mileage is much improved with 3.55 gears over deeper gearsets. I would not suggest towing that kind of weight with anything less than 3.73 gears. I've got 3.73 gears in my 250 with a 7.3L and I've got plenty of grunt down low. When towing 10-11k I really wish I had 4.10s to get things moving. Luckily for me I don't pull that heavy with the 250 that often so 3.73s help out my economy compared to 4.10s. In a perfect world I'd have 4.10 gears with a gear vendors which would give low end gearing with a higher top end ratio for economy.

 

oops - double post...see below

 

From some reports the 3:55's are gaining about 1~2mpg's max when on a highway. Not too much of a gain IMO. In town stop-n-go driving I can't imagine too much better especially when one will need to stay in the throttle a bit more to get things going - and with considerable weight attached ...good luck.

 

I can't believe it isn't even an option to get 18's with 3.73's.
The price of the the trucks is up about $4K CAD (since my 06) and now I have to spend another $1300 on wheels I don't want!!

Ford execs are complete meatheads...

 

You could always order the 18" wheels and replace your gears with 3.73s...OR...Order the 3.73s with 20" wheels and buy a new spiffy set of 18s.

 

Ford did not lower the tow rating with the 3.55's. We have quite a few customers that say there is still plenty of grunt to go, and they don't miss the 3.73. Mileage is up about 1 or 2 mpg.

 

I think Ford needs to re-think this, 20in wheels to get any gears over 3.55 issue.

3.55 gears are not going to cut it pulling that much weight, at the very least it will be a very slow going.

Not to mention the added cost of replacing the crappy/worthless 20in tires you'll get from Ford.

Maybe it's time to go see what Dodge and Chevy have to offer in gears vs. wheel size.

 

From constant city driving (stop n' go)....really?...with 15k lbs +?

Maybe on the highway at a constant speed at best.

Okay, if they say so....

 

I know what mine pulls like now with an x-cal2 tuner and 3.73's ...I wouldn't want any less . (eg. stock 6.0)
I'm sure the stock 6.4 isn't more than my 6.0 is now.

Problem is, I have no way of knowing until I unload $60k, put a hitch in it and tow 14 000 lbs.
Will Ford let me bring it back?... no.
They will sit back and count the $$ ...yes

So why do they get to choose what axle I want, when they still stock the axle but just won't install it with 18's bolted to it?
Dumb I say....
Just leave the option there and let me decide what I want to drive. If I was looking for better mileage I'd buy a friggin' hybrid Civic!! I want a TRUCK!

If they need to have 3.73's to spin the 20" wheels (can't get 3.55's with 20's), then how is the thing suppose to tow 14000 lbs decently with 3.55's?

Next thing ya know they will put the option back in Job 2, and I'll be stuck with gears I didn't want.

I'm sick of being force fed by corporations... what options I get with a cell phone plan, what operating system I have to run on my computer... now what axle I have to have in my truck.

Rant over...

 

Well... I guess I'll see how it tows. I ordered a 2009 with the 18's and 3.55 last week.

 

Hey Klassic, I know what your saying about the options and all. They try and make us move up to the next trim level or packages, which means more money for them. Try going to the forums on the site diesel stop.com they might help also.

 

I am looking at getting a new 250 and I have found here where I live most all the 250 4x4's lariat trim have 18 inch wheeles with a 3:73 rear end. Even the some of the lower trim levels have 18 inch wheels. I have been to 3 dealers in the nor Cal area. Just left Diablo Ford and looked at a nice 08250 with that combination. Saw a nice used 06 unit with that option also.

 

You won't see that combo in a 2009 when they hit the lots

Plus I just realized the 08/09 is 800lbs heavier than the 06. A whooping 8800lbs!
That should make the towing even worse.