3.73 in a 2002 F-250 XL SP

[scagman]

Whats the right gear ratio for pulling a 6x12 with w/b also probably will get a bigger trailer in the future. Whats the best all around ratio?

[CT18fireman]

Tansmission? 4x4? Engine? Tire Size? How big of a trailer may you go to?

[scagman]

Automatic transmission, I dont know the tire size, and the biggest trailer id pull would be like a 16 footer.

[scagman]

Its a two wheel drive

[75]

Strictly for pulling, I like 4.10 : 1 gears however, the 3.73 : 1 that's in your truck now should work OK for you, and give you a little better fuel mileage when not towing.

3.73 isn't a bad all-around ratio IMO - I like my 4.10's but I don't do much long-distance or highway driving either.

[danzig]

3.73 is a good ratio to have in your truck. 4.10 or 4.11 is a little overkill if you never tow any really heavy loads. I know of a person who has a 95 f-250 psd with 3.55 gears. Great mpg's and it will tow some serious weight. I have a d-350 Dodge Cummins with a 10 ft flatbed. It has 4.10 gears and it is a stump puller. My next truck will probably have 3.73 or 3.55 gears if it is a diesel. If i get a gasser then it will have 3.73 or 4.11.

[John DiMartino]

What engine? If you have a V10 ,or powerstroke,the 3.73 wil be fine,with the 5.4 i wouldnt ever go with less than 4.10 ,since that engine is a little small for the size of the truck,it needs all the gear you can give it.

[scagman]

It has the 5.4 triton V8. What is the the mpg difference between the 5.4 and the V10?

[John DiMartino]

Im just guessing,but Iknow in the GM's,and th Dodge's,the 8100 gets about 2 mpg less than the 6000,and the Dodge V10 gets about 2 mpg less than the 360V8.The harder you work them,the less the difference is,with 10K trailers,the mileage will be about the same with small and big blocks,from my experience,this is because the samll blocks are working hard,usually one gear lower,and reving north of 3000 to keep up speed,while the big blocks can pull a full gear higher,and keep the rpm's,and throttle postion a little lower.

[tindell]

I have a 355 gears in my 300six ford. plenty of power pulling a 10000# tralier with around 6000# load on it. or hauling up to 3 tons in the bed of an F250. I run 12ply tires. MY other F250 2W.D. runs 373 gears with a 390 engine same tires. It will pull or haul anything that is practical. also this truck will spin the tires on asphalt in4th gear. with very little efort. both trucks have 4 speeds. and limeted slip. I thank torke is as important as anything to consider.