Picking the right gear ratio. (7.3 godzilla)

my rough calculations to help illustrate how rear end gearing changes towing dynamics

[@CFM-8344]

Excellent video. I'll be buying a 7.3 Godzilla once my 6.7 Cummins warranty expires. Hopefully prices come back down. You're very right with all the extra emissions issues that modern diesels have. 95% of us will be fine with the 7.3

[@adamshaw8214]

Better look at that hideous new body style coming out for 2023.

[@CFM-8344]

@@adamshaw8214 yeahhhh not much I can do about that part lol

[@andymullen1752]

I've never owned a Ford but I'm in the exact same situation.

[@craigthimm184]

Man, you are a common man’s rocket scientist !! Love your videos, I’m learning so much

[@robertweller2662]

Colton, this is good stuff. If you want to really blow some people's minds look up the gear ratios of some older low power diesels like my old 2004 Ram 2500 with the 24 valve Cummins which also had the 3:73 gears. I did not do all the math like you did here, but if you compare the gear ratios of the Dodge 4 speed to the Ford 10 speed you'll be amazed. Both 1st and 2nd gears in the 10 speed are lower than the 1st gear in the Dodge 4 speed. Now look at your torque numbers you're playing with in this video. The 7.3 with the 10 speed is actually capable of putting more torque to the ground off the line than the old Dodge with the 24 valve Cummins. It's crazy but an awesome selling point for going back to a gas from the diesel. Now to be fair we are talking about comparing the old lower power diesel to the 7.3 Godzilla not a modern High Output Power Stroke to the 7.3 gasser. But it proves once again most people towing like you say as the weekend warriors with campers really don't need a diesel. The 7.3 Godzilla has more than enough power and grunt to get the job done. just another idea for a future video. I would love to see you do a similar video to this comparing the old 2004 Dodge and the new Ford Super duty 7.3.

[@carperdiem8754]

Right here is why the granny gear of the G56 is so great

[@chadvanorden5602]

Awesome vid. Explains a lot. I went with 4.30 because of towing and bigger tires

[@ericglaude4953]

Helped me out a lot. Doing my research on the godzilla and I’m am going to heed your advice on the 3.73 happy medium. Reminds me of what my father taught me long ago about tractors, know what size you need first and then go up a notch to get what you want. I know it’s not like having the numbers but it has served me well over the years. Thank you.

[@armedmariner]

I’m exactly that guy who appreciates the 3.73 I have in my ‘22 F350 7.3. Tows anything I’ll ever tow and does great on mpg as a daily driver (I’m averaging 15 all around over 20,000 miles with about 5,000 of that being small tows). I pulled a kid’s 27’ boat and I have no idea how much it weighed but he needed my help moving it and his F-150 was underclassed for that 120 mile tow. My truck pulled it like a champ. A diesel would have been better BUT the 7.3 pulled it like a champ. No concerns. Colt was a major factor for my decision to go 7.3 and I’ve not had a moment of buyer’s remorse.

[@robertprice9288]

Great video and explanation. I have a 2020 F-350 with the 7.3 and I'm running 35/1250-20 rough tread tires. I have the 3.73 gears and probably 80% of my driving is NOT towing. I'm still getting a constant 14 MPG unloaded and 8-9 MPG pulling a 3 horse gooseneck trailer. We live in hilly country with some flat roads. I'm really satisfied with my set-up and have never lacked for power. I've had Ford diesels since 1994 and I really liked the idea of the 7.3 gas engine.

[@ryanrust6244]

Idk if my logic is correct here… but I ordered the 4:30 in anticipation of running 37” tires. I’ll be mostly daily driving it and hauling a slide in camper and a small trailer a few times a month. I did zero calculations, I just know big tires generally need gears. 🤷🏻

[@TheFreedomfighter45]

Great video. I went with a f350 and 373 gears . Very happy with it . I was thinking middle of road is perfect. Like you said weekend camping road trips . And good fuel mileage for normal driving. Took 6 months to get the truck .

[@BT62240]

I've got a 23 f250 7.3 with the Tremor package ordered and it comes with the 4.30. I don't tow daily, but im ok w/ a fractional loss in mileage to have the ability to tow more if needed

[@wildbill23c]

Bingo...if you are worried about fuel economy you shouldn't be driving a heavy duty truck LOL. That combination of engine and gear ratio you'll be able to pull whatever you want....your limits of course are payload more so than the capability of the engine/transmission.

[@JKoolina]

Thanks. I'm trying to decide between the 3.73 and 4.30. This video was very helpful! I'm a weekend warrior with a 28ft 5k tt. Typically towing in flat lands, but do venture to Colorado and The Smokeys .Sounds like 3.73 would be my go to.

[@wildbill23c]

4.30 and you can pull anything.

[@dmbworks8094]

@@wildbill23c pull everything but pull by a fuel station haha.

[@wildbill23c]

@@dmbworks8094 Definitely.

[@dereknew5298]

4.30 gives you a 4000 pound towing advantage over the 3.73 according to Ford. No doubt the 3.73 will tow 20k but you won’t have fords blessing and the potential legal issue. If you never plan to tow heavier than 16k, then you can ignore all of the above. By the way these are 7.3 Dually numbers. That’s what I have. Single wheel truck are at lower ratings, but the 4.30 is basically a max tow option.

[@dmbworks8094]

@@dereknew5298 my 2020 250 6.7 4 door lb with 3.30 is great for hauling the mail.. just gets better mileage the faster you go haha.

[@alexmills1329]

I like to run larger tires after I wear out the stock set so I go for low gears like 4.30 to offset the larger tire I know will get thrown on at some point. 3.55 is fine but when it’s effectively 3.08 it’s not, and 4.30 becomes a far more reasonable 3.73 ish.

[@FlyingAceAV8B]

Same plan here. Got a tremor and will go with 37’s when the factory tires are replaced.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

We're thrilled with the 3.73 in our new F350 7.3 Godzilla. Perfect for towing our 5th wheel when needed, but also good for empty road trips. Great info!

[@ColtWR]

Glad to hear it!

[@dmbworks8094]

you made me look haha.. i have a 2020 6.7 with 3.31's which explains the 20-22 mpg hwy and the thing getting its best mileage at 80 mph, way to fast lol. with the 10 speed i really cant tell much because i dont tow max loads.

[@GO-MAKE-EM-LOUD]

Your videos helped me make my choice on my 2022 7.3l and I really appreciate all of your videos, especially the early ones, that cover it. Thank you and keep it up!

[@JakeB-920]

i just re geared my 04.5 cummins from 4.10 to 3.73 since i’m doing the g56 swap and the final drive is geared lower on the g56 compared to the 48re (i’m on 35” tires) so with the 3.73 & 48re im doing 70mph at 1700 rpm with the g56 i should be about 2k at 70 mph

[@leadfoot1158]

Friend of mine and I were talking about this today he made a nice plot in Excel for torque in every gear at speed. It would be really interesting to see how a truck with 4.10 gears would drive. Expensive but get a 4.30 truck for the higher GCWR and jump down to a 4.10

[@TermiteBenny]

For towing on a gas engine I would definitely get the 4.30 gears for sure. I bought a 2000 F350 with the V10 and it had 3.73 gears, now it was only a 4 speed back then but it would scream out first gear and shift to second and unless going down a hill it would hardly ever shift to 3rd or 4th. I would really like to try a 7.3 with 4.30 gears to see how a modern day gas engine can tow with 6 extra gears. I traded that V10 in for a diesel and have only owned diesels since because of how disappointed I was in it. These 7.3’s so far seem very impressive from what I’ve seen.

[@ColtWR]

Yes you'd enjoy the 7.3 greatly over the v10

[@wildbill23c]

The V10 was great, but the 7.3L V8 will outperform that V10 by a long shot for sure.

[@jameswilson3979]

You would fine with the 3.73’s

[@andrewhill7780]

I’ve got the 4.88 rear with 7.3 f550. Gcvw around 37k. Gearing makes a big difference. Enjoy your channel

[@ColtWR]

Thank you!

[@blackranch7883]

How does that pull on grades with the derate ?

[@andrewhill7780]

I’m not sure if the 7.3 is derated in a cab and chassis truck like the diesels are. It does good we do mostly state highways and in town so 55mph and below. On interstate can tell it’s not a diesel at 38k combined.

[@assyholey4224]

you got 19.5 tires ?

[@JL-ep1rb]

Great video, good explanations, I would like to know the difference in the 4.30 gears with the 35s with the tremor

[@edward1967able]

I guess if you will be running a bigger tires let say 35’s or 37’s then a 4:30 hears would be sufficient 🤔

[@danbrown8310]

well love the explanation love my 2021 7.3 f250 3.73 gears

[@blackranch7883]

Thank you ! Diesel or not next gear ratio will be 4:30

[@scottsnawder8209]

I have a regular cab dually 2022 with the 7.3 and 4.30 rear.....and it has the 17 inch 245/75 size tire.....i am at 69mph at 2k rpm.......

[@dmbworks8094]

damn.. i have the same 17" wheels on my 2020 6.7 with 3.31 rear... 1750 rpm at almost 80 mph.

[@mattmccams]

Think I’m getting the 4.30 with locker and tossing 35s or 37s on it in the first week 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@bradmcmanis3231]

Great theory I traded in my 2013 f450 cab/chassis 120" flatbed 4wd for a 2022 XLT 4wd crewcab 7.3 godzilla shortbed love the truck does have the 3:55,and I don't use it for work personal truck main reason to pull my toyhauler 2022 dune sport at maybe 13,000 altrasy tested truck with trailer and well enough power alot better then my diesel shitbox 6.7 hate those fuel systems Great Video 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@wevdog]

It's never about moving a huge amount of weight. It's about controlling/stopping it. Positive acceleration will never be a problem with a 10 speed. Engine braking assistance is the reason for capping these trucks and will influence safety. A 3.55 in the mountains, overloaded, can be problematic with runaway brake fade and your engine won't assist enough. Another reason why the diesel has another 10k capacity.........due to exhaust brake. It's not about positive acceleration power.

[@evictioncarpentry2628]

A good chunk of people are going to upgrade with 35 or 37 inch tires so 4.10 or 4.30 is probably the best there.

[@ColtWR]

I'd say 4.30

[@johnbuck6685]

If your towing with a gasser no brainer get the 4.30 ratio

[@christophertomberlin]

If I wanted to run a 35” tire with a 7.3L, in your opinion, what would be the best gear ratio for the truck that I would use for weekend camping trips and occasional daily driving use/empty road trips? Love the video content and the channel!

[@ColtWR]

Probly the 4.30 I had 35"s on mine with 3.55s and it wasn't bad but not ideal.

[@guthrie1960]

just get the 4:30. You can always run a bigger tire

[@desertdan100]

I was a big 4:10 ratio guy but we were running gas burners and towing heavy. I used to freak guys out because I built a 1 ton single rear wheel Ford into a towing rig using a 300 inline six. I adapted a turbo onto it and ran the 5 speed manual. When I had buddies ride with me , they could not believe it was a six cylinder and the loads that we moved running through the hills across Iowa and South through Indiana and Missouri. It had a dual tank set up under it and I had propane on it as well. Years ago propane was cheap and I ran that day to day local and light towing. I would start on gas and switch to propane after things warmed up. I would run propane for awhile at first on the flats or under light load. When I hit the hills or towed heavy , I would switch over to gasoline. I was able to run right along with many diesels of that era. I also ran 2 size larger diameter tires than factory. It put me in the power band in 4 th gear with that turbo six. Now fast forward 30 years and they are using the same concepts. I told an engineer years ago that they had not tapped the true potential of Fords 300 inline. When I told him what I did he said it wasn't economical. I told him that time was money and being able to move loads down the interstate at speed made up for the cost in fuel. Once I hit 65 miles an hour , that truck was very happy and I could just set the cruise and roll. Many times it did not hardly slow down pulling hills.

[@dylanbarrett599]

This video helps a lot! I just ordered a new 2023 super duty and was so confused about the gearing ratio etc. I got the Tremor package and it automatically comes with the 430 gearing. I’m wondering if that is to counter balance the larger tires (35”) that come stock?

[@ColtWR]

Yes it is for the larger tires

[@Arkytoob]

Holy shit. This is an excellent breakdown. Making sense of the math with gearing. Super helpful.

[@thejuiceisloose8703]

Not one manufacturer can claim a 100% success rate on any of their vehicles. There are two types of vehicles: one that is broken and one that is going to be broken. 99-2006 Chevy 1500 wheel bearings would fail at 40k 90s to early 2000s Chevy fuel pumps would fail at the 150k mark or never fail 95-2002 dodge Ram had bad break issues first 50k Chevy LS1 had a tendency to bend push rods usually drivers fault but it happened Ford modular 3valve v8 had cam phaser failure Ford 5.4 2 valve had knock issues at 200k or never knock at all Nissan Xterra v6 had timing belt failure at 125k or after. Nissan recommended replacement as part of regular maintenance 90s Chevy 6.5 diesel was either great or absolutely terrible Range Rovers break down leaving the dealership The point is every manufacturer has problems. Especially brand new engines or model replacements. It takes time to fix manufacturing issues.

[@SMiller5488]

7.3 should come standard with 4.30 gears

[@cliffordmontana4562]

Great video! I don’t want or need an F350, as they ride worse than a 250. I opted for a F250 with 7.3 and 4.30 gears. On a 250 you can’t get the 3.73 gears, so my choices were 3.55 or 4.30. That’s an easy choice for me, especially since I’m putting 35 inch tires on it. 4.30 gears will hold gears longer on hills and be more fun to drive when not towing. And I mostly drive on 55mph roads and there is basically zero fuel mileage penalty at those speeds with 4.30 gears. My dad has a 3.55 geared 7.3 and it shifts too much on hills.

[@jacoviiix]

great video this is just the info I need. I'm only looking at towing a 7k boat and trailer. + lot of gear for the weekend

[@RyanALocke]

Can you do a video with the 6.7 powerstroke? They have a 3:31 and 3:55 rear axle ratio. Thanks!

[@ColtWR]

Sure can

[@dmbworks8094]

i have the 2020 6.7 with 3.31 and it is a freeway monster, im constantly having to slow down with no trailer, peak mileage is around 75-80 mph to get the 1750 rpm. i dont tow max loads but i still cant tell when theres a boat or car trailer back there. i am also running the 17" stock wheels, if you go with tires in the 30's the 3.55 at least is probably better.

[@frankdantonio2479]

Man you’re really leaning me in the 7.3 direction lately…. Someone made what I consider a stupid offer on that 400k mile 6.7’ F-550 I’ve got, and in all reality that truck is overkill for towing 18-24k gross when a modern 1-ton dually could tackle it. There’s a 200k mile L5P selling at a local farm sale at the end of the month that has my interest, but damnit $40 oil changes and simplicity are really calling out to me lately lol

[@johntice9868]

So the dually has 31 inch tire resulting in more torque at the wheels than the 33 for the same Gear ratio! Is that why the put the shorter tires on the duallys ?

[@ColtWR]

Bingo

[@Clarkeisawesome]

If you weren't planning to do any towing but wanted a street truck with the best acceleration would 4.30 be the best choice do you think? Or would the transmission be all confused that you aren't towing heavy stuff and hunting for gears? Thanks.

[@ColtWR]

4.30 would be fine. Transmission will adapt to conditions

[@thomaselmer9728]

"I don't have my calculator" You don't have your phone in your pocket? 😆😆

[@jimmymcclelland3727]

Maybe do a video on the Ford V10. I used to own one and would like to think what you think of it.

[@WarrenSatterlee]

Great information. Maybe someone else has already pointed it out, but the bottom number on your comparisons is lbs of thrust, not torque.

[@WarrenSatterlee]

Some will point out that it is actually force. Force equals torque divided by length of lever arm.

[@dsureshot]

Colt, I am purchasing a 2024 F350 dually and I'm really struggling between a 3.73 and a 4.30 ratio. If I go from a stock 245 Tire to the next size up I believe which is 285, is that similar to changing to a 4.10 ratio from a 4.30? I will typically drive the truck empty but do live in Arizona and pull my 11 to 12,000 lb 5th. Lot of mountains in Arizona which I wind up pulling through and I'm concerned about sacrificing the 3.73 for fuel in losing power from the 4.30. what is your opinion? Can I just go to a larger tire size and accomplish the same thing from a 4.30? Thank you for your time.

[@FlyingAceAV8B]

I would def stick with a 4.3 here.

[@ColtWR]

I would run 4.30s i don't think the fuel economy difference will be noticeable for your application

[@cameronstewart5959]

awesome thanks a lot

[@dawackdude4701]

Hey I might have missed it in the video, but what gears you think would help what little engine braking these gas engines have towing downhill?

[@ColtWR]

4.30

[@robertweller2662]

Colton, Just thought I would revisit this video and give some additional feedback. We took a long weekend camping trip for memorial day. We towed our 35 foot 5th wheel (weight between 11K-12K loaded) My 2022 F350 with the 7.3 did great. I played around a bit with speed and RPM's this trip to try and find the best speed / RPM and still maintain decent MPG's. I have the 3:73 ratio and noticed 7th gear anywhere between 63-68 will produce around 2200-2600 RPM. This gets you just into the torque curve and will maintain speed without downshifting on most smaller hills. I got between 7-8 mpg by my hand calculations. I seemed to actually get better mpg's leaving it in 7th rather than letting it shift into 8th and running a few less RPM.

[@roadglide1142]

My 2021 F-350 7.3 has 4.30 gears. It tows anything I want . 😮

[@ColtWR]

I bet it does!

[@blackranch7883]

What’s the most you pulled with it ?

[@roadglide1142]

@@blackranch7883 12k like Butta

[@niceatrya3477]

Sure helped me out after the fact with my decision to go with the 3.73. It's my daily driver, but weekend warrior pulling a camper in the summer. My only question is, can you swap the gears and go up to a 4.30 from a 3.73, or does it require the whole axles to be replaced?

[@ColtWR]

You can always change gearing fairly simply. However, I'd imagine it would cost a couple of grand to do so.

[@niceatrya3477]

@@ColtWR I figured so. I went with the 3.73 which is rated to tow 16,100 because I don't intend to tow over 12K. Currently i only tow an 8K travel trailer in the summer for camping and don't anticipate ever moving up to a heavier 5th wheel. But if I did, it would only cost a couple grand to swap out the gears for 4.30 rather buy a whole new truck.

[@peterkunka2694]

My experience: 2004 Dodge Cummins 325hp/600lb-ft with 3.73 gears. For those towing 5-7K, get a new 1/2 ton truck (I'm looking at the new Tundra for a 8K loaded lightweight toy hauler, truck is rated to tow 11K). For those towing 10-12K, the F-250 Godzilla with the 3.73's seems perfect. For those towing 15K regularly, obviously go for the 4.30's. With diesel emissions and problems, I'd go with gas unless I was into the 18K+ range of RV towing. But.... new topic.... living in a county that does not do emission tests and having a diesel truck de-emissioned.... Then what? Diesel suddenly a contender? I've got time to figure this out and appreciate your input. Pete in Arizona.

[@ColtWR]

I will make a short video for you to try to give you my 2 cents.

[@ColtWR]

Check out my short clip for my answer

[@peterkunka2694]

@@ColtWR Just watched it. Didn't think about the injectors, pump, turbo still being there after a delete and still vulnerable to very high repair bills. If the truck were making me money then it's part of the game. Being an RV'er, the truck isn't making any money for me... I am the one paying for everything to drive down the road. Gas is making much more sense now. Thank you for your time and thoughts on the issue to help people make smart choices for themselves. Pete

[@blackranch7883]

So what would that max daily tow weight you would do for longevity wise in a 7.3 dually w/ 4:30 ?

[@ColtWR]

Preferably yes

[@wildbill23c]

4.30's for sure.

[@ColtWR]

Weight wise 🤷🏻‍♂️20-22k with 430s

[@jimrosell6881]

Pretty cool info. Keep it coming!

[@richvangorder3900]

Toyota and Ford get it. Whens the last time you seen anything over a 3.42 in a half ton Chevy or a 3.73 in a HD Chevy? Exactly

[@ColtWR]

Toyota has tall gearing options?

[@richvangorder3900]

@@ColtWR The Tundra has been running standard equipment 4.30s a long time

[@FIVE6-qk6pc]

If I were to buy gas it would definitely have 4.30gears all tho that 10speed low ratios definitely helps

[@kdougk3478]

I wonder if the gear sets are interchangeable between axles I’m sure the 355s and 373’s will interchange but jumping to the 430 might be a totally different gear set or different axle like a Dana and 355 and 373 are a Sterling

[@carperdiem8754]

Very helpful

[@ccrx2640]

Well done 👍🏼

[@brianrobinson1975]

li live in the Colorado mountains ,,,, trying to decide on a ratio for a6.8 ford ,, leaning towards 4.30

[@akowned1]

I have the 4.30's and 33in tires they are great but 1st is annoyingly low. Without a trailer, 2nd gear is as low as you would ever need.

[@ck3561]

Any info on this roller cam issue?

[@ColtWR]

just made a video about it

[@jamesmooney5348]

Cool

[@davidstewart8081]

The Spicer Transmission Ratio, RPM Calculator is a pretty neat tool to play with.

[@ColtWR]

I use that all the time 😆

[@dathat555]

Thanks! I was looking for something just like that.

[@grantparnes]

Would like to see these 3 pieces of paper with 35's and 37's

[@ColtWR]

Ok, I will

[@caancastleberry7207]

Me too. I'm about to pull the trigger on a 7.3 before the summer. I'm eyeing an XLT with 3:55 w/ stock tires. I'm guessing they're 33's. But I really prefer the 35 inch tire. Someone commented they don't make a 3:73 anymore, is this true?

[@busterimon]

No that is not true@@caancastleberry7207

[@DS-TRUCKS]

❤️

[@codywilliams4246]

I feel like 4.56 would be best with a 33 even with a 10r140

[@OregonShooter1]

If you need a 4.30 pickup to run beside your 3.55 I have a 2022 reg cab I'll sell you.

[@ColtWR]

Send me pictures and details. 9704432658

[@justinthomas937]

Doesn't 10th gear get locked out in tow haul mode? Its does on my 18 F150 with 10 speed

[@ColtWR]

Not in the super dutys

[@richvangorder3900]

No, you can manually lock it out tho in the SDs. Tow haul mode keeps the gears longer and doesnt skip shift

[@justinthomas937]

@@richvangorder3900 Does it hunt for 9th and 10th gear while towing

[@richvangorder3900]

@@justinthomas937 the 10r140 mated with all that torque is the least "hunting" transmission ive ever driven

[@evictioncarpentry2628]

@@justinthomas937 You can lockout any gear on F150s and Super dutys. Just hit the minus sign on the shifter when it's displaying the gears on the dash...every time you hit minus it will drop a gear off the display and never shift over that. If I'm on flat ground with no wind I leave it alone but if it's hunting I'll lockout the top 1 or 2 gears depending on terrain

[@MODOORTEK]

great info Thanks!

[@BigBoyToyzz]

Math... Love it!

[@martychmelik1457]

Great video!

[@cliffmorgan31]

No engine brake on gassers, right?

[@ColtWR]

No, but they have a natural baking effect due to the vacuume created in a throttle body closed position giving it some retarding horse power. Still nothing like a true engine brake tho

[@cliffmorgan31]

@@ColtWR Thx for answering…

[@wildbill23c]

If you are worried about fuel economy driving a truck, you don't need to be driving a truck you need to be driving a hybrid or electric car at that point. When you own a truck, you should be worried about power and reliability. A 4.30 ratio is what you want if you want a truck that's going to tow anything you need. If you want a 3.55 ratio, you really need to be looking at buying a car instead of a heavy duty truck. Weekend warrior or not, if you want to tow, buy a truck to tow, meaning max tow package, max payload package, and the largest numeric/lowest ratio....you want that torque, you don't want to be struggling up hills, and that 4.30 ratio will also help hold you back when going down hill too with the transmission grade shifting. That 10 speed with the Godzilla will work all day long and not break a sweat. Years ago the 460 V8 actually was rated for higher towing capacity than the diesel because the diesels weigh so much more than a big block V8, and didn't want a diesel...that old 460 is still going strong with the C6 automatic in my 88 F250 supercab long bed 4x4 pickup. approaching the 700k mark without a rebuild of the engine or transmission....I do need new U-Joints up front though LOL.

[@jgalt99]

Maybe if it's just a toy hauler. If you're running a business then you absolutely do worry about fuel economy and anything else that's an operating cost, and if the 3.55 gears allow you to run at a lower cost of operation without sacrificing safety or the ability to do whatever job it is you're doing then that's the choice you're going to make. There are also plenty of people who don't actually need a HD truck, they just want one, and they're never going to tow anything bigger than a boston whaler two weekends a month in the summer. Smaller rear end is perfect for those people too.

[@wildbill23c]

@@jgalt99 Again if you worry about fuel economy in an HD truck you shouldn't be driving one, business or not...Fuel economy shouldn't be a check box on your purchasing sheet, capability, capacity, reliability yes, fuel economy, absolutely not...if that is a checkbox you should be looking at a Prius, or other hybrid or electric vehicles rather than a truck that does truck things not save fuel.

[@jgalt99]

@@wildbill23c If you're not trying to make your business run as efficiently as possible, (again, without sacrificing whatever capability you actually need) then you're not running a business, you're laundering money or something.

[@wildbill23c]

@@jgalt99 If you are running a business doing a lot of towing/hauling, you better be looking for the most reliable not the most fuel efficient. I drive an F550 every day, its not fuel efficient when its empty either...but its reliable, far more important than a fraction of an MPG which is the difference you will find....also, if you are trying to go with a lower numerical gear ratio and find yourself holding up traffic going up hills, that is a huge problem, and the rest of us that pass you doing the speed limit up the hill because we bought the truck that was properly equipped to do the job, again that is going to point right back to you trying to save 5 cents in fuel over a tank of gas or diesel. Again, if you are fuel economy oriented, DO NOT buy a truck period, they are NOT fuel efficient in any way shape or form.

[@jgalt99]

@@wildbill23c I'm hauling 8k-15k trailers 80-150 miles a day. That's right on the edge of what a 150 can do and a 250/350 with any gear ratio is way overkill. A 150 would definitely feel sluggish and imo unsafe given you have smaller brakes, lighter frame, less robust suspension. Fuel costs were about 4.5% of gross back when gas was 4.50 in my area, now it's down to 3%. A 2MPG difference in fuel efficiency is worth about $800 a month to me across the fleet. Reliability is a wash, it's all the same truck, (and if you care about reliability over everything else you're not buying a diesel built after 2006 at all). There's plenty of people in this same demographic where it makes sense to get the 3.55s because that's all you need and it saves you money. Sure, trucks are not generally fuel efficient, but some configurations are better than others and that results in more money in my pocket that otherwise would just go out the end of the tailpipe for no increase in productivity.

[@assyholey4224]

cool

[@harveypaxton1232]

I believe that something that always gets overlooked is reverse gearing. For heavy towing, you need the lower gearing because when backing you will always be trying to get over some obstacle.

[@johnlocke_1]

Do you just go around to various videos to copy_paste this comment or what?

[@harveypaxton1232]

@@johnlocke_1 No, I have being towing for over fifty years and know what works.

[@johnlocke_1]

@harveypaxton1232 ok boomer.

[@matthewanderson9912]

This is a good video. The 3.73 is the perfect gear ratio for most guys in my opinion. I feel like the 10 speed (truthfully even when manufacturers jumped from 4 speeds to 6 speeds) have rendered the rear gears starting with a 4 unnecessary for most people. About the only time they would be a benefit is if you’re loaded to max GVWR all the time OR if you are using the truck at low speeds, off road with serious grades. But I actually think for highway speeds and normal highway grades the 4.30 would actually hurt you because it may not allow a downshift and you may end up “stuck” at a rpm and mph range where the 3.73 or even 3.55 would give the downshift and get you a little more speed. There’s an 8% grade where I live that I’d be interested to see how the two do.

[@jameswilson3979]

I run 3.73’s and can pull 30000 of hay just fine. Maybe if I towed it every day I would get 4.30’s but I don’t tow every day so 3.73’s works great

[@cliffordmontana4562]

I agree with you IF you’re keeping your tires stock, but if you switch from a 32 to 35 inch tire, your 4.30 gears just became approximately 3.90 gears. And on f250s your options are only 3.55 or 4.30, so if you put 35” tires on a 3.55 geared truck, your ratio is now 3.20.

[@nia6849]

So basically if people want to have a lower gear ratio from high, all you will do is a change to a bigger tire?

[@matthewanderson9912]

@@nia6849 yeah that’s true for anything. Although I’m not sure it would be as drastic as mentioned because Ford uses the same size tires as GM and the 18s are already 33” and the 20s are 34”.

[@matthewanderson9912]

@@cliffordmontana4562 do they actually have 32” tires? Their 18s and 20s are the same size as GM which are basically 33” and 34”.

[@mikedamdo1641]

Which gear ratio has the fastest acceleration ?

[@ColtWR]

4.30

[@jenniferlee7140]

Mr. Colt! , We don't care about those figures ! We want to know the RPM's at 60 and 70 MPG and GAS mileage for same. Your confusing everyone with your back and forth explanations shut up!

[@ColtWR]

Lots of people care about these figures. Just not you 🤣

[@aj12271]

Sure wish I had watched this before buying my 7.3 gasser with the 3:55. I didn't know there was such a difference. Oh well.

[@ColtWR]

It wouldn't be the night and day difference you'd think. I've had a 3.55 and a 3.73 and at the end of the day. They both got the job done

[@aj12271]

@@ColtWR thank you. I think what makes it sting a little more is the fact that Ford stop putting the 3:55 in the 2023 Super Duty & now just offers the 3:73 & 4:10. Dang it. Lol

[@FIVE6-qk6pc]

@@aj12271 id personally run 4.30s gives you more options for tire size if you ever change