tchristm Posted May 12, 2008 Share Posted May 12, 2008 I just ordered an 08 Limited with the heavy duty tow package. Apparently 3.31 is now standard, even with the HD tow package, and the 3.73 is optional. Ford also lists the 3.31 as being able to tow more than the 3.73 (9200 vs 9050 lbs) which makes no sense. We dont regularly tow (friends boat sometimes), but would like the option in the future and without having to worry about it dogging on the hills. Anyone have experience with the 3.31 vs 3.73 on towing and gas mileage? Is there be a noticeable difference in mileage between the two? What about acceleration? I tried calling Ford to get the skinny, but that was a hopeless cause...I've got about a week to make a change to the order without affecting delivery. Appreciate the feedback. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WildeOne Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 I just ordered an 08 Limited with the heavy duty tow package. Apparently 3.31 is now standard, even with the HD tow package, and the 3.73 is optional. Ford also lists the 3.31 as being able to tow more than the 3.73 (9200 vs 9050 lbs) which makes no sense. We dont regularly tow (friends boat sometimes), but would like the option in the future and without having to worry about it dogging on the hills. Anyone have experience with the 3.31 vs 3.73 on towing and gas mileage? Is there be a noticeable difference in mileage between the two? What about acceleration? I tried calling Ford to get the skinny, but that was a hopeless cause...I've got about a week to make a change to the order without affecting delivery. Appreciate the feedback. I have an '07 Expy 2WD and 3.31 rear. I consistently get over 20 MPG when not towing. Note that's with cruise engaged and a light foot on the gas pedal. If you get 4 WD , you can count on several MPG less. 3.73 rear would also a have a negative effect on MPG. Acceleration when not towing is adequate, but not breathtaking. It's an OK compromise given fuel prices. Local, short trip MPG will be lower ... I try to reserve this truck for towing and/or long trips, where it excels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tchristm Posted May 16, 2008 Author Share Posted May 16, 2008 Decided to go with the 3.73. I drove both the 3.31 and 3.73 on basically identical 4WD Limited's the other day and there was about a ~300 rpm difference between the two at 70 mph. As for acceleration, I never really had the opportunity to put the pedal to the floor from a dead stop, but there wasn't a huge difference between the two. Passing acceleration was noticeably better on the freeway with the 3.73. I can't imagine there being much of a difference in mileage and well worth the extra towing grunt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WildeOne Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 Decided to go with the 3.73. I drove both the 3.31 and 3.73 on basically identical 4WD Limited's the other day and there was about a ~300 rpm difference between the two at 70 mph. As for acceleration, I never really had the opportunity to put the pedal to the floor from a dead stop, but there wasn't a huge difference between the two. Passing acceleration was noticeably better on the freeway with the 3.73. I can't imagine there being much of a difference in mileage and well worth the extra towing grunt. I don't know about the difference in MPG due the rears, but 4WD will cost ~ 2 to 3 MPG, due to the add'l weight (~500 lbs) and friction. BTW, 2 WD also gets you greater towing capacity, due to the lower all up weight. I haven't had any trouble towing a 9 K lb boat and trailer, including some launch ramp experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tchristm Posted May 16, 2008 Author Share Posted May 16, 2008 I don't know about the difference in MPG due the rears, but 4WD will cost ~ 2 to 3 MPG, due to the add'l weight (~500 lbs) and friction. BTW, 2 WD also gets you greater towing capacity, due to the lower all up weight. I haven't had any trouble towing a 9 K lb boat and trailer, including some launch ramp experience. Agree with less mpg's on 4WD. 2WD wasnt really an option for us as we spend a bit of time in the snow and camping. Towing capacity is reduced by 200 lbs with 4WD. Not sure what your experience has been towing in the hills with 3.31, but from other forums it didn't sound very positive. Now we just need to decide on color...black or silver... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WildeOne Posted May 17, 2008 Share Posted May 17, 2008 Agree with less mpg's on 4WD. 2WD wasnt really an option for us as we spend a bit of time in the snow and camping. Towing capacity is reduced by 200 lbs with 4WD. Not sure what your experience has been towing in the hills with 3.31, but from other forums it didn't sound very positive. Now we just need to decide on color...black or silver... No hills here, sorry! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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