F350 vs competition

[mikehaugen]

I'll give you that, and I agree with you.

But, let's not say that Ford stacked it against the competition. The only way they did that was by offering higher (numerically) gears, and it had nothing to do with this test. Now, if Ford would have used the F450, then yes, that would have been stacking it against the competition.

So we all agree, for the most part that rearend makes a difference- all other things being equal? And it is great of Ford to offer that for those that need it, but how many are actually going to opt for that, and how practical is it for daily driving? My guess is that most won't have it, yet everyone that owns a Ford diesel is going to brag about this video when in reality they could have a lesser performing truck (theoretically) if they had say the 3.73. This reminds me of a towing test I read a while back where they compared gas engines, and since Ford was the only one offering a v-10 at the time, guess who won. Iirc, they had the smallest, least powerful v-8 at that time.

I can see where a numerically higher rear axle *might* provide an advantage in a short sprint. It's much more difficult over multi-mile runs like we did at Davis Dam and in Colorado.

I also disagree with this... it may be true on flat land, but on a constant climb?

 

[aczlan]

I also disagree with this... it may be true on flat land, but on a constant climb?

With a modern 6+ speed transmission, once you are out of first or second gear, rear end ratio is not relevant until you start hitting the rev limiter.

Aaron Z

 

[Peacock]

With a modern 6+ speed transmission, once you are out of first or second gear, rear end ratio is not relevant until you start hitting the rev limiter. Aaron Z

I didn't say that.

Rear axle ratio is still relevant. Final gear ratio is what matters.

 

[lutt]

To me final rear axle gears make or break a truck, the newer trucks I have drove with 6 speed trannies and higher geared rear ends suck! Any of them, I have a load on my truck all the time, rather large road box, gas powered air compressor, and a box with chain, straps, chainsaw, gas and oil, I think you guys get the picture. Then the truck is beat on gravel roads and field roads 90 percent of the time, my o8 Chevy had been a good truck, it has right at a 100000 miles on the clock, bit it is not built heavy enough for this kind of use, mine will probly be 3/4 or 1 ton next time. The only half ton I have looked at built heavy enough in the rear end was the Toyota crew max, no other on on the market in my opinion is that heavy, if you drive them on the highway towing, there probly ok, but for farm use, I just don't think I will have another 1/2 ton! LUTT

 

[Stimw]

No mention of fuel used in the "test"??????
It fits that they use Mike Roe for the spokesman, I guess it's just another "Dirty Job" for him.

 

[Stimw]

No mention of fuel used in the "test"??????
It fits that they use Mike Roe for the spokesman, I guess it's just another "Dirty Job" for him.

 

[Tomtint]

No mention of fuel used in the "test"??????
It fits that they use Mike Roe for the spokesman, I guess it's just another "Dirty Job" for him.

I guess you just gotta buy a Ford, you never want to get caught underpowered !

 

[TomSeller]

Naw, the best looking are '41, '64, and '32 in that order. And maybe the '89.

Good choices on the 41, 64 and 32. I would leave off the 89 and add the 53 to 56 generation. So cool.

 

[Paystar]

Tell that to all my Powerstrokes that keep trying to bankrupt me, LOL.

But to be fair had my share of front end problems with Ram's. Haven't tried a GM yet.

 

[jejeosborne]

With a modern 6+ speed transmission, once you are out of first or second gear, rear end ratio is not relevant until you start hitting the rev limiter. Aaron Z

I agree with this to a certain point. I liken the final drive ratio to a multi-speed bicycle. The transmission being the cogs on the crank and the rear end being the cogs on the wheel. The cog on the wheel has just on gear whereas the crank has multiples. Once out of first gear, the transmission will choose the proper ratio based on the program the engineers established for best performance. First gear and the final gear are the only limiting gears.

The only variable is weather the transmission frictional losses are equivalent to the rear ends losses.

My friend has the same configuration of truck as me but with a higher axle ratio. My truck will shift into 6th gear at 35 mph whereas his won't until 40. I joke with him and tell him I get better mileage in town.