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2016 F150 5.0 re-gearing?
#11574684
04/30/16 02:53 AM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 150
DanD14
OP
Outdoorsman
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OP
Outdoorsman
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 150 |
I traded my '05 Dodge 2500 deisel for this new truck and I like everything about it except it's towing capability. I should've paid more attention to the gear ratio (3.31), but after all it's rated at 9K. 4x4, tow package, 6speed auto, 6K miles. I'm really underwhelmed by this engine/trans/axle. I leave the boat (4400# center console) at the lake but if I were to tow it somewhere, I'd have to leave yesterday. Towing above 65 is a problem against the wind. I tow a utility trailer frequently and have started taking the fold up ramp off to cut down on drag. So, I'm thinking about a different ratio. Can this be done without major issues? What is involved? Just rings and pinions? What ratio? Any deprogramming or reprogramming? Or relearning? Would you ask the dealer to do it? Thanks for your input.
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Re: 2016 F150 5.0 re-gearing?
[Re: DanD14]
#11574860
04/30/16 07:34 AM
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 6,127
fitter2259
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Rebuilding or replacing a trans or rear end on a new truck is gonna hurt your backside quite a bit and could potentially kill a factory warrantee depending on who did the work. Have you looked into taking the truck back to where you bought it and trading it in on another truck more suitable for towing?
One other thing to consider.....The 5.0 has adequate power to tow your load stated given the right gearing (3.73) but it's no beast by any means, Someone else might be able to come along and correct me if I'm wrong but I believe it's the best your gonna get with the F-150.
Last edited by fitter2259; 04/30/16 10:43 AM.
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Re: 2016 F150 5.0 re-gearing?
[Re: fitter2259]
#11574991
04/30/16 12:41 PM
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Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 5,413
TCK73
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Lots of variables that will determine the best ratio. You need to know what the torque curve is, engine rpm at desired towing speeds, what ratios are actually available for purchase and a few other things. Honestly, since you just got out of a diesel and went to a small gas burner, I think you would be underwhelmed with any of them no matter the ratio. My wife has an Expedition and I have pulled our 22' CC with it some. It does pretty good, but is nothing like my 1-ton with the 6.7 diesel.
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Re: 2016 F150 5.0 re-gearing?
[Re: DanD14]
#11575264
04/30/16 04:57 PM
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,008
fordnut
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,008 |
Your best bet would be to go back to the dealer and weigh the possibilities of trading it in for a truck with the tow package. There are two different packages, one with the 3.55 limited slip with locker and the extra heavy tow 3.73 L.S. w/locker. There's a lot more than just swapping ring and pinion to consider and anything done by someone else other than the Ford dealer will void your warranty. Looking at the cost or possibility would warrant trading the truck. When I bought my 2015 not only did I want the Lariat with the 5.0 but it had to have the 3.55 L.S. w/locker tow package. I've had the 3.55 L.S. on my previous two F150's and all three trucks has handled my towing hauling needs easily. The first real test on the 2015 was towing my Triton to and from Grand Lake Oklahoma and Garland TX. averaging 17mpg. Which was 4mpg better than my 97 or 06 ever did. The 3.73 package is going to definitely effect your fuel mileage too.
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Re: 2016 F150 5.0 re-gearing?
[Re: DanD14]
#11575790
05/01/16 02:03 AM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 150
DanD14
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OP
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 150 |
Thanks for the replies. This one does have the LS and locker, and everything else I wanted. And it's a lot more comfortable than the heavy duty I was in. Looks like I'll have to slow down when I want to tow.
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Re: 2016 F150 5.0 re-gearing?
[Re: DanD14]
#11577715
05/02/16 01:28 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,485
redchevy
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I say use the 6-speed. Beauty of having 1/2 a dozen gears is if the top few are geared to high you just select a lower one.
Your problem is your used to driving a truck that had torque for days at low rpm and your now in a relatively small displacement for the power it makes engine. Your going to have to be turning some RPM to get to where that motor makes its power. select a gear that keeps you over 2500 rpm at your traveling speed.
Last edited by redchevy; 05/02/16 01:30 PM.
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Re: 2016 F150 5.0 re-gearing?
[Re: redchevy]
#11580314
05/03/16 03:14 PM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,167
Ambassador84
TFF Team Angler
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TFF Team Angler
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,167 |
I say use the 6-speed. Beauty of having 1/2 a dozen gears is if the top few are geared to high you just select a lower one.
Your problem is your used to driving a truck that had torque for days at low rpm and your now in a relatively small displacement for the power it makes engine. Your going to have to be turning some RPM to get to where that motor makes its power. select a gear that keeps you over 2500 rpm at your traveling speed. ^^^this^^^ I lock out my 6th gear when towing my camper (7000lbs). I do have the ecoboost with 3:73 rear end, heavy duty tow package, rated right around 11000lbs capacity. When I lock out that 6 gear, going 65 is a piece of cake. Rpm is around 2300-2500
Man up. Fight the GOOD fight.
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Re: 2016 F150 5.0 re-gearing?
[Re: DanD14]
#11583903
05/05/16 01:59 AM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 150
DanD14
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Outdoorsman
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OP
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 150 |
Thanks for your advice. Two things I'll have to get used to: staying out of high gear on the highway, and turning that many rpms. 2500 for long stretches makes me cringe.
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Re: 2016 F150 5.0 re-gearing?
[Re: DanD14]
#11584428
05/05/16 12:37 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,485
redchevy
TFF Celebrity
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TFF Celebrity
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Posts: 7,485 |
If your putting a load on that motor it needs to turn some rpm. It wont hurt it.
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