Hello all,

I have a 11' Expy Limited with the HD tow package, 20" wheels with the standard 119" wheel base & 3.31 gear ratio. I have towed my 34' TT on a few runs with my P2 and Hensley Arrow Hitch, so far so good. But I'd like to improve where it would make sense.

I went to the CAT scales a couple weeks ago and I am pushing 14,600lbs GCWR and as you know, 15,000lbs GCWR is max for the 11' Expy.

What I'd like to know from you gear heads is this -
What is involved in moiving up to 3.73 gears or is it possible to go higher like a 4.10?
Would upgrading to a larger break setup also help?

My goal is to be able to go into Montanna, Wyoming etc, but my concerns are going up/down mountains. I've driven through there a few times before but never towing.

With a family of 6, there are not a lot of vehicles large enough with the required towing power, so I am looking to see if modifications would be a consideration. As I mentioned, so far the towing with the HA and P2 have helped, but I want to know about increasing the gear ratio to help with the performance.


Thanks, Joe

 

Byebye warranty.

 

I'm pretty sure if you have the HD tow package then you have 3.73 gears.

 

I have the same dilemma. my 11 has the heavy duty tow package and 3.31 gears also (XLT though). I miss the punch that my 06 had with the 3.73 gears (non heavy tow and 4x4) but I may just try a tuner first. although mine is a daily driver and only tows light (4500) occassionaly. I had an edge ordered but cancelled it when Mike at 5-star responded with some interesting comments. I may go with him, but still trying to decide. I still do not even have 1000 miles yet - so I am waiting to see if the trans learns my driving a little better first. I absolutely love the vehicle though (and so does wifey).

 

mtondero, it may not be the 3.31's that are your issue. I remember reading a few threads about the throttle response of the 2011's wasn't as good as previous year, something about Fords programming. Guys swapped out a tuner and solved the issue. My 08 has 3.31's and has plenty of punch when needed.

Matt

 

Thanks Matt. I am convinced that I will be getting a programmer. I was set on the edge because I do not plan on any other mods, but 5-star emailed and said he has had great results with the fords (many others also here are happy with him) and the edge was cheaper but I am limited to the base model for my motor/tranny. 5-star also said he can load tunes for a new ford if I change vehicles (wife may take the expy when her lease is up) and I will proabably be back in anf150. I still want to wait untli at least 1000 miles and may wait and see if 5-star has any specials coming or group buys. Although - I am getting sick of punching it to get in traffic and it just making a bunch of noise - my 06 made noise, but it accelerated while doing it. It is almost like this thing is choosing a much lower gear and winding instead of picking a power band level. I absolutely love the new ride though. Thanks again, Mike.

 

mtondreo, I agree with Matt regarding your issue on acceleration. I'd have Ford look into that. I'm surprised at the level of punch my 11' Expy delivers off the line.

I'm pleased with the towing as well and like I said, it's been relatively flat except for some basic Midwest hills in WI. I also realize there is just not a whole heck of a lot you can do initially on a new truck without voiding your warranty and I paid for the 5yr bumper to bumper with premium services included. So I'm not about to throw that out the window - yet...

I will check with ford to see if I can have the rear switched out with 3.73 gearing while staying in warranty. Otherwise, not certain what options I have w/o voiding my warranty.

 

My understanding when I got my '11 Limited EL was that the 3.73 ratio was only available on the EL model. Does mean that the 3.73 gears are available for install....

BTW, I don't think I have even punched my throttle. So not sure what would happen. I drive like a grandma now.

Johnny

 

Not certain if the option to upgrade to 3.73 exists. I need to check.

As for punching it, my other ride is a 370z convertable and I like to get on her when it's nice outside. So every now and then when I'm in the Expy, I like to see her get down too. ;-)

 

Just checked, my mistake, it was available as an option ($75 MSRP), but not tied to the HD Towing. However, it looks like the EL was not available with the 3.31 gears