I am thinking about trading my Ranger Edge for a new 2002 F150 supercab 4x4. What difference will I see between the std 3.31 axle ratio and the optional 3.55? Is there a gas mileage hit for the 3.55 or is it insignificant? Is the 3.55 the way to go for the 5.4v8 4x4? Any performance issues? I will not be towing anything massive, but may be hauling some decent loads at times. Main use will still be city/highway transportation. Thanks for your suggestions. Any other options that are "musts"?

 

Also, is the mileage rating for the 4x4 lower due to running it in 4x4 mode, or is it lower all the time due to something transmission-wise? In other words, would you get the same mileage from a 4x4 in 2x4 mode as you would for a 2x4 truck?trying to decide on 4x4 vs 2x4 - is the cost worth it?

 

There isn't that big of a difference between 3.31 and 3.55s. I have 3.55s and does well towing on 235/75/15 tires. 3.55 is the way to go. You will see 1-3mpg less on a 4x4 becuase of the added weight. If it is worth it, depends on where you drive. Do you have hilly terrain with bad winters? Yes, it is worth it. I live in new england and tow a snowmobile trailer to maine on a 2wd truck with a limited slip rear axle. I have trouble on slick roads pulling the trailer, but am find w/o the trailer. To help, i got 4 studded snow tires, which helps, but am seriously thinking of converting my 2wd to 4wd.


Primary rig is:
95' F-150 EB 300/6 5 spd with 4" Superlift, MSD, Ram Air, Gibson Exhaust, 32" BFG Muds

Then theres:
88' F-250 Superduty 351 + c6
92' Thunderbird 3.8L V-6 FOR SALE!
95' Mercury Cougar 4.6L V-8
80' E-350 300/6 and a
3 spd column shifter baby.

The newest addition to the Ford family is a 99' Mustang GT 4.6L

 

If you have any ideas of upgrading to larger tires in the future (talking overall diameter) go with the numerically higher gear. This would be more important on a 4 WD as many owners go from the OEM 255/70-16 (approx 30.2" dia) to larger 285/75-16 (approx 33" dia). The differance in fuel mileage bettween the 3.31 and 3.55 can't be more then 1 mpg on the highway. I have a 99 Expy 5.4L with 3.73 limited slip and at 60 am turning the motor only about 250 rpm faster then a buddy's 00 5.4L with 3.55 gears. While the 3.31 would be ok for a flat land / low elevation daily driver running around with an empty bed and with no need for towing, I recommend a 3.55 as a minimum. Go for the 3.73 if you will be working her.

Petrol