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WolfFox · 01-25-2005, 05:02 AM

OK! I need help in deciding which axel to go with in the F350, PSD, CC, DRW, 4X4. This truck with a 4.1 axel has a GCWR of 23500 lbs and with the 4.3 axel has a GCWR of 26000 lbs (with one person).

The trailers I am looking at are 15000 to 17000 lbs. A F350 loaded with everything from what I read is around 7000-8000 lbs. The 4.1 axel is rated for a maximum 5th Wheel of 15600 and the 4.3 axel is rated 18300. If I go with the 4.3 axel instead of the 4.3 axel is it going to kill the MGP really bad when not towing.

I will be using the truck for towing about 5 months out of the year it will be our primary vehicle when not towing. Can I get by with the 4.1 axel pulling 16000-16500 lbs without it hurting the drive train? I could always go with a lighter trailer but the quality built ones seem to be the heaviest. Does anyone have these axels and what advice can you give me. I don't want to get the 4.3 and wind up getting 8-9 mpg not towing. Thanks!

WolfFox · 01-25-2005, 05:02 AM

OK! I need help in deciding which axel to go with in the F350, PSD, CC, DRW, 4X4. This truck with a 4.1 axel has a GCWR of 23500 lbs and with the 4.3 axel has a GCWR of 26000 lbs (with one person).

The trailers I am looking at are 15000 to 17000 lbs. A F350 loaded with everything from what I read is around 7000-8000 lbs. The 4.1 axel is rated for a maximum 5th Wheel of 15600 and the 4.3 axel is rated 18300. If I go with the 4.3 axel instead of the 4.3 axel is it going to kill the MGP really bad when not towing.

I will be using the truck for towing about 5 months out of the year it will be our primary vehicle when not towing. Can I get by with the 4.1 axel pulling 16000-16500 lbs without it hurting the drive train? I could always go with a lighter trailer but the quality built ones seem to be the heaviest. Does anyone have these axels and what advice can you give me. I don't want to get the 4.3 and wind up getting 8-9 mpg not towing. Thanks!

Two Bit · 01-25-2005, 05:54 AM

Welcome to the board

The axle ratio might not be the issue. The pin weight may be too much for a F350. 20% of 17,000 will give you a pin weight of 3400#. This plus actual wet weight of truck cant (shouldn't) go over GVWR (whatever that is).Maybe someone with a similar truck will tell you what their truck weighs loaded with people, stuff, fuel....

Im planning on a 06 F350 diesel and have been watching the reports on fuel mileage. They seem to be all over the range from 10 to 18 empty driving with towing less than 10mpg. These are mostly 4.10 rears. Ford still cant get their engines to all be consistant and I'm hoping they work out this issue otherwise my 30 year history with Ford might have to change to Dodge. I dont want to be guessing whether I get a good FOrd Diesel or one with issues. I'm thinking a 4.30 rear would give you 10 or less not towing.

RichR · 01-25-2005, 05:59 AM

my truck scales at 8560 lds-if connected to a 17,000lb trailer with a 4:30 axle ratio I would be right at the max 26,000.Is the trailers 15-to 17,000 empty?That is a very heavy trailer and could be over GCVW real easy.My GCVW is only 20,000 with a 4:10,and I am 400lbs over with my rig,trailer scaled at 10,800.I would go with a 4:10 ratio and get a little less trailer,get the trailer weighed before buying or you could be over weight.I get 16 mpg combined driving with my truck.
RichR