The axle ratio is neglected by many people while giving out the advice in buying Ford f150. In its place, more importance is given to engine type and capacity.
But we’re telling you that considering which axle ratio to go with is absolutely necessary. And you’re right to ask this question.
So the question is, in 3.31 vs 3.55 F150, which should you go with?
If you use F150 for transportation, 3.31 is the right choice. It’ll give higher mpg and save fuel consumption. But if you wanna tow and carry heavy loads, 3.55 is the better choice.
These were just the overview of which one is better for your needs. It must be hard to understand why 3.55 is better for towing and 3.31 is not. We’ll explain them in detail in our article.
So let’s dig right in!
What Does the Axle Ratio Mean?
Axle ratio means the number of times the drive shaft rotates for 1 revolution of the rear wheel. So, a 3.31 axle ratio implies that the drive shaft will rotate 3.31 times for 1 revolution of the rear wheel. Ford F150 comes with 4 axle ratios. They are 3.15, 3.31, 3.55, and 3.73.
A higher axle ratio accounts for more torque, acceleration, pulling power. Whereas, a lower axle ratio can provide more speed and is much more fuel efficient.
3.31 vs 3.55 F150- What are the Differences?
The 3.31 and 3.55 provide different benefits to the driver. These benefits vary according to what the driver actually needs. So let’s take a deep dive into their differences.
Pulling Power and Towing
Pulling power is an important factor for trucks like Ford F150. That’s because it’s mostly used for carrying loads in the back or through a trailer.
Between 3.31 vs 3.55 axle ratio, the pulling power of 3.55 is more than 3.31. It can carry heavier loads and tow better. As an estimation, a fully equipped f150 with 3.55 can pull up to 13,900 lbs. And a 3.31 can pull 12,700 lbs. This happens due to higher torque and higher acceleration present in the 3.55
However, there are many other factors that complement the towing power. One of them is the size of the engine. Engine size is important for towing. But our discussion here is the axle ratio. And it does impact the towing capability.
So if you use your truck for towing heavy loads, 3.55 is the way to go. Not to mention, in 3.55 vs 3.73, towing is the main factor for which 3.55 is preferred. With a higher axle ratio, trucks can carry heavy loads better than a lower ratio of the axle.
Also, 3.55 is the minimum ideal axle ratio for towing loads, which is the opinion of many in this field.
Fuel Economy and Gas Mileage
Fuel economy is yet another factor that is considered by many while choosing a vehicle. An efficient fuel economy means the consumption of a lesser amount of fuel. And in 3.31 vs 3.55 fuel economy, 3.31 is more fuel-efficient than 3.55.
The 3.31 can go an extra 0.5-1.0 miles per gallon than 3.55. This is because the drive shaft revolves less in the 3.31 for one turn of the wheel. So, it consumes less fuel per gallon.
So as 3.31 consumes less fuel, it gives better mileage per gallon than 3.55.
A 0.25 difference of axle ratio gives a maximum of 1 mpg raise of the f150. So, 3.31 will give you almost 1mpg more than 3.55.
If you are more into saving some bucks and tow occasionally, 3.31 should do just fine.
Wheel Torque
3.55 gives you a little more torque in the rear wheels than the 3.31.
Torque is the maximum amount of twisting force that is generated by the engines. So with higher torque from the engine, the overall performance of the truck increases.
Now, the axle ratio is connected with the torque that can be transferred to the rear wheels.
With a higher axle ratio, more torque is implemented on the rear wheels from the engine. So clearly, the torque of 3.55 is higher.
And with higher torque, the RPM increases and it makes load carrying much more efficient. Also, it makes it easier to climb uphill with more torque delivered to the rear wheels.
So, 3.55 is the one to go with if you mostly climb uphill. And not to mention, that higher RPM.
Acceleration
Acceleration is an important factor for trucks since they mostly carry loads. It’s either loaded in the back of your Ford f150 or in the trailer attached. With a higher acceleration, it gets easier to pull them.
Acceleration is also lost due to damaged or dirty piston heads. So make sure to clean those piston heads.
Also, a higher acceleration rate comes as a blessing for commuting on the off roads. With so many bumps and rough roads, a lower acceleration can make you feel unsatisfied.
3.55 has better acceleration than 3.31. The acceleration is higher in 3.55 because it has more revolutions per minute than 3.31. And with better acceleration, it’s easier to pull loads both on the off roads and in the city.
So in terms of performance, 3.55 is the winner since it has more acceleration.
Speed
F150 3.31 vs 3.55 10 speed difference is one of the most concerns ever.
Speed is a tradeoff that one has to bear if he/she prefers 3.55 over 3.31.
With a higher axle ratio, the highest speed reduces in vehicles. With lower axle ratios, the shaft turns less for one rotation of a wheel. So the average speed is more here compared to higher axle ratios.
Average speed also reduces when the engine is not taken care of. So make sure to at least clean the engine waterless.
In a 3.55, you can go at 50mph in the 10th gear. Whereas, you don’t even land on the 10th before 80 mph in the 3.31.
So if top speed matters to you, you should go with 3.31.
What Do We Think?
Now, it’s time for our final verdict over which one to choose between 3.31 vs 3.55 f150.
If you wanna use your Ford f150 just for daily transportation on the city roads, 3.31 is more than fine for you. You wouldn’t even notice much difference it will have from 3.55. It’s given the fact you won’t be towing or carrying any heavy loads on a regular basis.
Plus, if you’re not gonna tow through it, the more top speed and fuel efficiency are gonna stand out for you.
But if your main purpose of the truck is towing or carrying heavy loads, 3.31 is not for you. 3.55 would be a much better fit for your needs. It’s due to its greater torque, pulling power, rpm, and acceleration. Also for off-road commuting, 3.55 is the wiser choice!
FAQs
Why does gear ratio affect towing capacity?
Gear ratio affects towing capacity because it indicates torque, acceleration, and pulling power. With a higher gear ratio like 3.73:1, the torque and acceleration are higher. So that’s why the towing capacity also increases here.
Is 3.31 a good gear ratio?
3.31 is a good gear ratio for city commuting. Since it works fine without any considerable load on the back, the fuel efficiency and higher of 1 mpg becomes a lucrative deal.
Does gear ratio affect mpg?
Yes. A difference of .25 gear ratio can increase a maximum of 1 mpg. Due to less revolution of the drive shaft to rotate the wheel 1 time, mpg increases and fuel is less consumed.
Conclusion
We hope we’ve been able to clear your confusion regarding 3.31 vs 3.55 f150.
It’s important to acknowledge what you’re actually gonna use the f150 for and then decide.
Thank you for staying with us till the end. Do let us know if you have any queries in the comment section below!