2008 Expediton 4X4, 3.31 Ratio

nbxnbx Member Posts: 28
edited July 2014 in Ford
Trying to get some feedback on selecting the new for 2008 (in 4X4) 3.31 axle ratio versus the $75
optional 3.73.

I live in Tennessee, do a good amount of towing but only in the 3000-3500 lbs. range.

I have not taken a test drive, but suspect the 3.31 ratio 2008 Expedition in 4X4 would be a bit sluggish on hills to major disappointing in the mountains. Assume the fuel mileage would be a bit better due to the 3.31 ratio and the 6-speed tranny?. But, there are plenty of horror stories about lugging around with a taller axle ratio and in turn lower mileage. Obviously would expect trade off in engine performance in opting for the standard 3.31.

Current vehicle is a 2004 Expedition, NBX off-road version, 5.4L, 4X4. With the 3.73 ratio the vehicle seems to have good towing, hill climbing power. Fuel mileage is decent at say 15.4 to 16.2 mpg day in day out over 3.5 year period. 89,000 miles, brakes only out-of-pocket expense so far.

Any feedback on the 3.31 ratio for the 4X4 2008 Expedition?

Comments

  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    The Expedition now uses a 6-speed trans. The taller first gear more thank compensates for the lower final drive rate when you use the 3.31. the 3.31 will give you less engine noise at highway speeds.



    2008 Expedition and Expedition EL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SPECIFICATIONS







    AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SPECIFICATIONS


    Make/Type
    Ford 6-Speed Automatic Overdrive (6R60)


    Engine
    5.4L 3V SEFI V-8


    Ratios (to 1):




    1st

    4.17




    2nd

    2.34




    3rd

    1.52




    4th

    1.14




    5th

    0.86




    6th

    0.69




    Reverse

    3.40


    Converter Size & Type
    12" 145K (L370 Bypass Clutch)


    Converter Stall Ratio
    2.30


    Lubricant Capacity (pt.)
    24.0


    Helical Gears
    All


    Oil Cooler
    Water









    AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SPECIFICATIONS




    Make/Type



    Ford 4-Speed Automatic Overdrive (4R70W)



    Ford 4-Speed Automatic Overdrive (4R70W)





    Engine



    4.6L 2V SEFI V-8



    5.4L 2V SEFI V-8





    Ratios (to 1):





    1st



    2.84


     






    2nd



    1.55


     






    3rd



    1.00


     






    4th — OD



    0.70


     






    Reverse



    2.32


     






    Converter Size & Type



    12" Controlled Clutch Apply



    12" 145K (L370 Bypass Clutch)





    Converter Stall Ratio



    2.30


     






    Lubricant Capacity (pt.)



    24.0


     






    Helical Gears



    All


     






    Oil Cooler



    Water


     






    Mark
  • nbxnbx Member Posts: 28
    Thanks for the reply. Had not seen the specs on the current model's converter size, fluid capacity, etc.

    I'm debating whether to go for one last Expedition. Age 62 now. Wife and I have bought 11 new Ford suvs since 1981. Have always driven 4WD, but am looking at 2WD XLT due to vehicle initial price and mpg. There are some relative bargains in 08 Expedition due to all the restored XLT standard equipment and the new rear air for all units. But basic economics of ownership of Expedition is difficult when buying new retail--may just keep my 2004 Expedition until it drops.

    And considering driving the 2003 V-8 4WD Explorer and buying her a new car? But, would only gain maybe 1 mpg switching from Expedition to V-8 Explorer. Also lack of "no hubs in" 2wd high setting a major negative for the Explorer.

    My view is that Ford must get a few hundred pounds out of the vehicle curb weight for the Expedition suv to remain on the market. The current super heavy vehicles are annoying for me to drive and are always going to be gas hogs. (they do their job of hauling and towing)

    Again thanks for the reply.
  • clockyclocky Member Posts: 1
    Just bought my first Expediton and got a 2wd. Not sure how well the Advance Trac works and would appreciate some comments on it. I tow a Pace 10 foot inclosed trailer with a 2006 Goldwing in it. Total weight about 4200lbs. It did great over the TN and WV mountains but was wandering how well it would do in snow covered roads. Thanks in advance for the replys. Not sure what rear gears it has. How do I tell?
    The dealer said that it has the HD towing package. Does that mean it has 3.73 gears?
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