If cylinder deactivation requires low engine load, and 3.73 gears reduce engine load for a given speed, then 3.73 might be more efficient because it can use C/D more frequently. Would be interesting to see the test with same engines, diff gears, but in tow/haul.
I have a 2022 2.7 w/ 3.73 and it was at ford for a week for repair to turbo and I had a 2022 2.7 3.55 loaner. On my same 100mi round trip commute I consistently got 1mpg worse with the 3.55 than 3.73 over the course of the week. Mostly 45 to 65mph speeds. Stock for stock both on 18” Goodyear territory 275/65/18 tires. Maybe a placebo but in 10th gear I find the 3.73 doesn’t boost as much as 3.55. But honestly the differences were so negligible it could’ve even been that the tires on the 3.55 loaner weren’t broken in yet and neither was the engine ( it was a brand new loaner ). I wouldn’t stress about fuel economy with 3.73 with these new 10 speeds. The differences are so small and as you said many other variables also come into play.
I have a 2018 5.0 with 3/73’s and live in a hilly area in Ontario. My truck constantly gets better fuel economy than my two friends. One has 5.0 3/55 and the other 5.0 3/31. 3/73 is the best. 3/55 second best. 3:31 comes in last place with the worst fuel economy. Not scientific for sure but that’s real world driving.
I have some videos of the 23 F150 5.0 3.73 vs 3.55 gears where you could try to compare. I do not think its a big difference at those speeds. maybe 100rpms.
If your view is that the EPA fuel economy rating represents the “Gold Standard”, then an examination of the window stickers of comparable 2024 Ford F150 trucks, may shred some light on the interaction of axle gear ratio and fuel economy. I searched Ford’s inventory to find two very similar trucks - solely with different axle gear ratios - with the intent of comparing the EPA fuel economy ratings. I located two nearly identical 2024 trucks - both were crewcab 5.5 foot bed 4x4 STX models. One had 3.31 gears (the general default). The other had 3.73 gears, and the towing package (brake controller and the larger towing mirrors). These extra options should disadvantage this truck slightly with respect to fuel economy - but the trucks had identical EPA fuel economy ratings. This lends some credibility to the concept that the towing gears (3.73) do not reduce the fuel economy of the 2024 5.0L F150 models. In all likelihood, the difference in fuel economy (positive or negative) is probably too close to distinguish. The difference will likely be in the driving experience. The truck with the towing gears (3.73) will hold 10th gear longer while cruising on a highway, while the truck with the 3.31 gears may cycle to 9th gear (or even 8th gear) more often. The truck with the 3.73 gears will accelerate more rapidly, and will also have a higher towing capacity. With older 3 and 4 speed automatic transmissions, the axle gear ratio was highly influential on fuel economy - the lower the number of the axle ratio - the better for fuel economy. With the advent of 8, 9, and 10 speed transmissions, a low numerical axle gear ratio can actually drop the cruising engine RPM below the most efficient zone - potentially using slightly more gasoline. It is the synergy of all of the components that really lets a new vehicle standout over older technology.
Excellent comment, and a lot of truth to this. My understanding is sometimes the EPA does not include all gearing options when they calculate fuel economy. It would be interesting to understand this in more detail I will look into this.
@@CTECH-REVIEW ... If you review the window stickers of comparable 2024 5.0L F150s, you will notice that trucks equipped with all-terrain tires have the EPA fuel economy rating reduced by about 1 MPG. The all-terrain tires are heavier (higher rotating mass) and require more energy to get rolling (higher roll resistance). This means that the EPA in their testing took into account the various tire options available. Why would they not also take into account the various axle gear ratios available ? The 10-speed automatic transmissions are a triple overdrive configuration - gears 8 through 10 are all overdrives of increasing ratio. With the 5.0L engine, the 10-speed transmission seems to negate any significant fuel economy differences, as a function of axle gear ratio, in the narrow range of options available (typically 3.31 to 3.73). No matter how you slice it, a 2024 F150 with the 5.0L engine has the potential to be quite fuel efficient.
I'm glad I just watched your video.I also watched the video of the test comparing the 23 and 24 5.0 equipped f150s ,each having different rear axle ratios.I knew right from the start it was not a fair comparison because of the differences between fuel economy ratings.I even mentioned this in my comments on the channel.I'm glad you set the record straight.
So how did Ford increase +2 hwy mpg in 2024? Is the tuning calibration actually different or is the EPA loop measuring it differently than before? Thanks for the great video.
Why are you comparing pickup truck gear ratios based on fuel economy? Gearing has to do with what you intend to use it for. Is it a daily driver? Will it be hauling a boat or a camper? Will be towing heavy loads such as farm, ranch, or construction equipment? Those jobs require different gearing ratios. Gas mileage isn’t really much of a factor in that equation. If your that concerned about fuel economy, buy a Prius.
Why do people insist on, it's a truck you should not even remotely talk about fuel economy. There's nothing wrong with wanting to know or being curious as to what the differences and efficiency are between the two.
Thanks for the comment and for watching. Most half ton trucks are used for picking up groceries and small projects. Many people are interested in fuel economy. This video was to specifically show the difference from 2023 to 2024 for highway fuel economy on the 5.0 v8. But funny you mention the Prius! Prius is a nice ride. But I prefer the Corolla more. I have a video on that coming soon. Impressive fuel economy.
