Ford with 3.73 or Lincoln with 4.10?

[Ron045]

Hello all,

I have been searching for a new SUV TV (Must be a SUV so let's keep the "Trucks are better" debate for another thread).

I have been heavily researching the Ford Expedition EL 2015-2016 model year. It comes with a 3.73 Axle ratio.

I never though to look at the Lincoln Navigator because I just assumed it would be too costly. Surprisingly the Nav L is price comparable to the Expy EL in the used market. That tells me they don't hold their value very well, but I usually keep my vehicles for 10 years anyway.

The Nav L has a 4.10 gear ratio option. The research I have done suggests the 4.10 will be better for towing but worse on gas mileage. Is that all the time or just when towing?

The Lincoln specs for mileage equal that of the Ford in the brochure. So does the poor mileage argument only come into play when towing? Towing 3.73 gets X MPG and Towing 4.10 gets Y mpg?

The downside of the Lincoln is the cargo weight capacity inside the vehicle. 1,540 lbs as opposed to the Ford with 1,720 lbs of capacity.

Any thoughts on which way you would go? Gearing or weight capacity?

FWIW, towing a Shamrock 23IKSS loaded weight 6,600 lbs.

Thanks!
Ron

[bikendan]

Yes, gas mileage with a 4.10 will be lower, towing or not towing.
The Navigator's lower payload is probably due to its extra bling.

I'd go with the Expy because of the extra payload capacity.

[dmdomokos]

I towed with a Suburban for awhile, 7500lbs loaded up. Also check for HD tranny cooler, LT tires (you will need them) and suspension capability. I think 3.73 or 4.10 will be fine.

[Ron045]

Yes... Been looking at the '15-'16 Suburban and Yukon XL too. But the can be pricey compared to the Ford. The Ford also puts out more HP Andrew​ Torque than the Chevy.

Just found out the Lincoln does not have an integrated brake controller like the Ford. Not a show stopper, but something to consider.

Ron

[dmdomokos]

If I had to tow with an SUV again, at your trailer weight, I would go with the Ford.

[shadows4]

I too would go with the Expedition. It has been awhile but the Navigator used to require premium fuel also. Good luck, John

[KMANUEL74]

For me the integrated brake controller is a deal breaker. It works flawless. I've towed with a bunch of aftermarket controllers over the years, but the integrated one has been the best.

[Ron045]

Great feedback thus far... Thanks. Back to the search. These darned SUVs are expensive even used.

[Jmkjr72]

Payload is the issue with wdh you are going to be about 1000 lbs tounge weight. So that leaves 540 and 720 for all the gear and passanger in the suv.
The inlaws were towing 7000 lbs with the suburban we have now almost 300000 miles on a vortec 350 with 3.73 and it has to work but the. Again the engine is a bit on the tired side we are using to tow about 5500 to 6000 lbs

This is what I would do put 4.10s in the ford

[sfsgm]

Originally Posted by Ron045

Hello all,

I have been searching for a new SUV TV (Must be a SUV so let's keep the "Trucks are better" debate for another thread).

I have been heavily researching the Ford Expedition EL 2015-2016 model year. It comes with a 3.73 Axle ratio.

I never though to look at the Lincoln Navigator because I just assumed it would be too costly. Surprisingly the Nav L is price comparable to the Expy EL in the used market. That tells me they don't hold their value very well, but I usually keep my vehicles for 10 years anyway.

The Nav L has a 4.10 gear ratio option. The research I have done suggests the 4.10 will be better for towing but worse on gas mileage. Is that all the time or just when towing?

The Lincoln specs for mileage equal that of the Ford in the brochure. So does the poor mileage argument only come into play when towing? Towing 3.73 gets X MPG and Towing 4.10 gets Y mpg?

The downside of the Lincoln is the cargo weight capacity inside the vehicle. 1,540 lbs as opposed to the Ford with 1,720 lbs of capacity.

Any thoughts on which way you would go? Gearing or weight capacity?

FWIW, towing a Shamrock 23IKSS loaded weight 6,600 lbs.

Thanks!
Ron

Addressing only the depreciation matter, I read a few years back that Lincoln was among the worst of vehicles. At the time, the depreciation was 37% over three years.

That might well have changed between then and now but if that is a consideration, you might want to explore it further.

[Mars]

They will both tow fine. LT tires on either one improves towing feel/stability. Buy the one in best condition for your budget. Worst case you can swap out the gears to 4.10 down the road.

[phillip252]

What's under rear end bags or Springs, I would make sure it had Springs seen to many expos with busted bags

[Rivasiuk]

Originally Posted by Ron045

Great feedback thus far... Thanks. Back to the search. These darned SUVs are expensive even used.

If you are saying these are still expensive why don't you compare to a short bed crew cab 1/2 ton. You may be surprised at what you can find. And much more capabilities for your money. Just saying!

[Ron045]

Have that now... Family and dogs won't fit. Need an SUV.

[ronheater70]

if your family and dogs wont fit in a crew cab 1/2 ton, then I am of the opinion the SUV will not work either, but for different reasons.

If you have 1500 to 1700 pounds of cargo capacity, about 1K of that is already eaten up with your trailer you have described. That doesnt leave a whole lot of available payload for a family and dogs that are numerous / large enough that they wont fit into a crew cab. Let alone anything additional you may pack intot the vehicle or extras like running boards, etc.. and dont forget to subtract the weight of a good WDH.. I think you need a lighter trailer.

[mxdad]

I think they will both tow fine. However, if you are worried about payload, there are 3/4 ton Suburbans out there that will have higher payload and tow 10K lbs.

Cars for Sale: Used 2013 Chevrolet Suburban 2WD 2500 LT for sale in Picayune, MS 39466: Sport Utility Details - 450011054 - Autotrader

[bpadamson]

I won't weigh in on the vehicles, just the gearing. Gas mileage reduction is heavily dependent on how and where you drive. If you do a lot of hiway driving at 75mph then 4.10 will result in lower mph would seem obvious. However, I just switched from 3.73 to 4.30 and my in-town mileage increased. I realize I am pushing a F250 4x4 around but it is all about how you drive and the speed. For my unscientific calculations, having better torque off the line at every intersection has resulted in better mph (in town). On the interstate, well I don't do 80, towing or not.
ymmv!

[TKPINSC]

The difference between the 3.73 and 4.10 shouldn't make that much difference at the weight you are talking about. It does sound like additional payload will be a bigger asset.

The big difference is the factory brake controller. The interface for this, if not the controller itself, was likely part of a towing package that also included a seven wire harness, factory hitch, and adequate transmission and engine cooling. You could probably find this out from the vin if you don't have the original window sticker.

[D. J. Schuler]

If you're buying new do it right - heavy duty payload over 2,400, on door post and heavy duty payload over 11,200. Plan ahead for a light weight 5r. Maybe consider F250, payload 3,000 and tow over 12,000.

[Hersbird]

The EPA fuel economy tests don't take into account different gear ratios. The factory will pick the best possible to do the test then they get to use that number across the line. They also don't have to test the Lincoln and then the Ford if it is the same platform, motor, transmission, etc. Why the Flex and it's more aerodynamic Lincoln MKT "twin" get the same rating.
The 4:10 will hurt a little day to day but be better for towing.