Ford 6.7 axle ratio, and EGR deletes?

[GolfPineAcres]

Hey all, I'm thinking about trading up from the 05 Duramax Crew. Which btw has been a stellar truck. However we are getting to that point...
What really has my eye is the F350 Single rear wheel with the 6.7. Due to the cost of these babies new, most likely will be a gently used 2011 or 2012. My questions are this.
1. What axle ratio do you prefer? Its going to be either the 3.55 or 3.31 for me. The 3.73 just does'nt make sense for how I will use it. The goose is only hooked up about 40 percent of the time.
2. Has anyone removed the emissions and urea dousing crap from one of these yet? WHat have you found from a mileage standpoint?

All good and bad experiences are welcome. However I would like this to NOT become a Ford vs. Chevy vs. Dodge sort of basher type thing. Thanks.

 

[MT rydn]

1. 3.55 on my 2011 truck - I'm happy with it.
2. Power excellent stock. But with ford history on the 6.0 and 6.4, and even though the 6.7 a "Ford" engine, decided I would get all the emissions crap off after 2 episodes of warning lights on due to sensor malfunctions. So did EGR delete, H&S tuner, exhaust. Not much mileage difference the way I drive: 1-2mpg, but added additional power to an already ridiculously powerful engine. I'm hoping the mods will extend the engine life and is a large part of reason I did it - even with an exended warranty I was not confident the engine would still be good after it was past warrantly. So the old 7.3's go 400,000+ miles, I'm hoping my 6.7 will do that now.

 

[ndmtnsledder]

I have a 2011 6.7L with a 3.55 and pull the enclosed trailer in the winter a 14k# gooseneck with seed, chemical, or the skidsteer ocasionally and mostly our 9000# 32ft fifth wheel camper. It does all of those really well especially compared the 6.4L I had before. I don't know if a 3.31 would be geared to high or not. I haven't touched any of my emissions and have been problem free for 24000 miles mostly pulling something or we take the wifes SUV. We buy DEF in bulk for our farm equipment so that doesn't bother me much. My mileage is pretty consistent 11mpg with the camper at 75 or 15mpg empty.

 

[GolfPineAcres]

My thoughts on the axle ratio are this. With an engine developing the kind of HP and torque that the 6.7 does. Along with a reputable 6 speed transmission. Unless your doing an extreme amount of Heavy towing, the 3.31 under normal circumstances should give the best overall fuel economy without feeling like its geared wrong.
As far as the EGR delete goes. I feel "engines" especially diesels, are basically very reliable. Its the "systems" that get hung onto the engines which tend to bring the problems on. Thus, if you can eliminate one of the "systems" you may be creating added longevity also. Also, some extra HP never hurts. The smog Police have really made these engines complicated. Missing the days of the 12 valve 5.9, LOL

 

[jfox1995]

I have a 2011 F350 crew/longbox with 3.55 gearing. Truck is bone stock. I just bought it recently but so far have put on 6,000 miles towing my 25 foot enclosed. Loaded I am somewhere between 7-8,000 lbs. I see 8.5-9.5mpg going 80mph. I slowed down on one trip for awhile to 67mph and saw around 13mpg. I don't know enough about gearing to offer an opinion on what to get, but mine almost never shifts out of 6th even going 80 with my trailer.

I know this will go against popular opinion, but I do not plan on deleting mine. The diesel option is 12k or something, why void the warranty to save 1-2mpg? I have never kept a vehicle longer than 4 years in my life though, so mine will be gone before the warranty is expired anyway.

I came out of a 2006 Dodge Mega-cab with the 5.9 and so far I haven't looked back. My Dodge ate up ball joints and tie-rod ends like nothing I have ever seen before. I loved the room in the mega-cab, just got sick of fixing the front end. So far I love the Ford but I guess time will tell, I have only had it for 3 months. For what it is worth I have always been a Chevy guy but these Fords are very nice.

Hope that helps some.