Axle ratio?

3.42 everyday, better gas mileage, higher speeds

4.10 loads, more torque, lower speeds

If you would like to understand it a little better:

3.73 = Drive shaft will turn about 3 and 3/4 times to the rear wheel turning once (1 time)

4.10 = Drive shaft would turn 4 times to the rear wheel only turning one time and so on. So to get everything moving from a dead stop, the higher number is better suited for loads. Or if you will be pulling up steep grades, etc. If your life is a complete mix, go in between.

This is a general guideline.There are other variables, such as standard or automatic transmission, motor cubic inches, gear ratios in trans, torque of engine.

Have a great time with the new truck!

Axle Ratio

Must be a new truck, used ones don't usually offer a choice of axles. If it is a new one, it most surely has an overdrive transmission which is great. That also means it has a fairly low first gear. So, unless the trailer you are pulling is extremely heavy I would choose the 3:42 ratio for the best fuel mileage. You will most likely only pull the trailer on occasion so if you had to you could leave the transmission in 3rd gear when pulling the trailer and have the higher gearing for most of the normal driving you will do....

You have received very accurate advice here.

If you in fact are going to tow a boat or trailer or anticipate pulling a trailer or boat, you will want to examine the truck manufacturer's towing guide. Based upon the load you will be towing, or anticipate towing, this guide will indicate what body style, engine, transmission and gear ratio it recommends. If what you are towing falls between two choices, pick the stronger one. Based upon personal experience, the 4.10 is used for towing maximum loads. When you are not towing, the 4.10 really spins the engine at highway speeds. Most of the time, the 3.42 will be fine - that is why it is standard.

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Axle ratio?

The rear axle ratio for the truck I'm buying is offered in three configurations: 3.42 (standard), 3.73, 4.10. Which is best for everyday driving (no load)? Which is best for pulling a trailer/load?

I agree 3.73 is the best of both worlds. I have this ratio on my Camaro because I wanted torque but not at the expense of 6 MPG! One thing you will notice with 4.10 gears is that at highway speeds you will notice higher than normal RPM's. Like for me I get around 3000 RPM at 70 MPH.

The answer to this question greatly depends on your tranny too. If you have a 6 speed tranny with lower than normal 6th gear ratio you can withstand the higher 4.10 ratio with both good torque and not-so bad mileage. But if stuck with fewer gears the 3.73 may be your best solution.

The 3.73 is the best of both worlds, decent off the line towing power, and decent mileage. The 4.10 is for those who tow heavy loads often, and need the extra power low in the powerband to move the vehicle. The 3.42 is not a bad ratio at all, but if you tow anything at all, you will not like them as much as the 3.73 gears.

Yup 3.42 will give you best top speed

4.10 will give less speed but more pulling power.

You trade speed off against pulling power to put it simply. That is quite a big jump by the way.

3.42 is best for everyday driveing the higher the ratio the faster your engine will run at highway speeds

so for towing the 4.10 is best because it alows your engine to rev higher at low speeds to help pull a load

for gass milage and everyday driveing the 3.42

3.42 will give you the best fuel mileage. A 4.10 is best to tow with., That is assuming that the transmission gears are the same.