Tips on Buying Cars: gear ratio, gas milage, gear ratio

Question
I'm going to select a new pick-up truck off the lot. Full size 4x4 5.4L engine. I am Not going to pull a trailer. I'll hall my toolbox(500 lbs.)around maybe 5 times per year. Would it be a bad idea to go with a 1.73 gear ratio, or should I just consider trucks with a 1.55 ratio?

Answer
you asked the right person.....if you intend on this being a daily driver with some light hauling every now and then i would find the lowest ratio possible....like 3.42 or 3.08(they dont make a 1.73 or 1.55 ratio)ive had many trucks in my life and ive always wished for lower ratios....so much better on gas and doesnt make that much difference when towing something small...the plus side to higher ratio(3.55 or 3.73) rear ends are less wear on the driveline but you said you werent towing at all..and the 5.4 is a beefy engine so you wont be lacking  power like a 4 or 6 cylinder..also its easier to do a burnout with the higher ratios(if you care)..the difference in gas milage is amazing..just as a reference..i had a 1970 nova that had a 4.11 gear ratio...i got 9 miles to a gallon i switched to a 3.08 and got 16 mpg...almost double....so...get the lowest (numerical) ratio possible....3.43 is what i have in my truck and i get about 16 mpg...and i could tow 6000 pounds if i wanted...