Std gear ratio with Auto

[PKnoerzer]

I've been away from this site for a while since selling my '04 so forgive my ignorance, but I'm trying to find out what the standard ratio is for the axles on a 2010-11 4x4 with an automatic trans? I don't want a 4:10 again, but the 3:42 seems too low for large tires. Is the 3:73 standard? Some of the trucks I've checked list the 3:42, but most don't list anything on the sticker.

 

[RustyJC]

Be careful - the automatic (68RFE) is now a double overdrive, so running with 4. 10s is nothing at all like it was with the 47/48RE or NV5600. 60 MPH in our truck in 6th gear (68RFE with 4. 10s) is 1612 RPM versus 1466 RPM with the 68RFE and standard 3. 73 gears. With our 2002 3500 ETH/DEE (NV5600) with 4. 10s, 60 MPH was 2000 RPM.



The double overdrive 68RFE makes 4. 10s a lot more liveable than they were with the older transmissions. For heavy towing or running empty, they work just fine for us.



Rusty

 

[HBarlow]

I believe the standard differential ratio is 3. 73 but it depends on what the sales manager spec'd.

I agree with Rusty. The ideal combination now for towing and empty interstate cruising with six speed automatic transmission is 4. 10. If you plan to install larger tires the 4. 10 gear should be a no brainer for you.

 

[PKnoerzer]

Thank you for the info. Trucks with the 4:10 seem to be hard to find though.

 

[RustyJC]

Thank you for the info. Trucks with the 4:10 seem to be hard to find though.

Yep - I had to order mine, as I have with my last several trucks.



Rusty

 

[HBarlow]

Thank you for the info. Trucks with the 4:10 seem to be hard to find though.

They're not at all hard to find if you tell your dealer you want a truck set up exactly as you want it and won't buy anything else. You're contemplating spending $40 to 60k on a new truck that you'll expect to live with for many years. Be patient. Order what you want and wait five or six weeks. It's no big deal.

Informed buyers like Rusty above, myself, Bill Stockard, and many other TDR members do our homework, know precisely what we want, then visit our dealer and tell them to order it. I don't even visit the dealership. I have a favorite young salesman at a dealership 300 miles from me. I call Jason and tell him what I want. He takes notes, turns in the dealer order, sends me a copy to confirm, and we wait until it arrives on the dealer's lot. If I buy a truck with the wrong equipment I have only myself to blame. I buy exactly what I want.

 

[PKnoerzer]

I might not be able to go new though. I am looking at a certified used 2010 with 33000 miles.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[HBarlow]

Your money, your choice but an informed buyer can buy a new one with no prior mystery owners and service as cheaply or cheaper than new. Dealership salesmen often love to work the used car side selling late model units. Their mark-up is several thousand dollars. New can be purchased at invoice.