Matt, the truck mgr. at Saitta Trudeau said the website for ordering (not ramtrucks) wouldn't let you order any ratio except 3. 42 for SRW. I discussed it with the Ram Powertrain Integration Manager and he convinced me that the 3. 42 is good for the SRW Ram 3500, and works with the 17,000 lb. tow rating. You have six transmission speeds, just downshift that auto into first overdrive if needed. Meanwhile, enjoy more fuel mileage and lower engine wear from the lower rpm when not towing heavy.
One more thing, anyone have a handle on build time of ordered units? I want to take delivery before the end of the year but want to wait as long as possible to see how much the rebates are going to be... ... .....
I've got the 3:42 gears in my 13, I have to say with the 800 ft/lbs of tourque the truck has as much if not more get up and go as the 12 with 3:73's that I just replaced. It does seem to lug a bit more but it just goes. Have yet to see it need a lower gear set to get the world moving.
I have just ordered a 14 3500 with 3. 73 gearing and the aisin transmission. In making the selection I drove two trucks over the same route, one with 3. 42 and the other with 3. 73 gears. The route was in the city at 35 mph with a slight hill and country road at 55 mph. Using light pedal the 3. 42 gears and the transmission hunting back and forth while on the small grade. I chose the 3. 73 gears more to preserve the transmission knowing I would sacrifice some fuel milage. In the past I had a F-150 gasser with 3. 35 gears. It was OK empty but when I would hang a 5K car trailer on the fuel milage was cut nearly in half. Hope this helps making decisions.
My '14 order was entered into the system on 8/6. It has an estimated delivery to dealer date of 10/9... It got plant released last week and I was told today, that it is supposed to be loaded onto a rail car tonight, @ Saltillo Assembly plant...
I think the delivery date is a crap shoot... . I've seen people order after me, already have their trucks and some order before me, still waiting for it to be built or stuck in storage because they failed inspection. . My truck was stuck in storage for about 1. 5 weeks because of a bad TPMS and needed a tailgate kit... whatever a tailgate kit is... .
Just pulled a 19,000# toyhauler 1900 miles, right from dealer with new '14 3500 DRW Aisin, with 3. 73's. Loved it. I think I made the right choice with the 3. 73's.