2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 2500 vs 3500; 3.54s vs 4.10s

[Wiredawg]

Fellow Rammers:



I traded my '00 2500 w/ 3. 54s for an '02 3500 w/ 4. 10s. I guess I'll get to see first hand the "other side of the fence" on both counts.



I have to say, my 2500, BOMBed and accessorized, pulled my 15K Lb 5th wheel fine. I decided to make the change to the 3500 based upon the security of two extra tires and bigger bakes.



I pulled my 5th wheel with just 46 miles on my 3500 over 1,200 miles thru a bunch of 6 to 7 % grades. Didn't have the injectors and TST in my 3500 yet, so not a good test yet. I did manage to keep her just over 40 mph on the 7% grade. I have BOMBing planned over the next few weekends to get on an even keel. Weighed at a truck stop and weighed in at 25,640 Lbs GCW.



I'll touch base with everyone on my experience with the 3. 54s and the 4. 10s.



Wiredawg

 

[Cowboy Medic]

my brothers truck is a 2500 w/ 3. 54's and mine is the 3500 w/ 4. 10's. I have driven both pulling alot of different loads and to be honest about the only times I can really tell a difference is if you are really heavy loaded or if you are empty and on the interstate. Of course the 3500 and 4. 10's handle the heavy load a lot better, significantly in my opinion. and of course the 2500 and 3. 54's make for a much easier drive on the interstate running around 80mph. Fuel milage between the two is only about 1 to 2 mpg under like conditions. I love my setup, but I spend the majority of my time pulling between 17,000 and 19,000 pounds whereas my brother's is basically a daily driver that runs empty. No matter what it is still a cummins and that is where it is really at

 

[Utah Willie]

2500 vs 3500; 3:54s vs 4:10s

I pull 12 to 13K with a 3500, five speed with 3:54s and a two-speed O. D. aux, tran.



It works great!!! The (US Gear) two-speed really does the job by splitting the gears. It is a fact that you cannot tow safely in fifth gear on a five speed manual but in fourth over... ... with the Edge Comp... . it is a snap on the level and with the gear selection the two-speed offers, it is a snap on the hills. The 4:10s should do well on anything the truck is capable of towing. I just prefer the two-speed behind whatever manual transmission you have. It works equally well on the down hills with an exhaust brake.