3.55 or 4.10

[X-10]

This will be my first post as I just became a member and really like all the info on here. I currently have the v10 5-speed w/4. 10 and am chomping at the bit to get my HO. Just need to figure out which gear ratio to get. I will be running 285 or 295? BFGs. I tow a loaded 4-place snowmachine trailer & also 20' boat. Test driving the two different pickups I'm leaning towards the 3. 55 w/6-speed for mileage. Would like to know if anybody else is running comparable rigs and has any opinions. I did a search and came up with some good info but allways can use more. Sorry for long post.
P. S. I tow in hills and seems like usually into the wind. This will be a 4x4.
Doug

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red 96 x-cab 2500 lbox v-10 5-speed w/4. 10s soon will be red 01 q-cab 2500 lbox HO 6-speed w/3. 55s Doug

 

[Cooker]

I have a 12v so I'm in a little different boat, but IMO since you are going with a manual the 3. 55's are the way to go. It doesn't sound like you are towing the 13,000lb 5er and even if you were the 3. 55's would still be the way to go IMO, especially if you plan on BOMBing the motor any. Just $. 02 from a 12 valver.

FWIW I have an auto and I'd like 4. 10's, but the only reason is so I'd feel better about running a 35" tire.

 

[TomS]

I have an auto with 4:10 and find it to be very satisfactory, I pull a 21' Sea Ray boat with enough camping gear to stay a week and still average 15 miles per gallon,runs up and down the hills here in PA. and N. Y. like there is nothing attached to the hitch, or anything in the bed.

 

[Neal Cassady]

X-10,

If I had to order mine over again I would select the 4. 10. If you are going to be running 285's or larger the 4. 10's will become around 3. 7 something, which is just about perfect, especially if you are going to be doing lots of towing.

Dave D

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2001. 5 QC, LB, 4x4, Auto, 3. 54, Everything but Leather, Bright Silver Metallic, ARE K Series, Diprocal EGT, Boost and transmission Temp in an Autometer Dash Pod, Westin CPS Platinum Step Bars - Black on Stainless

 

[d90boy]

I would suggest the 3. 54 with 6-speed. I think if you ever towed a huge load you could just use 5th gear with 3. 54s and it would be like 6th with 4. 10s. With the 6 speed i think there are enough gears there so that 4. 10s arent really needed. The main thing for me is that for towing or cruising at 80 or so the 4. 10s make you wrap out the motor more than I like. If you're talking about running 285-75-16s, they are less than an inch taller than stock. 4. 10s would probably still be revving too high unless you were going to a 35 or so.

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2001 3500 QC 4X4 black sport, ETH & everything else except 4. 10s Properly valved, improperly pumped.

[This message has been edited by d90boy (edited 03-01-2001). ]

 

[Skibby]

X-10,I have a 6-speed with the 4:10 anti-spin an it pulls my heavy fifth wheel beautifully,remember you can't be towing or bumping up in tire size an expect good fuel mileage.

 

[Homicide]

Go with the 3. 55s.

I had the 4. 10s and an auto, and swapped them out for 3. 55s. I'm running 285/75 tires, and I still get great performance out of truck towing and on the road.

Big problem with the 4. 10 is that they are for low speed driving. Driving sustained 65-70, the engine whines too much. With the 3. 55, you're doing about 2000 rpm, the SWEET spot.

Also, since you have six speeds verses my four, you'll be able to find the right gear for most situations.

While towing with 4. 10, w/o OD, going up a grade, the engine WHHHHHHinnnned way too much to keep a speed of 50. But, with my 3. 55, 2k rpm is about 55 mph, right at the sweet spot.

If power becomes an issue, get an EZ box like I did.

Also, your towing a moderate load, so taller gears won't be much an issue, again, you've got 6 speeds to my 4. I'm towing TT, 21 FT Whaler, 124 Gallons of fuel, another 400lbs of safety equipment, soda, beer, and running 285's and I do just fine with my 3 to 4 gears.

Now with 3. 55, going 80mph is doesn't sound like I'm beating on the engine.

-----my two bits

Steve

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1999 2500 Quad SLT, 4x4, Auto, SWB, white with Agate leather interior, all options except fog lights. Very happy with the changed 4. 10 gears to 3. 55. 285/75 tires. Towing a '96 21ft Boston Whaler Outrage with 225 hp Johnson and galv. TT. Getting ready to BOMB because the Dodge is a little doggy towing the Whaler and my big Asian butt. Bomb run #1, Edge EZ box. Next???

"LIFE IS TOO SHORT FOR CHEAP BEER/DODGE PARTS"

 

[GRudy]

I got to agree with Dave. I have 4:10's in my 99 dually and love them. Only problem is top end. At 65 mph. I'm turning 2300 RPM. Now mind you I'm running 215's on my dually so your larger 285's will effectively make your final drive ratio higher and lower your RPM at highway speeds. For the brute low end pulling power I would stay with the 4:10's. You can always install an auxilery overdrive then you would have the best of both worlds!

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George, Perry County, PA
99 3500, Reg Cab, 4x4, NV4500, ISB, 4:10,VA box,Putco Boss
running boards, Grover air horns, Intense Blue.

 

[Mundgyver]

If your getting the 6 speed with 245Hp at 505Tq and 3. 55 in the rear, the only thing that Dodge builds that will out pull you is the 3500, 6 speed with 4. 10. The duals give em 1350 more pounds of load. Thats according to the book.

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Mundgyver : 2001 QUAD/2500/4WD/6spd/SLT : Garnet Red

 

[Mundgyver]

I must correct myself. On page 158 of the owners manual the following is noted; Quad Cab 4-Wheel Drive, 2500, GVWR 8,800 , 5. 9 24V HO, 6spd, axle ratio All, GCWR 20,000, Max Trailer wt 13,250/13,150 - 150 lbs for driver, If we move down to the 3500, GVWR 11,000, 5. 9 24V HO, 6spd, Axle ratio 3. 55, GCWR 20,000, Max Trailer wt 12,850. Then with Axle ratio 4. 10, GCWR 21. 500, Max Trailer wt 14,350. The difference is 1,100 or 1,200 depending on how you view the chart. I average 21mpg with the 3. 55 in my rig. I have no problem pulling what ever I want.

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Mundgyver : 2500 QuadCab 4x4 139"WB, DK. Garnet Red Pearl Coat, Agate Inerior, Leather w/heat & full power adj both sides, 5. 9L HO 245Hp - 505Tq, 6 spd HD Manual, Customer Package 2BH, Camper Group, SLT Plus Decor Group, Mopar Tow Group Package. Add-on = PIAA SuperWhite 9004 Headlights, Cummins Exhaust Brake, Agate Dash Cover, AutoGages - Exhaust Gas/Boost/Engin Oil Temp mounted in black 3 hole center pod, Passport 7500 Detector, Garmen GPS II+, B&W Turnover Ball Model 1394R, LineX Bed Liner over the rails, Westin Step bars LineX coated. Working on the rest of the goodies as I can afford it.

 

[X-10]

Thanks for the replys. Went down to the dealer yesterday and took the 3. 55 w/265s for an extended test run. I do like the lower rpm's at 80-85 mph which occurs once in awhile (this is where I'd put the winking smiley but don't know how I guess). Don't think there is that much difference between 265s & 285,s. Anyways, she's on order now w/3. 55s. I think I know where to go to get info on Bombing when and if I need it(another winker here). Thanks again.
Doug

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red 96 x-cab 2500 lbox v-10 5-speed w/4. 10s. ON ORDER - red 01 q-cab 2500 SLT 4x HO 6sp lbox w/3. 55s & most the goodies

 

[Pete Peterson]

X-10 the smiles are easy, when you click to post a reply on the left side it says " Smiles Legend" just click there and your all set. Oh yeah, the 3:54's you ordered are just fine. The 4:10's with the H. O. motor and 6 speed is overkill unless you want to pull a locomotive sideways #ad
#ad
I know cause I pull my son's tractor which is between 12 and 14 thousand pounds and the truck will take off in 2nd gear without touching the throttle pedal, but I must say I do like the 4:10's!!!! Pete

 

[PRout]

I'm happy w/the 3. 54's. Either way people seem to be happy so theres no right or wrong.

I just couldnt stand having to drive hrs on end with the motor winding 2300 rpms. Thats too high for me. I like the cruise ability w/ 355 & 285 tires. Still can pull the 28' 5er w/ no probs.

My cruise rpms seem to be between 17-1900 rpms most of the time (about 60-65 mph). Very reasonable.
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2k, 30k miles, QC, SB, 4x, 6sp, 3. 54, 285/75r16 bfg/at, stock air cleaner (reliable), silencer ring "in" (runs better), Sunnybrook 28' fiver, 16,780 lbs. 18mpg (unloaded), 12-14 mpg (loaded). VA, DD1's, PS Boost module & elbow, BD brake... also, Nitrous Oxide piped direct into the block (stealth - to keep the warranty), 10 gallon per minute fuel pump, ECM right out of Don Garlit's Top Fueler (he gave it to me) (for letting him ride in my truck), Super Modified DD1 Injectors ("Hand Honed" with a 1/4" reamer & my 12v Makita). #ad
More BOMBING to come. .

[This message has been edited by Shortshift (edited 03-03-2001). ]

 

[CUMAPART]

X10, I ORDERED MY 6SPD WITH 3. 55's. I ORDERED IT ON NOV 4TH, MY DEALER HAD ALLOCATION AND I STILL DON'T HAVE MY TRUCK. GROWING IMPATIENT!!

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2001. 5 2500 DARK GARNET QC LB 4X4 6SPD HO 3. 54 EVERYTHING BUT THE COWHIDE

 

[Jar Head]

Peak horsepower is at 2700 RPM. My truck runs excellent at 80 MPH and 2500 RPM. It does not sound like it is over-revving and short bursts of throttle at this speed is outstanding. With the 4. 10's my transmission stays in O/D on everything but the steepest of grades. I average 21 MPG mixed driving. I will always order the lowest gear ratio on any truck I will ever own. Who knows, I may have to pull a locomotive sideways one day!

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Made in Mexico: 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 HD 4x4, LWB, Regular Cab ST, ETC, Auto, 4. 10 LSD, Camper Package, Trailer Package, 100% Stock.

 

[AKDrifter]

I like the 4. 10, Our winding hills and 2 lane highways are perfectly mached for it. I don't speed around and the 4. 10's keep me in the right rpm's for where I'm at, might be different if I lived lived where a guy could boogie all the time.

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2001 2500 QC 4x4 HO 6 speed, 4. 10 LSD loaded enough.

 

[hammong]

My truck has 4. 10 gears, and I find the engine RPM to be a little high for my taste at 75+ MPH. If you don't need the speed, the 4. 10 gears are going to give you more pulling power at the cost of reduced fuel economy.

I'd say the decision comes down to economy and maximum towing capacity. 3. 55's with the 6-speed would be ideal for everything.

Greg



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Y2K Dodge Cummins QC 2500 SLT Laramie 4x4 Long Bed, 4. 10/Auto, Forest Green/Driftwood, 265x75R16 Michelin LTX, 6 speaker CD, Camper/Tow/Plow Packages, Westin Black Nerfs, Mopar bedliner, Ultra bright diamondplate toolbox, K&N Filtercharger.

http://www.rints.com/hammond for photos!

Not Bombed yet!

 

[X-10]

Pete
thanks for the info on the smilies, but whenever I type in what it says to, all I get is exactly what I type in like #ad
. Maybe something goofy with my keyboard?
Cumapart
I don't like hearing that it's taking that long. My dealer was talking 6-8 weeks but I guess I better not count on that. I'm in no big hurry as there is nothing wrong with my 96 but I am anxious to see the difference in towing with the diesel.

 

[X-10]

Pete, never mind my last post. I guess I got it figured out. It must be magic #ad
Thanks again.

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red 96 x-cab 2500 lbox v-10 5-speed w/4. 10s. ON ORDER - red 01 q-cab 2500 SLT 4x HO 6sp lbox w/3. 55s & most the goodies

 

[Pete Peterson]

x-10, I knew you could do it!! Pete