3.73 change out??

[TCordero]

I have a 2004. 5 six speed with 3. 73's, now that I'm towing a 5th wheel I think the 4. 10 would be a better option. Has anyone switched out the gears in the rear end? Is this a feasible option? Any idea on the costs? Any input is appreciated.



2004. 5 QC, 6 sp, 3. 73's, 4x4, 28' toyhauler

 

[klenger]

Don't forget the front end too.

 

[6 2 Carl]

I wouldn't bother changing gears. Just take that money and invest it into a edge juice or some other module.

 

[MMeier]

A lil' ol' 28' toybox should not slow that truck down. I think I'd add a box of some sort before I paid out for 2 gear swaps. And do not forget a set of gauges also.

 

[BHanna]

I'd agree that the difference between 3. 73 and 4. 10 probably won't justify the cost. More power will have the same effect down low and you'll run a couple hundred RPM lower on the highway so mileage might be slightly better.

 

[JRD]

if it was a gasser, yeah maybe wouldnt be a bad idea. But with the low end torque of the diesel... spending the money on 2 gear swaps (front and rear) then spending the additional money on loss of mileage doesnt seem like a very good option for such little gain. Keep the 3. 73's

 

[COBRAJET]

Keep the 3. 73's and use 5th when you need it. The truck should pull that trailer all day in 6th except for the big hills. Downshifting is not a bad thing... part throttle in fifth is a more efficient than 6th gear matted.

 

[JRMora]

I pull a 14,000# fifth wheel with my 3. 73's and 6 speed. We ran stock up until this summer when I added the Quadzilla. Running at the 30 or 60 HP setting I can pretty much stay in 6th except on the really big hills. With the 3. 73's I'm at 70/71 mph at 2000 rpm. I live at a mile above seal level and frequently travel up to the mountains (9000 ft or so).



Before I spent a lot on the driveline (and it will probably be a lot), I'd try an EZ or quad box to see if it's enough to pull you through.



Juan

 

[macdaddy]

T Cordreo



You'll love the 4:10's while towing she'll be right at the sweet spot towing(62. 5MPH @2K RPM).



I'm on my second Ram with 4:10's,



It costs $375. 00 labor per pumpkin plus the price of the gears,I think if you do the math it's going to cost you about the same thing to add a fuel box plus gauges, at least having them installed by someone else.



At least by going with the gear change out, you won't have any warranty issue's.



Dam my 05 with 4:10,s is pulling 6 percenters with 10K in tow in 6th.



Why would anyone want to tow at 70 MPH before you even get to the CTD sweet spot ?????.



Mac

 

[crobertson1]

You'll love the 4:10's while towing she'll be right at the sweet spot towing(62. 5MPH @2K RPM).



Why would anyone want to tow at 70 MPH before you even get to the CTD sweet spot ?????.



Mac

Yeah. What he said.

 

[klenger]

When I'm towinig, I miss the 4. 10's I had on my 01. 5. When I empty, I like the 3. 73s.

 

[Bow66tie]

G56 with 3:73's. Perfect towing machine!



Michael

 

[DavidBurt]

What does a G56 with 3:73 run for RPM at 65MPH in sixth??

Dave

 

[klenger]

According to the gear speed calculator on my website at http://www.klenger.net/dodge/general-reference/gear-speed-calculator.xls, 64 MPH is 2000 RPM in 6th gear with 3. 73's.

 

[JRMora]

T Cordreo



It costs $375. 00 labor per pumpkin plus the price of the gears,I think if you do the math it's going to cost you about the same thing to add a fuel box plus gauges, at least having them installed by someone else.





Why would anyone want to tow at 70 MPH before you even get to the CTD sweet spot ?????.



Mac

Actually, i checked again - I'm at 68 at 2000 rpm. Here in the west, 70 MPH won't put you too different than the flow of traffic. At 62 mph I'd be almost 20 mph slower than the prevailing traffic (semi's included). My Quad was $299 - I installed it in about an hour. Gages were about another $200. I put on gages long ago, even when I was stock, though, so that was money I had already spent. When I'm highway running empty, I can go 75-78 and be even closer to traffic. With 4. 10's, I'd really be pushing up the rpm's.



Since I do both (empty and towing) I chose the 3. 73's. It works fine for my driving extremes. If you tow more than run empty, and you don't drive in the high 70's (I heard some parts of Texas now have 80 mph speed limits), then 4. 10's might be OK. Find someone in your area with your truck and 4. 10's and drive it. See if it works for you.



Just this man's opinion.



Juan

 

[Bow66tie]

What does a G56 with 3:73 run for RPM at 65MPH in sixth??

Dave

Right at 2000 rpm.



Michael

 

[DavidBurt]

So the G56 isnt that different from a nv5600, at 65 in 6th is 1950rpm or so. Thanks for the info, nice gear calc. klenger.

Dave

 

[jasond]

I recently swapped gears on my 05 to 4. 10's and am very happy. I pull a 40' WW triple slide toybox with it, have an edge/attitude and BFG 315's. With the 3. 73's it just wouldn't pull the hills very well, now it's now problem. Fuel mileage hasn't changed enough to notice.

 

[MMeier]

I recently swapped gears on my 05 to 4. 10's and am very happy. I pull a 40' WW triple slide toyboy with it, have an edge/attitude and BFG 315's. With the 3. 73's it just wouldn't pull the hills very well, now it's now problem. Fuel mileage hasn't changed enough to notice.

When you went to 315's, did you recalibrate your speedometer so it reads correctly?

 

[Jrissler]

Tell me. I have a 06 Dodge Dually with 4:10 and thinking of going to 3:73.



Will a single wheel and dually gears interchange??



I would think they would!?!





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