3:73 or 4:10

[CUMMINZ]

O. K, I have a 2011 DRW 3500 w/3. 73's and auto trans. I tow a 14,000 fifth wheel and Have towed over 8,000 miles this year. It does fine in the flat country and some small hills. i have found that it pulls like a frieght train running 70 mph in 6th gear but I really dont care to run that fast. i would rather run 60-65 but find the truck seems to struggle more at those speeds. i usaully shift to 5th at 60 or below. The larger mountains out west are a whole nother story. I have posted this same topic on here and got varying opinions. So I have come to the conclusion that I either need to go to 4:10's or throw my warrenty out the window and do a full delete/programmer. IMO I think the 4:10's with this 6 speed auto would be the best setup for larger trailer weights,This is My Opinion though I have not pulled with this combo. Thanks Steve

With the 3. 73s if you do a delete and programmer you will smoke 5th & 6th gear real easy.

 

[HBarlow]

I think Cumminz is correct. He is not the first TDR member to suggest that the new 68RFE is great as delivered from the factory but may not hold up well under significant power increases when trying to pull steep grades in overdrive.

Changing both differential gears in a 4x4 truck is expensive but may be a wiser decision than power increases.

 

[SRichards]

yes,I don't plan on adding big power!! If i do delete(which will not happen for a while) it would be very mild. I have priced changing gears and it will run around $2,500. 00. for both axles. Adding power would be bad on 5th & 6th wether I have 3. 73 or 4. 10's right!!!!

 

[Cummins12V98]

Randys Ring and Pinion $2,300 for my truck. That is with factory parts.

 

[AEdelheit]

Are the 2011 ring/pinion differnt from a 2004? Ive called around for a few prices and around $800 an axle installed with master install kits its the average. From what I understand only AAM makes gears so you have to stay with factory AAM parts.

 

[Cummins12V98]

It did seem a bit high. I will check with a couple dealers. All I know is the diff is huge compared to my D70 on my 98.

 

[AH64ID]

The 04 AAM 11. 5 is the same as the 11 AAM 11. 5, with the exception of some of the parts in the Max Tow Diff. I do not know if all axles got the Max Tow parts or not, but if they did it may be why there is a price increase.

Randy's Ring and Pinion lists Yukon, USA, Chrysler OEM, and GM OEM gears. I am not sure if GM and Chrysler OEM gears are different or not, I do know that the bearings are different even thou the axles are the "same".

 

[CUMMINZ]

yes,I don't plan on adding big power!! If i do delete(which will not happen for a while) it would be very mild. I have priced changing gears and it will run around $2,500. 00. for both axles. Adding power would be bad on 5th & 6th wether I have 3. 73 or 4. 10's right!!!!

4. 10s are easier on the transmission than 3. 73s. Try climbing on your kids bicycle and put it in 5th. gear and balance on it and stand up and try to get it going. Tough on your knees.

 

[SRichards]

I got my price from 8 lug truck gear. He seems to have good prices on ring & pinions. Just need to bit the bullet and do it while my milage is still low.