Anyone with 3.42 axle yet?

[WOT]

Coalsmoke,

What is it like when pulling a big load (12K or so)?

 

[Coalsmoke]

Sorry guys, I've only pulled maybe a few thou behind it, just a trailer with a couple of sleds on it on winter roads. It was hard to tell that it was there really and I live in one of the most mountainous places there is being in BC. What I can tell you though is that the 6. 7 is a powerhouse with a huge wide powerband, and this engine and gear combo pull that trailer better than my P-Pumped 1995 with 3. 54gears and a turned up pump.

Within the next year I plan to get myself a 10k flat deck as I feel that the truck should handle it with flying colors. What I can't tell you is how much of that is to the credit of the 6. 7 with 650ftlbs and a power band from 1200rpm - 3000rpm because I haven't owned one of the later 5. 9s to compare it to. I can tell you that for the occasional light to medium duty hauler like myself, this gear set is perfect for my needs.

 

[notron46]

gears and milage

I do not know if my 05,4x4,3500,slr,5. 9,373 gears,80k, is some kind of freek. But I have taken several trips(empty) and constantly get 23mpg. It was driven approximately 140mi from top off to top off, between 60/65. Nothing has been done to the truck. When towing my 13k trl, I get around 12/13. Isn't anyone else getting good milage?

 

[WOT]

ronginnorton,

You're doing pretty good - I'm betting you have the NV5600 and not the G56, right? You also have SRW which will help a little too. The best I can do at 60-65 (painful speed ) is 19-20 on a good day.

 

[notron46]

gears and milage

your are correct, it is the 6spd

 

[Coalsmoke]

If I didn't have all this DPF and EGR emissions junk on my truck I feel I'd be up in the 25-26MPG on highway range, as was my 95 with 3. 54s

 

[seafish]

I do not know if my 05,4x4,3500,slr,5. 9,373 gears,80k, is some kind of freek. But I have taken several trips(empty) and constantly get 23mpg. It was driven approximately 140mi from top off to top off, between 60/65. Nothing has been done to the truck. When towing my 13k trl, I get around 12/13. Isn't anyone else getting good milage?

That's great mileage!! I am sure that keeping it too 60/65 explains alot of it. Just checking though... is that hand calc or on the overhead?? TIA

 

[WOT]

Called and talked to Sue Mitchell. She was very nice and sent me some info on the overdrives. She also said at the moment they don't have any plans to produce new ones. :{

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[ENafziger]

Hey WOT!

That's the exact one I've got! Mine is model number 3500D, and is an 18. 2% OD. I chose to put a 16-pass cooler on mine, with pump, zirgo automatic temperature controller, etc for pulling heavy. This effetively changes my 3. 73 rear end to a 3. 08.

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Unfortunately, it's too early to get accurate fuel economy gains right now, as my injectors are bad, and I'm also in the process of putting in a cam and springs...

--Eric

 

[WOT]

ENafziger,



Any leads on another OD unit?

 

[ENafziger]

Any leads on another OD unit?<!-- google_ad_section_end --><!-- google_ad_section_end --><!-- / message -->

Unfortunately, no. The one I have is the only used one I've seen for sale, although I'm sure there's plenty of others floating around.

I wonder what it would take to get them to put this unit into production again? A commitment for 20? 50? 100?

--Eric

 

[WOT]

Unfortunately, no. The one I have is the only used one I've seen for sale, although I'm sure there's plenty of others floating around.



I wonder what it would take to get them to put this unit into production again? A commitment for 20? 50? 100?



--Eric

I asked her that exact question. She said to check back occasionally and that perhaps when/if their OD business for the Model T slows down they might do it. The model T stuff is their bread and butter and is apparently do very well despite the current economic conditions.

 

[GCope]

Have 3.42, and liking it

Drove my new rig (08 2500QC G56) back from W VA last month and picked up a light load (1K lbs) of PA white oak in the bed; EVIC mileage was 22. 6 for the highway sections as I had it on cruise at 60 mph. Am starting to hand compute mileages now as many in this forum say EVIC reads high.



As far as low end and torque, have hauled two loads, each approx 5000 lbs, with plenty of power in low gears - I realize these pulls are modest relative to folks hauling fifth wheels or the like. Only thing I don't like is light rear end in 2wd on dirt (4 mile road to my place here in NH ) so I'm adding sand tubes (240# over each wheel) and we'll see how that goes. I've read another poster's comment about 'anemic' power re: 3. 42, but am fully satisfied at this point, and can't really compare my truck to guys running the 3. 73 and 4. 10 ratios.



Saw a short article in a recent issue of TDR of someone (in OK?) who gave the 3. 42 positive review. Sorry I can't be more specific...

 

[SBeretz]

I would think the Cummins has way more than enough power with 3. 42's and the G56. I had to put taller tires on mine just to get the Revs down a little for decent highway mileage and noise. I was running about 2250RPM's at 70 with the older G56 and 3. 73's. I would think the newer G56's with 3. 42's would be closer to 2000RPMS at 70 which is still way into the tq and HP curve. I run a hair over 2K at 70 now and pull my toy hauler with no troubles, I can't see it being too bad. Heck, alot of guys that pulled trailers in the past used to say they had plenty of power with 12V and 3. 55's. Scotty

 

[Coalsmoke]

Well, my 3. 42 was a strong runner at stock, and now at 500HP its wickedly fun. :-laf

 

[MMeier]

Hey WOT!



That's the exact one I've got! Mine is model number 3500D, and is an 18. 2% OD. I chose to put a 16-pass cooler on mine, with pump, zirgo automatic temperature controller, etc for pulling heavy. This effetively changes my 3. 73 rear end to a 3. 08.



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Unfortunately, it's too early to get accurate fuel economy gains right now, as my injectors are bad, and I'm also in the process of putting in a cam and springs...



--Eric

That looks pretty slick, but I'd be worried about something catching ahold of that fitting on the bottom and ripping it off. Any issues?

 

[ENafziger]

That looks pretty slick, but I'd be worried about something catching ahold of that fitting on the bottom and ripping it off. Any issues?<!-- google_ad_section_end --> <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

No, although it is the lowest point in the center of the truck. With 3" lift coils and 37" tires, it's not been a problem... but I do plan on adding an undercarriage skidplate to protect it.

Too many projects going on! :-laf

--eric