Apology to all that care.. Misinformation to me.

[Gonzo 1066]

There has been some discussion on this site about the optimum diff gearing for towing heavy. When I bought my 2013 the sales geek told me that the truck has 3:42 gears and I took his word. To further compound the issue the dealer could not find the original window sticker. Well today we were going though the 13 switching travel things over to the 04 for a trip. Low and behold wife found the window sticker and the truck has a 4:10 in it. Being a mechanic I should have done the math,but didnt. I had suspected with the towing performance that the gears could not be 3:42s. Sorry if I misled anyone about my truck, hope nobody ordered 3:42 because of me spouting off about how good the truck handled the load. Again my truck has 4:10s and it tows awesome, and gets better towing fuel ecomomy than my 04 did.

 

[Slow Six]

That's good news. I like my 4:10s. I run 1800 RPM at a very comfortable towing speed.

 

[MLee]

The inspection plate tag would have verified your suspicions. But that would have you crawling under the truck. Good for you Gonso.

 

[MChrist]

Gonzo, so what rpm do you turn at a given speed, say 65 mph?

 

[RVTRKN]

Thats the main issue with the 3:42, when towing, not only is it hard on the differential, but it will get poor MPG because it's like climbing a perpetual grade, downshifting for an actual grade will get be even less MPG. My C&C is equipped with 3:73 and wish it had 4:10's, it has sluggish tendencies when in rolling hills and causes a constant downshifting and upshifting when towing through them. I keep it at 23-2500 RPM when climbing any grade and works for me just fine but suffer poor MPG when climbing. Gonzo, you only reported what you were told and thats not your fault if it was wrong.

 

[RustyJC]

Gonzo, so what rpm do you turn at a given speed, say 65 mph?

I'm not Gonzo, but with 4. 10s my truck (see signature) runs about 1750 RPM at 65 in 6th.



Rusty

 

[Gonzo 1066]

I'm not Gonzo, but with 4. 10s my truck (see signature) runs about 1750 RPM at 65 in 6th.



Rusty

That is the same with my truck. I usually tow at 68mph and that is something like 1850-1900 in 6th

 

[Powder Extreme]

Man that explains a lot! As one of the guys involved in those "ratio discussions", I never could figure out how you were claiming the RPM's in the gears you were saying. I just shrugged it off thinking you meant 5th instead of 6th. No doubt 4. 10's will pull like a freight train! 3. 42's... . Not so much.

Takes a big man to admit he was wrong, kudos!

 

[Gonzo 1066]

Well I must be HUGE then, I would like to go on a diet. . Seems the older I get the more times I find out I am wrong. . Kinda used to it now.

 

[Kirwin]

MLee, where is the plate to which you refer? I can't find anything on my truck like the old metal code tag that showed the options on the truck. They have also eliminated the glove box sticker. I had my delaer pull my build sheet out of the computer and the codes are all listed on it for my VIN, but I haven't found anything on the truck that stated what was on it. I can't even find the rear end ratio on a tag on the rear end like they used to have. Inquiring minds what to know! Ken Irwin

 

[Gonzo 1066]

MLee, where is the plate to which you refer? I can't find anything on my truck like the old metal code tag that showed the options on the truck. They have also eliminated the glove box sticker. I had my delaer pull my build sheet out of the computer and the codes are all listed on it for my VIN, but I haven't found anything on the truck that stated what was on it. I can't even find the rear end ratio on a tag on the rear end like they used to have. Inquiring minds what to know! Ken Irwin

Same with me, I spent LOTS of time under and through that truck and did NOT find a tag anywhere that mentioned build specs like I had on my previous 5 Dodge Cummins trucks.

 

[MLee]

Same with me, I spent LOTS of time under and through that truck and did NOT find a tag anywhere that mentioned build specs like I had on my previous 5 Dodge Cummins trucks.

I guess that the bean counters have been out and about and this little tag is now missing in action. I thought when I mentioned it that it would be there like on the older trucks. This is not good if you need a rebuild, I guess you get to count the teeth on the gears when you open the Diff. to figure the ratio.

 

[Powder Extreme]

The transmission ratio is known, drive in 4th, or 5th gear (whichever is 1. 00 to 1. 00 depending on transmission) then drive at 60mph and note your engine rpm. There are numerous calculators available on the internet that you simply enter your speed, your tire size, and your rpm. It will calculate your rear end ratio. It won't be exactly precise because of difference in tire diameter due to tread wear, but it will be certainly accurate enough to let you know if you have a 3. 42, 3. 73, or a 4. 10. If you aren't positive about your speed, there are numerous free gps speedometers you can load on your smartphone.

 

[RVTRKN]

VIN should tell you all you need to know for the options and ratio's, but you will have to have the dealer give you the report. There are some members here on TDR that have access to the VIN breakdown.

 

[DBoudreaux]

Well I have a 08 4500 C&C pulling 40' Gooseneck. Not sure what gears I have but atleast 4.10's maybe even lower, it pulls like a herd of Clydesdales! But reguardless..........I pull at Gods speed! js.

 

[RVTRKN]

I believe 4:88 for the Dana rear end in the 4500 C&C.

 

[Gonzo 1066]

I just got back from a 800 mile towing trip with my modded 04.5, He is a heck of a good truck, tows the hills fast and cool. BUT the 2013 would have done just as good on fuel if not a bit better. EGADS!! never thought I would like the new truck this much.

 

[mfurrh55]

Sorry, but i think the new trucks are ugly, of course i had to get used to the 3rd gen. trucks too, If the 2nd gen. had more back seat room i'd have kept it, Oh well not looking for a fight just my opinion, maybe one of these yrs. but not too soon, new body style just looks plain to me, Monte

 

[Gonzo 1066]

Sorry, but i think the new trucks are ugly, of course i had to get used to the 3rd gen. trucks too, If the 2nd gen. had more back seat room i'd have kept it, Oh well not looking for a fight just my opinion, maybe one of these yrs. but not too soon, new body style just looks plain to me, Monte

You have the same opinion that I did when the 3rd gen came out. I thought that they took a good design and tried to make it too big. Now that I have sold the 01 I really like the 04 looks more than the 01. I still have not completly warmed up to the new body style, but when I am towing with it I cant see the outside!! The towing capability is what has won me over.

 

[mfurrh55]

Yeah, i'd just have to get used to it i guess, you're right about going from 2nd gen. to 3rd. gen., took some getting used to, i still miss my 01 though, anyway maybe one of these days i'll call it purty, Take care glad you enjoy yours too.