Changing to 4:10's!

[Tagalong]

As many of you know I posted several questions on the TDR regarding my concerns about GCVWR and axle ratios. Well,
I'm taking the Dealer up on its offer and changing to the 4:10's. The gear change will increase my combined rating from 16k to 19k.
and I'll be LEGAL! I also intend to keep the 3:54 gear set and if after a towing season I don't like the 4:10's I have an option. Thanks to all of you for suggestions and advice. Like many of you I've been lurking all over the Forums and they're extremely informative and timely!
Now here's another question about towing with the 4:10s. I'll be using OD more than I anticipated and would like to know what to expect and how to downshift from OD to 3rd while towing. Do I take my foot off the pedal and wait till the shift occurrs, then lockup before I step on it again or what?


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White 2001, 3500, Auto,3:54,QC,2WD,LB,34' DBL slide Cardinal 5er

 

[John Dimartino]

By legal,your legal now-the only difference is in the eyes of DC,your warranty is good for 16K with 3. 54's,19K with 4. 10's. You dont think anyone is going to pull your cover off on a roadside inspection to check your ratio,do you. I cant see how the ratio affects the safety of towing as far as the truck handing the weight,except for power,and i see 4 cyl Isuzu's towing 3 and 4 cars in the slow lane doing 25 mph,belching black smoke. I know the 3. 54 Cummins will out pull those trucks easy-and if they are legal the dodge should be fine.

 

[Tagalong]

John D.
Thanks for the input. You're correct about the safety issue... that's up to the driver! However, I have been thrasing the dealer so much about THIER mistake (neglecting to complete the DC "Job Rating Chart") regarding my order of this Ram that I am making the change (free of charge) both for warranty and driving legality. I am also getting a letter from DC regarding the change. My Rig (see Sig. ) puts me right in between 16K and 20K. I sat on this (gear change decision) from the day I bought the vehicle. The 16k rating is mind boggeling and it's clearly because of the transmission. I have learned a great deal and interestinly enough, there are a number of other Ram owners who thought they had a 20k
combined rating only to find out they too had a 16k rating. No question the 3:54s will more than adequately do the job but given the "sharks" lurking out there to eager to help another "victim" out. That's just another concern I don't need as we enjoy the Cummins humming down the hiways and byways of the U. S. A.


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White 2001, 3500, Auto,3:54,QC,2WD,LB,34' DBL slide Cardinal 5er

[This message has been edited by Tagalong (edited 02-10-2001). ]

 

[RobG]

The problem with towing in OD (even on a beefed up transmission) is that it'll kill it. It did on my '96 with a new torque converter and valvebody.

On level ground ONLY, towing in OD is okay. The moment you start going uphill, drop to 3rd. And with 4. 10s, that won't allow much speed. IMO, you're better off with the 3. 54s.

This is exactly why I gave up the convenience of an auto and got a 6-speed. I was so disgusted that my auto bit the dust, despite all the work to make it better, that it had to go.

Rob


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2001. 5 RAM 3500 QC 4x4 ETH/DEE Silver/Agate 4. 10 USGear OD, Rickson 19. 5 Wheels, Edge EZ, SPA Guages, Firestone Airbags, Hellwig Rear Swaybar, Torklift Superhitch & Camper Tiedowns, much more.

 

[Patvair]

Just a note for the masses, My friends 95 1ton Dually has an automatic and 4. 10 gears although it only has 60,000 miles it has spent most of the time pulling 24,000 3 axel trailer and back hoe with 1300 lbs wrecking ball and extra bucketts. He has had "0" problems with this set up but he also drives it like he paid for it and not like he stole it. I would like to here if anyone elese has had such good luck with their auto's

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Traded in my 99' T/A for my shiny 2001. 5 3/4 Quad cab long bed 2wd Automatic 3. 55 Ls Tow & Camper special Loaded Dodge.

 

[Tagalong]

Rob, What is your average towing speed? You're the first one I have read about with that much of an AT problem.
PPatterson, your comments are very much in line with all I've read on this forum... hopefully that will be my experience as well.
I also understand that the Cummins will pull much more than it's rated for (even in its stock form) I'm really concerned about stopping the beast... and that's where I feel more comfortable being "legal. "
I would still like to hear from people towing with a similar rig as mine and driving in OD.

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White 2001, 3500, Auto,3:54,QC,2WD,LB,34' DBL slide Cardinal 5er

 

[Big A]

28,000 miles, auto,3:54s,with a GCWR of 15,000+, and no problems. I service the transmission every 15000 miles.
Love my truck!
Big A

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'99 3/4 24 valver Quad,auto,KN stock, westin powder black pushbar.