gear ratio ?

[kompressor]

I talked to a mechanic today at the local dealer about what gear ratio to get in a new 2003 HO 4WD auto. He said that getting a 4. 10 is just burning up fuel. My 5th wheel max is 11,500lbs and he said that with the new HO engine and transmission that 3. 73 is plenty. I see a lot of member have 4. 10 gears, do you really need it? I know there are a lot of posts on this subject, but I need fresh input. Thanks to all, this is a great site.

 

[Jeremiah]

Originally posted by kompressor

I talked to a mechanic today at the local dealer about what gear ratio to get in a new 2003 HO 4WD auto. He said that getting a 4. 10 is just burning up fuel. My 5th wheel max is 11,500lbs and he said that with the new HO engine and transmission that 3. 73 is plenty. I see a lot of member have 4. 10 gears, do you really need it? I know there are a lot of posts on this subject, but I need fresh input. Thanks to all, this is a great site.

I can't speak for the auto, but 3. 73 is all you need w/ the 6-spd unless you're pulling the high hills of Colorado. Even then, a 3. 73 should handle 11,000 pounds w/o any problem at all.

 

[AKsmoker]

3.73

I just sold my 99 2500 with 4. 10s. Waiting on my new truck 3500 dually with the 3. 73s. 4. 10s are great if you are towing all the time. If your not, you don't need it! Ive got a 2500 lb camper with a 3 horse slant bumper pull 6k trailer rated to 10k. I tow 25% of the time, My two cents!

 

[Fireman]

The final drive ratio on the auto is taller, if I had gotten an auto I would have gotten the 4:10. for towing.



Fireman

 

[Dean Upson]

I like the 4:10's for towing.



Dean

 

[Barry]

The FINAL drive ratio on the manual/3:73 and the auto/4:10 is almost indentical. If memory serves me, it is 2:72 vs 2:82 respectfully. The auto/3:73 is REAL tall in the 2:50s.



Buying an auto 4X4 to tow 11K without 4:10s would need serious thought... ... ... ..... mi dos pesos.

 

[BHolm]

My dually has 3. 73's. I am pulling loads equal or greater than your trailer. It is working just fine. At 70 mph I am just under 2000 rpm, right in the meat of the power. Udjusting the rpm up a few hundred wouldn't do much more than burn extra fuel IMO. The tires on mine ore the 235/80-17's, they are just shy of 32"s tall. I don't know if the SRW trucks have as tall a tire. If not, your rpm's will be a little higher(smaller tire diameter) anyway.

 

[coolcharters]

Gears

kompressor,

Get the 3. 73 rear if you are going to keep the stock tire size. If you plan to increase tire size to at least a 35" tire than the 4. 10 will be fine because you will effectivly be reducing the final drive ratio. The HO motor has plenty for your trailer in the stock form.

Invest in the MAG-HYTEC double deep transmission pan and some form of aftermarket air charger and let the big dog eat.