Gear Ratios

[mjkosiba]

I just bought my first diesel about a month ago. Not knowing anything about gear ratios at the time, I found a truck I liked on the lot and purchased it. I now realize that the gear ratio is the 4. 10 version. My reasons for getting the diesel were better mileade, vehicle longevity and towing power. I now understand that the 4. 10 will get lower mileage and I am disappointed that perhaps I would be better off with a 3. 73. I do haul a work trailer every day on both highway and back roads in Connecticut. My trailer is a dual axle 6'X12' and I haul around about 1,000 pounds of gear and equipment in it. 90% of my mileage is towing.



I love the truck and the towing power. I need some positive thoughts about the benefits of the 4. 10 over the 3. 73 even though I didn't need to go that route because of the small trailer size.

 

[Hokey]

What year of truck? 5/6/speed or auto? you could go to a larger tire size there are a good number to choose from. Probably least cost alternative if you want to get in a different rpm operating range. I'm sure others will have good ideas.



Good luck.

 

[mjkosiba]

2005, 2500 slt 4X4 quad cab 4-speed automatic.

 

[JKinney]

I have the 410 also but I have the 5600 I can get 18 mpg if I keep the egg between my foot and the pedal. I thought about doing a converstion, but I do tow alot and I can excelerate and pass and climb hills without downshifting

I guess I can also drive slower in 6th without lugging the engine. The last time I drove to NJ from Maine down 95 I got 18 mpg and I was running about 70 I know that that stretch of hwy is all flat.

 

[mjkosiba]

Hey JK, I lived in Bridgton, Maine for 30 years, just moved to CT 1. 5 years ago. Where in Maine are you?

 

[rbattelle]

I agree with the suggestion of upgrading to a bit larger tire to compensate for the gearing.



-Ryan

 

[JKinney]

The State of Maine wont let us put on larger tires. If we do we can not get our trucks inspected. Just one more reason I want to leave the Taxation State.

 

[rbattelle]

The State of Maine wont let us put on larger tires. If we do we can not get our trucks inspected. Just one more reason I want to leave the Taxation State.

That's amazing. Are they going to change their name to the "Socialist Republic of Maine"?

 

[JKinney]

I can not get started on the politics of this state, Would have to move the thread to the proper catagory And if we did move it we could go on for months :--) We do rank 49th in taxes

 

[CRuth]

Not any increase in tire size? I mean, going from a 245 to a 285 (or some such) would hardly be noticeable visually. Not like you're gonna put a set of monster mudders on it.

 

[Hokey]

tire size

Exactlty, you could get away with taller don't need bigger. To get 3. 73 operating range out of a 4. 10 only talking a 10% increase in diameter. correct? probably just an inch or two. the old 245 75 16 to a 265 75 16 would do it or a 235 85 16. not sure on these new 17's. point is were not talking going to 35 inch or something.

 

[bkroupa]

I felt the same way when I bought my truck used in July, I needed tires so I upgraded to 285/75-16's only gained about . 2 mpg, but it is a little quieter on the hwy.

I seriously doubt you'd ever pay for the gear swap in fuel savings, especially pulling a load.

I've averaged 20 mpg with mine for the last 20k miles. I had the timing bumped a few weeks back & have refueled 5 times since with 21. 01 being the worst & a best of 21. 56.

 

[RedRam401]

I felt the same way when I bought my truck used in July, I needed tires so I upgraded to 285/75-16's only gained about . 2 mpg, but it is a little quieter on the hwy.
I seriously doubt you'd ever pay for the gear swap in fuel savings, especially pulling a load.
I've averaged 20 mpg with mine for the last 20k miles. I had the timing bumped a few weeks back & have refueled 5 times since with 21. 01 being the worst & a best of 21. 56.

BK,

Just a quick GOOD NATURED flame.....

As an '04. 5 owner getting 16. 0 MPG (approx. ) reading a thread started by an '05 owner who is worried about fuel mileage, it strikes me as cruel that you come in with the great mileage figures of your 2nd gen. and make me feel #ad


Have a heart:-laf :-laf :-laf

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

The "echo" engine in 2003-up seems to like 2000-2300 rpm best on cruising. 4. 10s probably hurt mpg less than the automatic does. If you go 70+ most of the time, a bigger tire might help, but not a real wide one (rolling resistance).