gear ratio's

[Hokey]

I'm not sure I like these tall 3. 54 diff gear ratio's. I've never had ratio's this hi , usually have 4. 10's. I only pull a 6800 pound trailer but it feels like a higher ratio would be better. Maybe I just need to get used to these. what's the rule of thumb here? I'm sure this has been talked about many times but, I'm a relative newbie so please bare with me. has a poll ever been done on this issue? tell me what you have and why okay? thanks

 

[Archive]

Hokey... try the search function and you will find out more info on this subject than you wanted!



Here goes for me. .

I have the 4. 10s. I tow from about 13,000 lbs to running empty. Here is the thing. . either gearing will handle the load, IMO. The choice for me became a choice of cruising speed. To tow with the 3. 54/six spd, and be in your economy range, you would have to tow at 72mph+, or remain in fifth gear. The 4. 10s are about 62mph/6th gear. Towing at a high rate of speed is dangerous for you and the other guy. A simple flat tire can be deadly to you or your Ram at a higher speed.

Even empty, unless something very important is happening, I (almost) never go over 70mph.



economy on a 24 valve: 1800-2000rpm.

best towing 24 valve: 2000-2250rpm.

(info from Cummins)

 

[Alan Reagan]

I agree with Rob on towing speed and economy range. One thing I would add is that when I'm towing around home, I'm on two lane, 55 mph roads. I can get away with doing 60. With the 4. 10s, that puts me running about 1750/1875 RPMs (I hate these tachs). I can maintain that in these rolling hills but I wouldn't want to go any lower in the RPM range. I get 21. 5 mpg empty and variable towing mileage with the lowest of 14. 5. When I'm running on the Interstate the 3. 54 would be nice but I'm not out there that often.

 

[Hokey]

tHANKS YOU GUYS FOR THE INFO JUST WHAT i NEEDED. I'LL DO THE SEARCH THING FIRST FROM NOW ON HOLY COW . PLENTY OF INFO HERE!!

tHANK-yOU!!

 

[Fireman]

MY 2C

I am running 3:54's and 4speed auto. I must agree with Rob that 70+ mph towing is dangerous, but all I have to do is lock out the OD and get the same results as running 4:10's. 60-63mph @2200 rpm.



Alan, ditto on that Tach!



Fireman