Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) gears or transmission??

[78ccdiesel]

I have a 98 with an auto in and 3:54 gears. . My parents are towing a 33' 5th wheel; they say the transmission temps are getting up there at times. . I was thinking of going to 4:10 in the rear---but was told by 2 "experts" and 3 Dodge mechanics that that was next to impossible due to the computer set up with out having to spend around $3000. 00. I find this real hard to believe. I know you guys can steer me to a better direction. I thought for sure all that would need to be done was code in the correct gear ratio. Thanks Again Guys!!!!

 

[BFC]

Don't know about swapping gear ratio but I tow a 31' fiver with 3. 55 with no problem... ... ... but it will be so much better when I get the new toys in



If your going to spend money, spend it on the transmission, you won't be sorry. One ride in a truck with an upgraded transmission, that's all you need.

 

[pwr2tow]

You have two problems going on here, The transmission is starting to heat up which possibly means it is starting to slip, the other is with the 3:54's your running your foot on the floor trying to make HP no matter if your in 3rd direct or OD, OD you do not have the HP for and 3rd direct is too many RPM's for good fuel mileage. No matter who's transmission you put in you will still have the same amount of HP and you can not get any more HP than what you already have by just simpley installing a new transmission or components.



My suggestion would be to upgrade the transmission and then put in 3:90 gears that would give you the best of both worlds, a solid transmission and better torque multiplication through the axles.



The 3:90's are alot less expensive to install because you do not have to change out the carrier.



Alot of people suggest running 3:54's with the auto and adding a fueling box or injectors for more HP, the only problem with that is the more HP the more fuel consumed and the more HP you will use so the more fuel you will consume. Most everyone running 4:10 gears do not see a decrease in fuel mileage running empty (maybe 1 MPG difference) but more than make up the difference when towing and the added ease of towing on ones mind.



Ron

 

[Bigramguy]

Power upgrades will help it pull a little better with the 3. 55's. Along with that you will probably need some transmission upgrades to keep it together.



The high transmission temps could be due to it not going into lockup,and the torque convertor being so inefficient. All that slip creates heat. A better convertor would probably help too.



The 4. 10 will help keep the RPM's up a bit,but with some mild upgrades you probably won't need them.



Do a search on 4. 10's vs 3. 55,there is lots of good info on towing,power,mileage,noise,etc