Giving In...

[mlewis73]

2 months ago, I had a transmission failure on my 2001 Impala LS at only 40,000 miles. The rebuild ain't what it oughta be, so I'm going to have AAMCO fix it and then trade/sell the car while it still has enough value to help me get into a 2006 Ram 3500/Cummins.



My '91 F-350 did GREAT pulling the car trailer (about 6200 pounds) across the country. The only trucks that passed me on the long hills out of California were a couple of 3rd Gen Rams that sounded like they were modded, both pulling small travel trailers. I passed many a PSD. EGTs and transmission temps were NEVER an issue... the truck has earned its keep.



Still, I'm trying to get out of a bad vehicle (Impala) and into a truck that'll pull my horse trailer better.



I was wondering what to expect from the 2006 Ram 3500 with 5. 9L Cummins and 6-speed transmission, pulling 12,000 pounds on long grades such as I-75 through Tennessee.



Anything I need to know about the truck as far as ordering? I'm trying to close an order with Fusz Dodge early next week (tomorrow or Tuesday. )





Thank you. I don't like the idea of having a payment again, but it is time to take the plunge before the emissions laws put '07 diesel engines into unknown territory such as what Ford has faced with the 6. 0 the past few years... I suspect it'll be 6 years before we see a reliable diesel pickup engine again, due to 2007 and 2010 emissions law changes... .





Mike

 

[mlewis73]

Just trying to keep this one at the top...



I'm VERY interested in knowing if I need the 4. 10 axle or if the 3. 73 (3. 55??) will be sufficient. Highway miles, mostly. 6 speed.



What do I need to do to get the max available towing capacity with the quad cab? My dealer doesn't have a brochure on the '06 trucks, and the only copy I have is still in transit to my new duty location.



Thanks again,



Mike

 

[JRG]

I suggest the 3. 73, especialy with the 6sp. The 3. 55 was a 2nd gen/Dana ratio. 12k isn't much anymore with this new power/torq motors. The 4. 10 would keep you screeming at any of the higher freeway speeds as the 6sp has a lower (faster) final drive ratio than the auto. If for some reason you cant pull the hill, (not likley) you can drop to 5th which is not as much as dropping a gear in an auto, OR add more..... fuel?



JRG

 

[ENafziger]

I agree that 3. 73 gears would be best. I have an '06 6 speed with 3. 73's and 35" tires, and still wish it was geared higher. It's got plenty of power to pull (especially with the TST/EZ stack!) and I'm consistently getting 18 - 19 mpg with 11,000 miles on the truck.

 

[DPKetchum]

3. 73 is the ONLY gear you can get with the G56 6 speed! 3. 73 or 4. 10 can be had with the auto. If getting the auto and pulling 12k get the 4. 10s.