2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Looking for info on changing axle gears...

[wlowe]

I've thought about changing my gear ratio many times since owning my truck. Originally I liked the 3:05 ratio because of the excellent fuel mileage. Now I don't drive much, other than hauling loads, and I'm thinking a lower gear would be nice.

Anybody out there got first hand info on this? I know that OEM gear ratios were 3:05 or 4:11, does anybody make a 3:73 ratio for my truck. What does this cost.

Thanks,
Bill

 

[AH64ID]

I think the OEM gears were 3.55:1 or 4.10:1, so I am guessing you have 3.55:1.

I believe that Yukon gear carries 3.73's for those Dana axles.

https://www.ringpinion.com/DiffWizard.aspx

 

[wlowe]

I think the OEM gears were 3.55:1 or 4.10:1, so I am guessing you have 3.55:1.

I believe that Yukon gear carries 3.73's for those Dana axles.

https://www.ringpinion.com/DiffWizard.aspx

You are correct, I had a brain fart, mine is actually a 3.54. Wow, $900 for just the ring and pinions before labor. I think I will keep what I have. Thanks for the info.

 

[GAmes]

It is a common misconception that lower engine RPM equals better mileage. There a large number of other factors that influence how many miles you get to a gallon of fuel. When I swapped in the G56 my overdrive gear ratio was lower than the NV4500. At 60mph I am turning another 100 or so rpm, but my mileage improved, both towing and empty. FWIW, I regularly tow 10,000 plus pound trailers (the last one was 16,400 from western UT to MD) and have never wished for 4:10s

 

[JMcCoy]

What size tires are you running? I currently have 35s. I was lugging Round town with 3.54s. 4.10s run great around town, but turn too many rpms on the highway. If I were to do it over again, I would probably do 3.73s. I gear vendors OD unit may be in my future. If I had smaller tires, I would keep the 3.54s. If your are towing extremely heavy up grades, the 4.10s will help keep your egts down. Hope this helps.

 

[AH64ID]

It is a common misconception that lower engine RPM equals better mileage. There a large number of other factors that influence how many miles you get to a gallon of fuel. When I swapped in the G56 my overdrive gear ratio was lower than the NV4500. At 60mph I am turning another 100 or so rpm, but my mileage improved, both towing and empty. FWIW, I regularly tow 10,000 plus pound trailers (the last one was 16,400 from western UT to MD) and have never wished for 4:10s

Since your G56 is lower than your NV4500 it means you have the AD ratio trans, which is geared lower across the board than the NV4500 or NV5600 aside from direct. A AD G56 with 3.73's is geared, aside from 5th, closely to a NV5600 with 4.10's so it's not a overly fair comparison.

My dads 06 with a AD G56 does wonders in 6th vs my NV5600 tuck that has approx 75/150 more power.

I think the AD G56 has the best ratios of any of the manual transmissions ever offered in a Dodge behind a Cummins for towing.

 

[GAmes]

I think the AD G56 has the best ratios of any of the manual transmissions ever offered in a Dodge behind a Cummins for towing.

It certainly has worked well for me. Sure is nice having a transmission that doesn't fail every 80-100k miles.

 

[AH64ID]

It certainly has worked well for me. Sure is nice having a transmission that doesn't fail every 80-100k miles.

I want to swap my NV5600 for one, but I don't see it worth the cost yet.

 

[Bob4x4]

My 94 had 3.54's and I ran 35.s a good combo if you build your power band to deal with the rpm you use. pulling my Airstream was a non-issue and i got roped into pulling other trailers much heavier and square front ends with a ton of wind resistance

 

[NIsaacs]

I think the AD G56 has the best ratios of any of the manual transmissions ever offered in a Dodge behind a Cummins for towing.

I agree, my 5.63 1st gear is fine on the highway, but off highway, heavy loads, uphill start or soft ground it don't get the job done. The AD 1st gear 6.29 is great, even the AE at 5.94 is way better than my NV5600

Nick