need some input

[DWalts02]

been looking at getting a new truck. Looking at the 2003 3500 dually quad cab 4 wheel drive 6 speed HO. I pull a horse trailer here and there hauling my horses around to rodeos and what not. Usually a couple horses. I was wondering if you can get away with the 3. 73 rear or would the 4. 10 be the better choice. Also how with either of these affect the mileage on the truck?

 

[David Muench]

Depends on the weight. . If a couple of horses means 2-4, I'd say go with the 3. 73's. If you're going to be pulling some mondo gooseneck that weighs 15k+, I'd go for the 4. 10's.

 

[Casey Balvert]

What he said. That Dave is a smart guy.



Cheers, Casey

 

[Fireman]

I wouldn't know I haven't been able to pull anything that big yet.



Fireman

 

[boonsur]

How about the rest of your driving (unloaded)?



My last truck had 4. 10's. IMHO it was working way too much at highway speeds (70-75 mph). RPM's were around 2,400, feeling like you were really working the engine near it's limits. I don't think fuel mileage suffered that bad, but almost everybody who reported 20+ mpg had the 3. 55's (and usually 2WD). I just figure less spinning=more life expectancy.



As far as pulling, the 4. 10's will be better, but unless you are getting extreme, the 3. 73's should be plenty for most loads. If necessary, downshift (I'm getting a 6 speed) and your rpm's are right back where the engine's happy.



Another thing to consider would be future tire upgrades (much bigger) that would drop the final ratio. This would be an argument for the 4. 10's





My next one will definately have the 3. 73's

 

[Task125]

I ordered 410s, I knew I was going to put 19. 5s on it.

Mike

 

[nickleinonen]

Originally posted by Task125

I ordered 410s, I knew I was going to put 19. 5s on it.

Mike

but what tire size though??? if you go with the 225/70/19. 5 it will not change the effective gearing at all. if you go with the 245/70/19. 5 then it will leave you with ±3. 96

 

[Task125]

going with 245s for now,I need to see how they look.

I did not think 265s would fit.

mike

 

[jimnance]

I'm happy with the 3. 73's in my '03 H. O. . I'm pulling over 14,000 lbs and with the six speed transmission I find that I have plenty of gears for any situation.



With 4. 10's you'll find you wish you had 3. 73's when going down the freeway unloaded.

 

[D808]

I agree. As class 8 trucks gained more horses, their top end speeds also increased due to faster axle gearing.

FederalMan