tires vs gears vs transmission

[SixShooter]

I hope someone can help me decide on wich gears to get. I will be putting 33" tires on probably no bigger. I will have the automatic transmisson so which gears should I get. The 4. 10 or the 3. 54?

 

[klenger]

126 posts and no truck ... I'm impressed. Now that's research.



You might want to add a comment about your towing plans. That will influence your decision.

 

[SixShooter]

I had my heart set on getting a CTD back when I was 12. And I am under 20 right now. I will be towing but very little maybe up to once a month. I am looking to be able to hang with the older model Lightns since that is hwhat my friend at work just got. I was thinking the 4. 10 but that would take me to 3. 85 or something with the 33".

 

[Gunny]

Jacoob, You are thinking right with the 4. 10's If you are wanting to run that tall of a tire it will certainly effect your finale gear ratio. If you begin with the 3. 54's it really wont matter what you tow this will be to high a ratio. With that tall of a rear tire you probably shouldnt consider anything but the 4. 10. Good Luck with the new truck. Gunny

 

[Archive]

I agree with Gunny's response. Couldn't have said it better.

 

[John]

Originally posted by Gunny

With that tall of tire [33"] you probably shouldn't consider anything but the 4. 10

Yes however, if he tows with O/D OFF there will be no problem (i. e. , RPMs will be at the correct efficiency level for the 24v CTD) as long as he tows at sane speeds. On the other hand, if he's towing a REALLY HEAVY trailer, the 4. 10:1 ratio would make more sense as it provides a deeper ratio, thus allowing more leverage against the load while accelerating from a stopped position.



Personally, I like the ability to cruise on the interstates at 65 to 80 mph (where allowed by law of course ) without the engine sounding like it's gonna blow up... the 3. 54:1 axle ratio and 33" tall tires work great for me. However, again, if I was towing a substantial portion of the time, especially a very heavy load, I would have opted for the 4. 10:1 ratio.

 

[CCahill]

One thing I've noticed on this gear thing... . Once you start bombing, the increase in HP/Torque, make it seem like you run out of gear much sooner than the stock setup... . 4. 10's wind up real quick... Wouldn't trade'em for anything... still think it's the best gear for me... occasional towing, and a lot of around town driving... although as soon as I burn up the stock 265/75's, I think I'll go to a taller tire... 33's(?)



Colin

 

[Cooker]

IMHO, IF he is going to BOMB his truck, and I'm sure that is on the list of things to do, 3. 54's and 33's (or rather 285/75/16's) is the way to go IMO, unless he is going to be pulling a big load, such as a big 5er. If you even have the faintest ideas of going to 35's, or you think you may consider it in the future, definitley get the 4. 10's.



My $. 02,

Ryan



Remember 3. 54's will really help your top end at the strip

 

[Mactruck]

Heres my spin on things...

My 2001. 5 has the 3. 54 ratio. After 800 miles I put 295/75r16's on which comes out to almost 34's. I don't really tow but when I do I notice a lag. When I'm out cruising on the highway I tach out at 1800 at 65 and 2000 at 75 appx. This gives me great mileage. However when you get below 1800 on the highway say going 55 you notice the lag. So its up to you. On local roads I drive with my O/D off till I get to 55mph. This helps.



I would have gone with 4. 10's now because I would like to put 35's on. I now feel like that I would be lugging the engine a bit with the 3. 54's unless you bomb the heck out of it.



My plan to cure the lugging at 50-55 mph is to put on a JRE exhaust w/ injectors and a DTT install and ... ... ... (you know what I mean)



If you go with 33's and don't tow, I would get the 3. 54 ratio.

 

[chuck3]

4. 10s these babys are geared high enough allready.

 

[Dr.Evil]

JACOB - You want to hang with a Gen I Lightning You better plan on Bombing the HECK out of that RAM! The Gen I's from Your part of the country took ALL the marbles from WFC IV this year, even beat the S/C Gen II's. Better plan would be to get a used 12V 2 WD and save Your Money for Parts! Not flaming You, I just hang out on the NLOC site and know what those things can do, Son has a '93 L, and "Stock can run 13. 9's to 14. 1's.

DENNY... ... ... ... ... ... ... .

 

[pcorssmit]

If you're not towing much, I'd get the 3. 54s. I have 255/85s (33's), and still wish I had an aux. overdrive. Granted this is a 12 Valve, but running down the interstate I'm still out of the milage band.



Pete

 

[Diesel Freak]

Here is my $. 02



If you get the 4. 10s one thing will be very apparent when racing anything..... you run out of rpm's Very fast. I have 315x75R16 on my truck (35's) with 3. 55 gears. I like the combination, Seccond gear starts are the norm.



I just made a trip to Idaho: 2100 RPM is an indicated 75 MPH... . actual is a little over 80. with the AC cranked and over 90 F outside I was able to get a little over 16 MPG. not great, but considering the way I was driving..... raced a Ford V10 for a COUPLE OF MILES..... I was satisfied with the milage

 

[MCummings]

Hey Jacob!



I'd say if you went with an auto transmission to get 4. 10's and if you go with a manual transmission to get the 3. 55's (3. 54's whatever).



Hey, Bud, How old are you right now?



I am 18 and I have inherited my Dad's "old" truck. He bought a new duramax, and gave me his "beater"



My truck has 76K on the clock, but well over 100K in reality.



I plan on installing some 75+HP injectors very soon.



Maybe we could hook up and do something some day.



Me and my Family have a bunch of Hobbies we do together.

Me and my little bro Ride 4-Wheelers (ATV's) I have a '98 Yamaha Warrior. Little Bro has a 2000 Honda Recon. (Little bro is 9 yr old)

My Dad and me Fly remote control airplanes.

I like to DRIVE trucks, maintanence is the harder part for me although I think I do it well.





Check out our Website, it gives a general impression of Our Family. http://mbmp.rcwing.com.



> http://mbmp.rcwing.com/trucks.html <

The small pic with the numbers 25 is the most recent picture of my truck.



MerrickNJr



P. S. Sorry for rambling on. .

 

[PZicha]

I agree with MCummings , If you get an auto stick with the 4. 10 ratio ,If you get a standard you can go with the 3. 54 ratio , I have an auto with 4. 10's and 235/85/16 tires and my rpm is 1900 at 60 mph ,for me that comfortable enough and I do tow... . you my not tow now but whats to say you won't in the future ,with those tires 4. 10's should be adaquate with a stick also... I believe they to have an O. D. in the final ratio... ... Pete