Whats the best rear axle for towing with the HO & 48RE?

[tschwab]

Hello all,



My dad is getting close to buying a new '03 or ordering an '04. Went and test drove both today an HO/6spd with 3. 77 and an HO with the new 48RE. My dad had a 1st Gen. Ram CTD with the 5spd and now has a '96 with AT and 3. 54 (BOMBed Trans & Motor). Thought he would want the new 6spd, but after driving both, he has totally made up his mind that he wants the automatic.



He tows a 5th wheel that weighs 8500 dry, figure 11,000 max fully loaded. I know the HO/48RE combo with either rear axle is capable of towing this weight.



My questions are:

Which rear axle will tow it best - 3. 77 or 4. 10?

Fuel mileage differences?



On the 2G 12V, the preferred axle was the 3. 54, on the 2G 24V the preferred axle was the 4. 10 for most people.



Thanks - Terry

 

[Snow man]

It comes down to how much is he towing,if only 10% of the time,id go with a 3. 73. also how fast does he drive? I drive 70-80 on the interstate here,and tow at 65-80. If he never goes over 65,the 4. 10 will be a better towing gears since he will have a bit more RPM in OD at 65,about 2000,whcih is perfect. if he tows at 75mph the 3. 73 will be fine,a lot of mountain towing favors the 4. 10.

 

[RMcCulloch]

Whichever ratio he gets, make sure that it's in an '04 so that he'll be able to get the exhaust brake approved!

 

[DF5152]

Originally posted by RMcCulloch

Whichever ratio he gets, make sure that it's in an '04 so that he'll be able to get the exhaust brake approved!

the exhaust brake may still not be approved for the early 04's