What's your axle ratio?

[Gary - K7GLD]

Was involved in a discussion over in the GM Duramax group, and a fella was bragging about how much better his new Duramax/Allison setup pulls his 19,000 trailer than his late model Dodge/Cummins - tho' he IS happier with the fuel economy from the Dodge.

Turns out, the Dodge has a 3. 55 axle ratio vs a 3. 73 in the GM. I responded that the Dodge was SERIOUSLY out of its towing capability with the 3. 55 pulling 19,000, and that 4. 10's would give FAR better pulling capability - in fact, not sure that the Dodge is even RATED to pull that heavy a load!

SO - you guys towing loads well over 10,000 lbs. , what axle ratios do YOU use, and are you satisfied with it - especially when pulling in the hills? If you DO use 4. 10's, what sort of fuel mileage are you getting empty/loaded? Primarily interested in stock or near stock engines...

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http://community. webshots.com/user/davison71 Early '91 250, 727 AT, 307 rear... Banks Stinger exhaust, intercooler... US Gear OD... MORE than a match for every new PS Ford encountered so far...

 

[BCFAST]

Ummmmm... My 95 2500 was routinely worked at around 24,000 - 25,000lbs. I pulled a 40' 3-axle goose enclosed race trailer. At that weight, with a/c and cruise set at 70, I averaged 15. 2mpg on flat ground... it was a 5 speed with 3:54 axle, hot pump and open exhaust. It would climb without problem.

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97 2500 CC 4x4 3. 54 5spd, Green, #12 plate slid all the way forward, 4inch open exhaust, 235/85 Michelins, RS 9000's, PrimeLoc, Red Tops, TDR cloisonae grill badge!

 

[Pete Peterson]

Okay, lets see. I have 4:10's and the 6 speed and empty with little miles on the truck(less than 3,000 miles) I'm getting 15. 3 mpg in town and 17 mpg on the open road(not interstate). Towing a trailer around 13 or 14 thousand pounds I'm getting 13. 8 mpg. Trucks tow rating from Dodge is 14,300 lbs. with a GCVWR of 21,500 lbs. Pete

 

[Ninearrow]

I pull big loads from time to time and have 3. 54s and 5 sp. 275hp injectors and TST PM2. If I go 70 mph with the load, miles per gallon are in the 11 range. Wish it was better, but it's not. I have all the power I need, though, so I'm not complaining.

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99 3500 QC 4X4 5sp 3. 54 K&N air filter, DiPricol gauges, 275 hp injectors, Pacbrake, Westin nerfs, GN hitch, Tekonsha Brake controller, Mopar seat covers, Husky mats, silencer ring removed, Draw-tite front receiver, Rancho 9000's

 

[Bill Stockard]

With a '00 3500QC 4. 10 with a 6 speed, stock engine, 20,000 lbs GCW, I am very satisfied with the power. I did have a VA box on the truck, but took it off a couple of months ago and haven't gone to the "trouble" to put it back on since I have been hauling the Lance. Mileage runs 10-12 towing and 16-18 solo. When hauling the Lance MPG runs between towing and solo.

Bill

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Y2K 3500QC, 6 Speed, 4. 10, SLT+, Camper & Tow Pkg. , Westin Chrome Nerf Bars, Mopar Flaps, Reese 20K Hitch, EGT & Boost Gauges, RPM 45 Gallon Aux. Fuel Tank, Highway Products 5th Wheel Toolbox, ECM Controlled PacBrake, Painless Wiring Kit, Mag-Hytec Diff. Cover, Rancho 9000, Air Lift 5000 Air Bags, TOYS: '97 Hitchhiker II 31' 5th Wheel, 2 slideouts, 19,750 GCW, '94 Lance 990 11' 3" Slide-In Camper, Torque-Lift Camper Tiedowns

 

[Okie-Go]

3. 54 and satisfied. avg. 21-23 unloaded. 12 pulling 30 ft 5er. 11 or a little better loaded with green cut firewood. 2 and a half chourd. I usually pull 65-70 mph on the freeway if road is good.

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2001 quadcab slt 2500 HO 6spd. LWB,2wd,dk garnett red, trailer tow package,camper special, anti spin 3. 54 axle, speed liner,oversized stainless steel chicken slide,66 gallon in bed aux. tank,K&N air filter,Reese 20k hitch, Terry 2000 EX 30ft. double slide 5er, 2000 20ft gooseneck for haulin jeep, firewood and huntin stuff. 5X12 tagalong for haulin the 4 wheeler. Okie Newton