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Superduty123's avatar
Superduty123
Explorer
Oct 12, 2013

3.42 vs. 4.10 RR on a 2013 Dodge Cummings

All

I am thinking of buying my last truck before retirement. I am looking at a new 2013 RAM 3500 Megacab S/B DRW 4x4.

My goal is to have a self contained Camper on the back part time and tow a 30ft 5th wheel other times

This one left over on the lot has a 410 Rear Axle. I probably won't drive this as a daily driver but will make runs to hunting/fishing possibly with just a shell on the truck

I am wondering how the drivability with the 410 is on the road with not only gas mileage but engine/transmission noise

I realize it will be better when towing a long grade heavy, but how big of a deal is it?. Does anyone tow heavy with the 3.42 and if so are there any issues?

any info will help
Tow Vehicles

29 Replies

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  • Huntindog's avatar
    Huntindog
    Explorer
    Oct 13, 2013
    The Mad Norsky wrote:
    As per the Ram truck brochure I have here at the house:

    All 2013's, 3500 dually's 4X4, Cummins, crew cab 8 foot box with Aisin 6 speed tranny:

    Axle 3:42 tows 20,630 max trailer weight

    Axle 3:73 tows 23,630

    Axle 4:10 tows 29,130.

    So hook up that 30 footer to one with the 3:42's and enjoy the economy and the vehicle.
    Good info. It seems that they still vary a lot, but they are over all a LOT higher than they were....I seem to remember the 3.42s as a little over 8K, the 3.73s around 12K and the 4.10s around 17K. This would have been around 2010-2011.
  • The_Mad_Norsky's avatar
    The_Mad_Norsky
    Explorer
    Oct 13, 2013
    As per the Ram truck brochure I have here at the house:

    All 2013's, 3500 dually's 4X4, Cummins, crew cab 8 foot box with Aisin 6 speed tranny:

    Axle 3:42 tows 20,630 max trailer weight

    Axle 3:73 tows 23,630

    Axle 4:10 tows 29,130.

    So hook up that 30 footer to one with the 3:42's and enjoy the economy and the vehicle.
  • 4x4ord's avatar
    4x4ord
    Explorer III
    Oct 12, 2013
    I wouldn't want 4.10 gears unless I was planning on regularly towing over about 24000 lbs. Find one with 3.42 gears.
  • Huntindog's avatar
    Huntindog
    Explorer
    Oct 12, 2013
    When I looked at them a couple of years ago, I noticed that the tow ratings varied quite a bit for the 3.42, 3.73, and 4.10 gears.
  • pronstar's avatar
    pronstar
    Explorer
    Oct 12, 2013
    sclark wrote:
    I tow with the 3.42 Aisin transmission. I chose it because it comes with the HO version of the Cummins. Pulls very well. I would not think it matters with the size 5er you are pulling. Good luck.


    Totally agree.
    With the load he's pulling, I think 3.42 is plenty.

    And with 6 gears to choose from, long/steep grades can be tackled with a simple downshift.

    If it was an older truck with a 4-speed tranny, like what I've got, then a shorter rear end would make more sense.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Oct 12, 2013
    My dually has the 4.10 rear end and quite honestly for working it cant be beat. Mine is a 4X2 and only a 2007 but at 65 towing my 13,500 pound fiver I can run all day with cruise control on and still get 10.5-11.5 towing MPG. I am not sure you could see the same or better results with a 3.42 rear end. Empty freeway runs at 65-70 returns an honest 17 and 55 secondary roads I have seen as high as 18.
  • sclark's avatar
    sclark
    Explorer
    Oct 12, 2013
    I tow with the 3.42 Aisin transmission. I chose it because it comes with the HO version of the Cummins. Pulls very well. I would not think it matters with the size 5er you are pulling. Good luck.
  • crickeydog's avatar
    crickeydog
    Explorer
    Oct 12, 2013
    I've had daily drivers with 4.10 rear ends and never had any issues. Buy the 4.10 so you'll have it when you need it.

    Happy camping!!! See y'all down the road!!!:)

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