Are the 2016 Ram HD’s Output Figures Bogus?

stro1965 wrote:


3.42 doesn't seem ideal for towing to me, but what do I know?

Looking at the rear gear ratio only is looking at only part of the picture. The current 800 lb-ft Cummins mated with the 68RFE with a 3.42 rear end ratio actually sends more torque to the wheels than a 4.10 rear ratio 2011 650 lb-ft Cummins 3500 dually that used a 68RFE as well .


Ram 2014 2500/3500 6.7L CTD SRW 800 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm with 68RFE with 3.42 rear ratio
1st gear--800lb-ft x 3.23 x 3.42 = 8,837.28 lb-ft
2nd gear--800lb-ft x 1.84 x 3.42 = 5,034.24 lb-ft
3rd gear--800lb-ft x 1.41 x 3.42 = 3,857.76 lb-ft
4th gear--800lb-ft x 1.00 x 3.42 = 2,736.00 lb-ft
5th gear--800lb-ft x 0.82 x 3.42 = 2,243.52 lb-ft
6th gear--800lb-ft x 0.62 x 3.42 = 1,696.32 lb-ft

Ram 2011 3500 6.7L CTD DRW 650 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm with 68RFE with 4.10 rear ratio
1st gear--650lb-ft x 3.23 x 4.10 = 8,607.95 lb-ft
2nd gear--650lb-ft x 1.84 x 4.10 = 4,903.60 lb-ft
3rd gear--650lb-ft x 1.41 x 4.10 = 3,757.65 lb-ft
4th gear--650lb-ft x 1.00 x 4.10 = 2,655.00 lb-ft
5th gear--650lb-ft x 0.82 x 4.10 = 2,185.30 lb-ft
6th gear--650lb-ft x 0.62 x 4.10 = 1,652.30 lb-ft


So looking at the big picture of how much torque is being sent to the rear wheels, if the 3.42 rear ratio is not ideal for towing then you would have to say that the 4.10 rear ratio DRW trucks mated to the 650 lb-ft Cummins from just 4 years ago are even less ideal.

Although Ford's 6R140 transmission is geared with shorter gear ratios in each gear making it send more torque to the rear wheels than even your current truck.