Best gear ratio for towing
I have a 03 2500 cummins srw quad cab with 3.73 gears, and wondering about changing to 4.10. I know it would tow better, but probably get less fuel mileage. Has anyone towed with these ratios. Thanks...
Forum Discussion
rhagfo wrote:
We run an 11,000# 5er with an 01 and 3.55's and a 5speed. We do just fine pulling flats and can pull at five over the speed limit on the hills to the coast. You have a good gear ratio, I am assuming a 48RE auto, Pacbrake makes a unit for your truck!
http://www.thoroughbreddiesel.com/pacbrake/03-04-dodge-auto.htm
Having an exhaust brake is good having the best EB is even better. Seldom touch the service brakes towing in the hills.
The 47RE and 48RE have a taller OD ratio .69 vs the manual trannys .73. It was generally considered better for towing with these auto's to get the 4:10 gears. At 2000 RPM's I am doing around 63 MPH which is a good freeway tow speed for me and my 4:10's. Also the manuals have much lower reverse and 1st gears vs the autos.
Now if OP truck is a 2x4 then swapping gears might be OK, I would not however spend the money to do it on a 4x4.
Chris
