Dodge Ram Transmission Questions
I've finally convinced DW that it would be a good idea to look into getting a new truck. We're trying to do more camping, and although our 6.0 dually has been a pretty good truck for us, I don't like ...
Forum Discussion
This may be wrong, I haven't seen anyone else post this, but here are my thoughts on the 3.42, Aisin or 68RFE.
I think the engineers were going for fuel mileage and driveability with this selection. The transmissions have 6 speeds now. When unladen, this allows a higher 6th speed with a 3.42 for low rpms and great fuel mileage. These trucks are pulling in 22-24 MPG on the road.
When pulling, the transmission is programmed to drop back to 5th if needed fairly aggressively. This effectively gives you equivalent to a 3.73 rear end with a 5 speed and overdrive if on flat ground. It's really the best of both worlds.
There is no way I would recommend someone using one of these trucks for part time towing or even full time towing less than 20K lbs to go with the 4.10 in the DRW. 3.73 maybe, but for 15K or less, the 3.42 is a good choice. The 4.10 would be like having a 3.42 and locking out 5th and 6th.
I think people are still wrapped up in thinking the rear end ratio plays a big part in towing performance. It did when all you had were 3 or 4 speeds, but now we have 6 for the tranny to choose from. Let it work.
I think the engineers were going for fuel mileage and driveability with this selection. The transmissions have 6 speeds now. When unladen, this allows a higher 6th speed with a 3.42 for low rpms and great fuel mileage. These trucks are pulling in 22-24 MPG on the road.
When pulling, the transmission is programmed to drop back to 5th if needed fairly aggressively. This effectively gives you equivalent to a 3.73 rear end with a 5 speed and overdrive if on flat ground. It's really the best of both worlds.
There is no way I would recommend someone using one of these trucks for part time towing or even full time towing less than 20K lbs to go with the 4.10 in the DRW. 3.73 maybe, but for 15K or less, the 3.42 is a good choice. The 4.10 would be like having a 3.42 and locking out 5th and 6th.
I think people are still wrapped up in thinking the rear end ratio plays a big part in towing performance. It did when all you had were 3 or 4 speeds, but now we have 6 for the tranny to choose from. Let it work.
