Doing my research for a new TC hauler, I spent some time on Ram forum researching the new Hemi with 8 speed with positive results. Everyone who has the new 8 speed is very happy with the performance and the 3:73 vs 4:10 doesn’t seem to be as critical with the additional gears. For a 5k lb TC I would be looking at a 19-20 Ram 3500 CC DRW 4x4 6.4 8 speed 4:10. I like the new Ford 7.3 but my last 3 trucks have been Ram and I’m happy with them. A new Tradesman can be bought for low $40K range. I haven’t seen any Fords but I’m sure they will be significantly more expensive. My use would be carrying the TC and occasionally towing a 4K lb Jeep Wrangler. Based on recent tests, the Ford may offer a little better performance but I think the Ram will be plenty of truck for my needs. Anyone running the new Ram Hemi 8 speed and what are your thoughts.

“my last 3 trucks have been Ram and I’m happy with them.“Haven’t you already decided on a RAM?

I can't offer any insight in terms of the 6.4 because I don't own one, but my only concern with a Ram 3500 dually with the gas engine would be resale value. There is likely a very, very small market for such a truck, and I'd think about that before I bought it. If you think you might not have it a long time, I'd get the diesel just so you can re-sell it if you want.

I don't own one either but with the new gas engine and trans combos I wouldn't even consider a new diesel. Partially due for my dislike for DEF.I think there are a lot of folks that are going to be buying gas instead of diesel.I read in the truck section of this forum that a few people picked up new 2020 F-350s with the 7.3L for around $44K. I think they were base XL packages.

92k miles on my 6.4 SRW hauling a 2,400# Lance 815. Have the 3.73 gears and it does a great job. Usually don't have to use tow/haul so have 6th gear. Occasionally I've hauled ~4,500 car hauler behind it and do use tow/haul then which locks out 6th gear and it still does pretty good.Looking at upgrading and next time I will order the 4.10s as with the 3.73s I have to run a few mph more than I would like to get the rpm a bit higher. Think my mpg would be a hair better as the slower speed and less boggin of the engine would make up for the lower gears. I would definitely go with 4.10s if we go heavy enough to require a DRW.It's no diesel as I had a 2004 5.9 exact same configuration before, but I have never regretted my decision to go with the 6.4.

From what I see on the market, any new dually can carry any TC even Host Mammoth. So the question remaining is gas v/s diesel or 3.5 v/s 4.1 differential. New generation engines are beast and my 2017 Powerstroke with 3.55 differential hauls 5, 6 or even 10,000 lb on all freeway grades on overdrive. Meaning I wish I had <3 differential for empty driving and then use transmission lower gears for heavy towing. No experience with modern gas engines, but I think it will be similar rate. DPF and DEF, who clicked in last years are still scary to uneducated buyers as the first years had baby teeth, but last year improved reliability, while scanners manufacturers flood the market with scanners who can monitor soot % and DPF regeneration status. Just like with 6l Powerstrokes, the poor heat exchangers cost several engines blow ups till scanners come to the market and allow drivers to monitor engine status.

Ram 3500 DRW 6.4 8sp for TC? | Good Sam Community

14 Replies

kohldad
Explorer III
Feb 22, 2020
92k miles on my 6.4 SRW hauling a 2,400# Lance 815. Have the 3.73 gears and it does a great job. Usually don't have to use tow/haul so have 6th gear.
Occasionally I've hauled ~4,500 car hauler behind it and do use tow/haul then which locks out 6th gear and it still does pretty good.

Looking at upgrading and next time I will order the 4.10s as with the 3.73s I have to run a few mph more than I would like to get the rpm a bit higher. Think my mpg would be a hair better as the slower speed and less boggin of the engine would make up for the lower gears. I would definitely go with 4.10s if we go heavy enough to require a DRW.

It's no diesel as I had a 2004 5.9 exact same configuration before, but I have never regretted my decision to go with the 6.4.
specta
Explorer
Feb 22, 2020
I don't own one either but with the new gas engine and trans combos I wouldn't even consider a new diesel. Partially due for my dislike for DEF.

I think there are a lot of folks that are going to be buying gas instead of diesel.

I read in the truck section of this forum that a few people picked up new 2020 F-350s with the 7.3L for around $44K. I think they were base XL packages.
restlessways
Explorer III
Feb 22, 2020
I can't offer any insight in terms of the 6.4 because I don't own one, but my only concern with a Ram 3500 dually with the gas engine would be resale value. There is likely a very, very small market for such a truck, and I'd think about that before I bought it. If you think you might not have it a long time, I'd get the diesel just so you can re-sell it if you want.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Feb 22, 2020
“my last 3 trucks have been Ram and I’m happy with them.“

Haven’t you already decided on a RAM?

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Ram 3500 DRW 6.4 8sp for TC?

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