Brisk wrote:
Thanks guys. I am a little bummed that the truck only came with 3.42s. I think 3.73s would keep me in 6th more.
I wouldn't worry about it too much. You are still putting more torque to the wheels than a 2011 650 lb-ft Cummins with a 3.73.
Ram 2014 2500/3500 6.7L CTD 800 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm with 68RFE with 3.42 rear ratio
1st gear--3.23: 2,584.00 lb-ft x 3.42 = 8,837.28 lb-ft
2nd gear--1.84: 1,472.00 lb-ft x 3.42 = 5,034.24 lb-ft
3rd gear--1.41: 1,128.00 lb-ft x 3.42 = 3,857.76 lb-ft
4th gear--1.00: 800.00 lb-ft x 3.42 = 2,736.00 lb-ft
5th gear--0.83: 656.00 lb-ft x 3.42 = 2,270.88 lb-ft
6th gear--0.62: 496.00 lb-ft x 3.42 = 1,696.32 lb-ft
Ram 2011 2500/3500 6.7L CTD 650 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm with 68RFE with 3.73 rear ratio
1st gear--3.23: 2,099.50 lb-ft x 3.73 = 7,831.14 lb-ft
2nd gear--1.84: 1,196.00 lb-ft x 3.73 = 4,461.08 lb-ft
3rd gear--1.41: 916.50 lb-ft x 3.73 = 3,418.55 lb-ft
4th gear--1.00: 650.00 lb-ft x x 3.73 = 2,424.50 lb-ft
5th gear--0.83: 533.00 lb-ft x 3.73 = 2,012.35 lb-ft
6th gear--0.62: 403.00 lb-ft x 3.73 = 1,503.19 lb-ft
Also, being able to run in 6th is not always the best thing for your engine and drivetrain. Being in too high of a gear(even if your engine can handle it) at low rpms with heavy load causes your EGT's to sky rocket because your turbo is boosting to compensate and it also causes high cylinder pressures. It is actually better(for your engine and your fuel economy) to let the gearing do the work and getting your rpms up instead of your turbo working overtime creating heat.
Your 5th gear is still an overdrive gear so don't be afraid to run in it. Most people think that just because you have 6 gears then you always have to run in 6th. Like most veteran truck drivers would tell you "Just because your truck has 18 gears doesn't mean you have to use all of them all the time". I can guarantee you that the last 3-4 gears of that 18 speed probably aren't being used when towing heavy. It is all about being at the right rpm, not the highest gear.
