rear axle gear ratio
Getting ready to move up to a 3500. I've shopped the available trucks, and have a good idea of what I want. The two I have narrowed down to are a '14 and a '15 Ram 3500. Identical with the exception o...
Forum Discussion
Since I once had an older (1994) Dodge Ram 3500 dually CTD, manual transmission (5 speed) with the 4.10 rear end, I can speak from some experience. The truck was set up to tow a fifth wheel, and the Gross Combined Weight was 21,800 lbs. When going up a steep pass (Homestake in Montana, Donner in NV/CA, Vantage Hill in WA, etc.) I often had to shift down to 4th to keep the pre-turbo EGT below 1300.
When not towing, I often wished for a higher rear end ratio, 3.73 or even 3.54.
The truck I have now (see sig.) has 3.54 gears, and I love it. It tows my 7X14 box trailer with two ATVs aboard no problem at all! However, I do wish it had an exhaust brake. The old '94 did, and it was great whether towing or not.
If I had to make the OP's choice, I would go for the 3.73 gears.
When not towing, I often wished for a higher rear end ratio, 3.73 or even 3.54.
The truck I have now (see sig.) has 3.54 gears, and I love it. It tows my 7X14 box trailer with two ATVs aboard no problem at all! However, I do wish it had an exhaust brake. The old '94 did, and it was great whether towing or not.
If I had to make the OP's choice, I would go for the 3.73 gears.
