Not saying this is an issue, but GM was at one time using a TC that only multiplied the torque by 1.85 vs the 8.1 at 2.05. Ram and Ford may be using a 2.05 TC to give them some more torque, which would help them achieve a higher tow rating.......with this said.......
I've generally speaking, gone over most rigs GCWR's with out giving it a 2nd glance, other than an 88 and 89 3500's with a TH400 and a BB454. Those rigs were pigs at the low end. Burned up trannies every 30K like clockwork! Meanwhile, I had no issues towing upwards of 18K with my 96 6.5TD and an emanual 5 sp trans, that GM rated at 12500 vs 14500 with the 4l80e......I blew the doors off of every 4l80 setup and a 6.5td. In fact other than a 3% grade at sea level, it blew the doors off of the 454 setups!
A lot of this is the gearing, how many gears you have too.
Then also look at tire diam. Yeah GM uses a 3.73, but if Ford and Ram have a tire diam that is 2" greater in diam, that 4.10 is negated to a 3.73 due to the the taller tires! There is more than one way to look at what is or is not a better tow rig!
Marty
