Ordering a truck

If it is to carry a TC primarily, add the DRW option. I had 3.73s on my SRW and have 4.30s on my DRW. The difference is way more acceleration and power loaded especially going over the mountains. The SRW with 3.73s was ok, just not as powerful.

You'll pay a MPG penalty with lighter loads with higher gearing. I like the higher gearing and not shifting going over the mountains, but it does impact MPG. I bought a truck with 4.30s because I thought I might tow a heavy fifth wheel later, but I've been watching the youtube videos and thinking about how long the things are, and now I'm not sure if that will ever happen. :) 24 ft vs 55 ft or so is a big difference.

jimh425 wrote:
If it is to carry a TC primarily, add the DRW option. I had 3.73s on my SRW and have 4.30s on my DRW. The difference is way more acceleration and power loaded especially going over the mountains. The SRW with 3.73s was ok, just not as powerful.

You'll pay a MPG penalty with lighter loads with higher gearing. I like the higher gearing and not shifting going over the mountains, but it does impact MPG. I bought a truck with 4.30s because I thought I might tow a heavy fifth wheel later, but I've been watching the youtube videos and thinking about how long the things are, and now I'm not sure if that will ever happen. :) 24 ft vs 55 ft or so is a big difference.

True. Wondering if the 900 lbs of torque will help the taller (3.73's) gears. Now I do have the option to move my 19.5's over to srw....but the ONLY option is 3.42's....just too tall IMHO....


I don't want to get 10-12 mpg with deep gears either....nice to get 18 mpg too....want my cake and eat too!

Have you checked Dave Smith in Kellog, ID for pricing? They have new owners since I bought my 2006. Their pricing was very competitive.

wcjeep wrote:
Have you checked Dave Smith in Kellog, ID for pricing? They have new owners since I bought my 2006. Their pricing was very competitive.

Not recently. I did two years ago and surprising, my local dealer was almost a grand cheaper. But I'll be talking with them again, never factory ordered a truck so not sure how much of a deal you get...

I got my 5500 from Dave smith, very happy with it, I "Believed"? I saved apx $5k

Got the turbo, Asine trans, 410. I chose the middle gearing for an average of pulling. I don't go much over 63 or 67mph so didn't need the higher gearing although mileage runs from a low 8.5 (camper & towing light open trailer) to a high of 12 unloaded., not happy about that, but it is what it is...

Like the truck a lot but having to watch the fuel and Ded, heheh can be a PITA at times...

I'd recommend Dave Smith's they will pick you up at the airport on a signed deal. They do get a little rushed at times, so it's not real high on staying with you... but the savings compensated I feel....

fun.

Vinsil wrote:
True. Wondering if the 900 lbs of torque will help the taller (3.73's) gears. ... I don't want to get 10-12 mpg with deep gears either....nice to get 18 mpg too....want my cake and eat too!

Worse case is you will have to use a lower gear or not go as fast over steeper hills/mtns. If that is ok with you, then go with the lower side of the gearing. My guess is the new engine is more powerful than your current rig in any case.

I am miffed.

Your signature says:

2007 Dodge 2500 Megacab 4x4, 6.7 Cummins, Anarchy tuned, 495 hp/950 tq, lots of torklift, 285 Michelin XDE's on 19.5's, airbags..stableoads..too much to list.."

You posted:

"Looking at a '16 Ram Mega 3500 DRW. I know I'd need swing out brackets for my camper but with the drw option only $1200 more....I'm considering one over another srw."

I am miffed as to what you are looking to gain for the money spent? If you were to say you were going to a standard bed, I could understand. In your previous posts, you stated more than once you were okay with the truck you have, especially after the mods.

Other than a new smell and deaper in debt, I can't really see a change. Have you forgot how much you have spent upgrading your '07? Do you really want to start over, and if so what do you expect to gain.

I am trying to understand.

Wayne

Reddog1 wrote:
I am miffed.

Your signature says:

2007 Dodge 2500 Megacab 4x4, 6.7 Cummins, Anarchy tuned, 495 hp/950 tq, lots of torklift, 285 Michelin XDE's on 19.5's, airbags..stableoads..too much to list.."

You posted:

"Looking at a '16 Ram Mega 3500 DRW. I know I'd need swing out brackets for my camper but with the drw option only $1200 more....I'm considering one over another srw."

I am miffed as to what you are looking to gain for the money spent? If you were to say you were going to a standard bed, I could understand. In your previous posts, you stated more than once you were okay with the truck you have, especially after the mods.

Other than a new smell and deaper in debt, I can't really see a change. Have you forgot how much you have spent upgrading your '07? Do you really want to start over, and if so what do you expect to gain.

I am trying to understand.

Wayne

No I get it Wayne. Really gain a new truck...that is about it. Pricing is pretty good and my truck gained value recently....so It will cost me 8k out of pocket for a brand new truck. Smart...who knows.

fpoole wrote:
I got my 5500 from Dave smith, very happy with it, I "Believed"? I saved apx $5k

Got the turbo, Asine trans, 410. I chose the middle gearing for an average of pulling. I don't go much over 63 or 67mph so didn't need the higher gearing although mileage runs from a low 8.5 (camper & towing light open trailer) to a high of 12 unloaded., not happy about that, but it is what it is...

Like the truck a lot but having to watch the fuel and Ded, heheh can be a PITA at times...

I'd recommend Dave Smith's they will pick you up at the airport on a signed deal. They do get a little rushed at times, so it's not real high on staying with you... but the savings compensated I feel....

fun.

Thanks Frank. Mileage sucks as you said, but it is what it is.

Vinsil wrote:
... Really gain a new truck...that is about it. Pricing is pretty good and my truck gained value recently....so It will cost me 8k out of pocket for a brand new truck. Smart...who knows.

Do not forget the additional thousands to bring it up to the standards on your current truck.

As for smart, I was not questioning that. Sometimes we just gotta do something cause we want to and can. Fact is, I recently purchased a '04 Ram 3500 DRW Quad Cab 4x4, 4:10 gears, with 104,000 miles. It did have stableLoads and TorkLift tie downs. Paid $19500 including taxes. Coming out of a '96 Ram 2500 SRW Extended Cab 4x2. I have spent several thousand on to get it where I want it. It has served me well for just over 150,000 miles and 12 years. My only real gain is creature comforts and a shinier paint job. It also has a bit more HP (not much after my '96 mods), DRW, 4x4, 4 doors. As you said, Smart...who knows. I have no dogs and kids are all gone. I will just deduct the cost from the kids and grand kids inheritance. :B

Wayne

EDIT: So far, having only hand calculated two tanks with no load, I get about 14 MPG. The '96 gets 17.5 MPG. Have not checked it with the TC as yet. The '96 gets 12.5 with a 4200 lb TC.