Ram 3500 questions? Help me .

[hammer21661]

I've been racking my brain on what truck to get. I know I'm getting a Ram 3500 Lariamie. I would probably just get the srw if it was available with a 3.73 rear but it has to be a dually to get that. I have a brand new one with 4.11 rears now but the noise at 60 to 70 mph is very annoying to me I'm told the noise is less with the 3.73 gears or should I just get the srw with the 3.42 rear and like a 20 inch wheel bit it doesn't have overload springs either. Also anyone who has a like truck can you tell me your mile per gallon. Still pulling the fuzion in the signature. Thanks in advance.

[jccjr500]

Had 2014 Ram 3500 and had so many problems and with all the recalls, decided to sell it. Covert Chrysler and Ram were ablsolutely of no help and that is why I got rid of Ram.
Will never do business with Covert or Ram again.
Personally I did like the Ram, but with all the issues, my wife and I did not feel safe pulling our DRV.

[Cummins12V98]

"The truck is level when hitched up. "

As it should be. NOT like those that feel the need to pump the air bags to unloaded ride height.

[ACZL]

Question for the Ram Camp . If OP wants 3.73's, can he, w/o getting a new truck just pay to switch the gearing in the axle instead? Seems like he could and be a whole lot cheaper to do.

Will say tho, am impressed to see what the Rams are getting for mpg's (empty and towing). My old '03 6.0 PS got better mpg's than does my '15 6.7 PS. BUUUUUUUUUT the 6.7 will flat out, out pull the 6.0 day in/out. I will sacrifice some mpg's for the pulling power and smile. Think in the long run, Ford's are a bit thirstier than both GM & Ram. Overall, ALL are pulling beasts!!!

[Arcamper]

Rob_Fla wrote:
I am a long time GM fan, owned several Duramax Trucks, made the switch to a 2018 RAM 3500 Laramie Dually a few months ago.
Love the truck, struggled a little with the 3.73 / 4.10 ratio decision, ultimately went with the 4.10 with the Asian Transmission. I did drive a 4.10 axle ratio RAM before ordering our RAM to make sure I was ok with the 4:10 🙂 (When going with the 4.10 you step up to a larger rear axle housing with a aluminum finned rear plate for improved cooling)
I have been impressed with the interior sound level and ride quality (did order the "Air Assist Rear Axle" with air bags) compared to my GM trucks, very quiet at highway speeds and in town driving.
On the Laramie Build sheet it shows extra dash and console insulation (not sure if it is marketing or there is actually extra insulation in the Laramie and higher trim levels)
Have towed our 5er with our RAM several times now and very happy with the whole package, quiet inside the cab, comfortable seats and ride (no back ache after a long day of towing) great pulling power, excellent stopping, acceptable fuel mileage (16 to 18 solo, 10 to 12 towing 17,000 lb. 5th Wheel)

The Aisin trans gets you the aluminum finned cover. My 3:73 has the factory finned cover.

[ib516]

My buddy has a 2014 Ram 3500 SRW with the 3.42s and hauls a 14,000# (loaded) 39 or 40' 5er with no issues. He has towed it from Canada to California and back. The rear suspension is 100% stock and handles the weight without much sag. The truck is level when hitched up.

[Rob_Fla]

What was the last GM truck you owned. The 2015 GM trucks got a lot quieter with the new cab. I have a 2012 and my brother a 2016. Same LML drivetrain/motor but much less cab noise in his truck.

I have not owned a GM HD Truck since 2012 but have driven a number of later model GM Trucks, no doubt they were nice and quiet.

So far, I am very happy with my final choice of the 2018 RAM.

[Me_Again]

We love our 3500 SRW with Aisin and the 3:42 gears. I would have ordered 3:73's if available and now know that would have been a mistake. I tow a 16K 5th wheel with a combined weight of 24500. Works great. Tow in 5th at 60 MPH most of the time. Cruising bobtail at 80 is only 1750 RPM.

Chris

[N-Trouble]

Rob_Fla wrote:
I am a long time GM fan, owned several Duramax Trucks, made the switch to a 2018 RAM 3500 Laramie Dually a few months ago.
Love the truck, struggled a little with the 3.73 / 4.10 ratio decision, ultimately went with the 4.10 with the Asian Transmission. I did drive a 4.10 axle ratio RAM before ordering our RAM to make sure I was ok with the 4:10 🙂 (When going with the 4.10 you step up to a larger rear axle housing with a aluminum finned rear plate for improved cooling)
I have been impressed with the interior sound level and ride quality (did order the "Air Assist Rear Axle" with air bags) compared to my GM trucks, very quiet at highway speeds and in town driving.
On the Laramie Build sheet it shows extra dash and console insulation (not sure if it is marketing or there is actually extra insulation in the Laramie and higher trim levels)
Have towed our 5er with our RAM several times now and very happy with the whole package, quiet inside the cab, comfortable seats and ride (no back ache after a long day of towing) great pulling power, excellent stopping, acceptable fuel mileage (16 to 18 solo, 10 to 12 towing 17,000 lb. 5th Wheel)

What was the last GM truck you owned. The 2015 GM trucks got a lot quieter with the new cab. I have a 2012 and my brother a 2016. Same LML drivetrain/motor but much less cab noise in his truck.

[mkirsch]

What kind of noise?

Engine noise? Gear noise? Tire noise? Engine noise is the only reason to go with 3.73 over 4.10, but only while running empty. As soon as you start towing, the transmission will downshift and the noise will be right back. Gear noise is caused by defective parts, and should be replaced under warranty. Tire noise can be remedied with different tires.

Keep in mind that with the 6+ speed transmissions, rear end ratios don't mean the same thing as they used to. As a general rule of thumb, the gear ratio is effectively one ratio numerically higher with a 6+ speed transmission.

3.42 is like towing with a 3.73 and a 4-speed
4.10 is like towing with a 4.30 and a 4-speed

So if you really only need a 3.73 effective ratio, the 3.42 will be fine.

[troubledwaters]

Are you sure it is rear end noise and not tire noise?

[Grit_dog]

Unless you’re talking about the Ram/Aisin vibration issues, not sure what “noise” you think you’ll be eliminating from one new truck to another of the same model.

[Cummins12V98]

3.73's are the NOT worth having. The AISIN with 3.42's are good to about 28K combined. Tow in 5th at 1,750 rpm at about 60. Same rpm in 6th at about 60 with 4.10's. I have towed HEAVY 28-29k with 3.42's and now 33-35K with 4.10's.


Rob Fla, NICE truck!!!

[azrving]

My gross with double tow is just about 25,000 lbs. I never use 6th when towing. It will run 55 mph, 5 th gear, 1500 rpm. It's more on the pipe if I run at about 53 to 54 mph in 4th gear and 1,800 rpm. Probably getting 10.7 or 10.8? I have been running at low speed because of someone following along with me in an old vehicle. Iirc it has 18" tires. It gets 10.2 at 62 mph in 5 th gear at 1,700 rpm.

I didn't know what to expect with the 3:42 when I bought but figured I'll run in a lower gear and it will be fine. I prefer to have it on the pipe over running at low rpm. At 60 with about 700 lbs in the bed and not towing it will get 22 mpg. The only sound I seem to hear is the steady growl of an engine that's saying it wont take no for an answer. The truck will do 105 empty but I do believe it would do it while pulling too. It can jump on the eway or pass and run right up to 80 in no time. I usually drive 60 to 65 in 5th and the sweet seems to be 65.

[Rob_Fla]

I am a long time GM fan, owned several Duramax Trucks, made the switch to a 2018 RAM 3500 Laramie Dually a few months ago.
Love the truck, struggled a little with the 3.73 / 4.10 ratio decision, ultimately went with the 4.10 with the Asian Transmission. I did drive a 4.10 axle ratio RAM before ordering our RAM to make sure I was ok with the 4:10 🙂 (When going with the 4.10 you step up to a larger rear axle housing with a aluminum finned rear plate for improved cooling)
I have been impressed with the interior sound level and ride quality (did order the "Air Assist Rear Axle" with air bags) compared to my GM trucks, very quiet at highway speeds and in town driving.
On the Laramie Build sheet it shows extra dash and console insulation (not sure if it is marketing or there is actually extra insulation in the Laramie and higher trim levels)
Have towed our 5er with our RAM several times now and very happy with the whole package, quiet inside the cab, comfortable seats and ride (no back ache after a long day of towing) great pulling power, excellent stopping, acceptable fuel mileage (16 to 18 solo, 10 to 12 towing 17,000 lb. 5th Wheel)

[tinner12002]

Not sure of the noise your hearing but I have 4.10s also and I don't hear any gear or driveline noise nor do we hear excessive motor noise. I'm usually around 1600-1800rpm area on the motor, pretty quiet to me. Depending on your mileage but you may need to do a gear oil change. Just make sure your choice of trucks has the carrying capacity to handle the 2900lb plus hitch weight of your Fuzion.