Posted 2012-01-15 9:06 AM (#140036) Subject: Which axle ratio?
Member
Posts: 13
Location: Canada
Hello all, I am going to get a new pulling truck I am going with a dodge one ton dually, my question is with the six speed auto should i go with the max tow package.This gets you extra oil coolers etc and the 4.10 rearend. I was thinking with the massive torque of the cummins of going with 3.73 rears. My trailer weight wet is around 12000 lbs. I am in alberta so we don't see the summer temps that can be seen in southern USA.Most of my pulling is on the flat level going,but I do make a number of trips into the mountains to ride.Tx for your input.
Posted 2012-01-15 4:55 PM (#140044 - in reply to #140036) Subject: RE: Which axle ratio?
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Optional tow and camper packages give you extra cooling, suspension upgrades, usually larger brakes and tires, a factory installed frame mounted receiver and can result in longer vehicle longevity. Many of the options are far less expensive to purchase as a package, rather than adding them piece meal later.
I would choose the 3.73. The diesel is powerful and the top gears are overdrive ratios. You will gain a little in mileage, and when you're climbing steep grades, using a lower gear will more than make up for the difference in axle ratios.
Posted 2012-01-16 10:06 AM (#140067 - in reply to #140036) Subject: RE: Which axle ratio?
Member
Posts: 13
Location: Canada
Thanks gard I was leaning to the 3.73 also.My trailer is a GN I am going to have under the bed GN hitch installed.Dodge does not have that as a factory option.Lowers the nose of the trailer a few inches,less wind resistance, leveler ride for the horses.I am going to check in about the bigger brakes etc. with a max tow package.If that is the case I will go with it.Had one of those "omg we are going to die " moments last summer on busy highway.I truely believe in ABS brakes.Luckily I had enough braking power. But would like more if available.
Posted 2012-01-16 3:36 PM (#140074 - in reply to #140036) Subject: RE: Which axle ratio?
Member
Posts: 6
Location: Morriston Fl
Curtis, when you say you will pull in the mountains are talking the foothills or into the mountains ( 10,000') the cummins has a lot of pulling power and the 3.73 should get the job done, go for the biggest set of brakes you can get---12,000lb will push pretty good down hill if you are in some serious mountains----get the jake brake if available, it is a big brake saver. I would go for the oil cooler and a transmission cooler is a must.
Posted 2012-01-17 10:10 AM (#140098 - in reply to #140036) Subject: RE: Which axle ratio?
Member
Posts: 13
Location: Canada
Rob I guess I would say foothills home is 2200' the ya ha tinda valley (this is where we go in mountains) is at 5000' ish.On the new dodge & chev the exhaust brake is standard. I don't know about ford. Tx Rob
Which axle ratio?
