ironbridge6
moody, Texas, USA
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Joined: 01/22/2005
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I currently have a 97 ford diesel I use to pull a 5th wheel,10k loaded. Next year I plan to possibly get an 05-07 Dodge Diesel SRD 2500/3500 with the 6 speed manual tranny. My question is what is the best final drive gear ratio (rear end). Also do you normally tow in 6th. Thanks for the help.
97',F-250,CC,Diesel,4x4 - 04' Fleetwood Wilderness
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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Joined: 04/21/2005
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3.73 will by far be the most common axle ratio found on Dodges. And for the majority of people that one works the best. At least it is the best compromise for economy and power. Personally I do not buy sticks any longer. The automatics today are so strong and reliable that it makes little sense to me to have to row through the gears. Yea, I know lots of people have and love their sticks, but not me.
Donn
Finally able to camp again after a two year hiatus.
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ironbridge6
moody, Texas, USA
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Thanks for the reply....I have an auto now and am constantly watching my tranny temp gauge and just want more control over driving situations. The tranny also unlocks the TQ when you push on the brake so going downhill I lose the motor as a stopping device. Thanks
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SKnight
Georgia
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Joined: 07/11/2008
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My 2001 Dodge 2500 does just fine with the 3.55 ratio towing in sixth.
My going down the road weight is just over 17K.
I don't get lost, I investigate alternative destinations.
See a guy in the campground with a telescope, that may be me.
2001 Dodge 2500 Cummins HO six speed.
2002 Springdale 286 RLDS TT
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ib516
Up here!
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Joined: 04/18/2003
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The overdrive ratio in the 6 speed manual tranny is not as much of an RPM reduction as it is in the 6 speed auto (which has two OD ratios BTW, 5th and 6th). 3.73 is best for the manual IMO, otherwise, you'll be turning some pretty high RPM at 70 mph. The Cummins redlines at 3200 RPM, and you don't want to be at 2500 RPM when cruising down the highway empty.
2010 Cougar 322QBS 5er
2007 Dodge 3500 Megacab, 4x4, 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel, 3.73, 48RE auto
Hypertech Max Energy 
PICTURES
Prev Trucks:
2002 Dodge 2500, 4x4, Cummins Turbo Diesel, 3.55, 47RE auto
2001 Dodge 2500, 4x4, 360 gasser, 4.10, 46RE auto
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Ivylog
Blairsville, Ga. USA
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Joined: 06/30/2004
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I love these questions about axle ratios and usually am out voted, so here goes anyway. In the days of old when we only had a gas 190Hp and a 3spd tranny, axle ratios were very important. Today with 250+HP diesels and 5-6 gears to choose from plus high being a OD; the final ration is not that important as long as it is not too high a ratio, higher than 4.10. Most OD's are 0.8 or a 20% decrease in RPM's. For those few times you have a hard pull, pulling in direct instead of OD with a 3.73, your effective ratio is 4.47, more than enough for any mountain. I often gross 26K lbs with my F350 7.3 PSD with 3.73 axles and rarely have to down shift to direct. It's a stock 275HP/6spd manual 4x4 truck. What % of the time will you be pulling a heavy load and do you really need a 4.10. My answer is no to a 4.10 in a diesel truck.
04 Monaco Dynasty 42' quad slide
Where am I?
How I tow.
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CumminsDriver
Newcastle Calif.
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Joined: 09/09/2006
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Up to mid year 05, Dodge's had the NV5600 6 speed manual which had the .73 overdrive ratio, which was available with either the 3.73's or 4.10's. Then mid year 05, Dodge went to the G56 6 speed manual which has a .78 overdrive, and was only available with the 3.73's up to the late versions of the 5.9 Cummins. The last built 5.9's in 07 ended up getting the G56 with the better .73 overdrive ratio. Mine is an early 5.9 with 3.73's, the G56 and .78 ratio. Towing or hauling it is great, but empty I'd like to have less rpm's. Unless you find an early 05 truck, you are going to get the 3.73's which is plenty with the Cummins.
Rich
'09 Dodge/Cummins 6.7 3500 Quad Cab DRW SLT Laramie Auto, Timbrens & Overload Bump Stop Spacers; Tork Lift Super Hitch, Tiedowns and Fastguns, ExtremeAir 12 Volt Air Compressor
'04 Arctic Fox 990; 91 Jeep Wrangler ARB's TeraLow 4.5" Rubicon Express Lift
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