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F450WHEELS

CA.

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Posted: 10/12/08 12:23pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I pickup A F450, It,s more truck than I need, but I got A good deal on it. only thing I don't care for is the 4.88 rear end gears. I'm on the fence between 3.73 and 4.10 gears. I only pull A 8000 pound trailer with 3000 pound camper on truck, which is with in the weight range of 3.73 gears. I'm looking for better milage.

old guy

Oregon (pronounced Or e gun)

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Posted: 10/12/08 12:29pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

personally I wouldn't go any higher than the 4.10's. If you are pulling and carrying, the 3.73's might be too high.

smkettner

Southern California

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Posted: 10/12/08 12:40pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Use the calculators at www.4lo.com and figure out what gears give you the rpm you need or want.
Peak torque is 2000 rpm so I would assume you want to shoot for that cruising the highway in overdrive. Maybe a little lower but the diesel guys will add more.


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Dave H M

IL

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Posted: 10/12/08 06:19pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I would sure like to cruise in OD at 2000 wih my psd, but can't get there with the 3.73. I pull a 9500 lb fifth wheel

However, its only duty is not towing so i guess I got the all around answer.

Vulcaneer

Northern New England

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Posted: 10/12/08 08:34pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I suspect the 4.10 will give you better mileage than 3.73 when towing. And maybe also when empty. You could be looking at empty mileage of 12MPG with the 6.4L. What are you getting with your 4.88 gears?

If you have a 4X4, you could be looking at $2,000 or more to have the gear change done. Calculate your payback.


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C Schomer

Buckeye, Az.

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Posted: 10/12/08 10:49pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I would think 4.10s would be great with the higher rpm v8. You'll wish you didn't go any higher if you ever get a heavier rv. 4.10 is a bit low for me and my 5er weight but it tows like a locomotive. I'm guessing you have a little taller tires than my 31"ers, too. Craig


2003 Dodge HO CTD, NV5600, 4.10. Real 1Ton - pregnant with twin spare tires, 4WD - all on the rear. Aurora 2000 turbo, Diablo Predator, 4" muffler. 98 Sunnybrook 30RLFS 5th wh. WHOEVER INVENTED WORK DIDN'T HAVE AN RV!

F450WHEELS

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Posted: 10/13/08 06:12am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I only get 9.5 MPG empty. I do have 4x4, the gears are going to set me back $1000 and I will install my self. My last truck was A F250, 6.0 diesel, with 3.73 and did just fine. this truck is A little heavyer, but it has more power.

Drifter_59

Concord, NC

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Posted: 10/13/08 06:30am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Maybe you could add a Gear Vendors splitter (if they manufacture one for the 5 speed) and not change the gearing in the rear end(s).
Split Your Gears

* This post was last edited 10/13/08 06:51am by Drifter_59 *   View edit history

F450WHEELS

CA.

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Posted: 10/13/08 07:39am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I don't think A gear vendor is A good idea, too exspensive, too much work to install, and A weak link.

fly-boy

Los Angeles, CA

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Posted: 10/13/08 08:22am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

3.73 for sure with that load-

That load is a walk in the park.


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