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3 73 vs 4 10
Howdy, folks. I'm specing out a 2004 2500 HD quad 4x4 with the HO Cummins and 6-spd manual transmission. I don't know whether I ought to go for the 3.73 or 4.10 axle. This truck will be my primary vehicle, mostly driving two-lane roads. On some occasions I'll need to tow a trailer loaded with a Kubota 3130 +FEL + backhoe, or a stock trailer with a couple of cows.
Am I correct in thinking the 4.1.0 would be better than the 3.73 only if I were towing heavy loads quite frequently? And that the 3.73 would be more suitable for my only occasional towing needs?
I'm so far from a gearhead it's pitiful. Could anyone take a stab at explaining why each ratio is suited for its purposes?
Finally, not being a gearhead, I find it odd that the 1500 Rams are available with 20-inch wheels, but the 2500s are not. What's that all about?
thanks for any info, bws
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3 73 vs 4 10
The truck has lots of power and I would think with the 6 sp it would not really matter. I have the real low rear end I think it is a 4.50 limited slip. The truck is great for towing but does not get great gas milage on the highway. I have talked with others with similar set ups with out the low rear end and they have no problems towing and get great milage (23-24).
The 20 inch wheels may not be load rated.
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3 73 vs 4 10
With what your towing I think it boils down to fuel mileage I have the 410 w/the HO cummins I get 18 mpg hwy 16.9 around town. 13 with my 26'5whler and the same hauling my tractor 27 hp Cub I wish I had the 3.73
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3 73 vs 4 10
I have a very similar 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 SWB 4 x 4 Cummins HO. I have the 3.55 gears and am VERY happy with it. I occasionally tow the boat you can see in my profile pictures which weighs around 8,500 lbs. and have no problems at all. I also tow my trailer mowers and occasionally the 4410. Most other times I run empty. As long as I stay around 50 mph, I get about 23 mpg. I strongly recommend you get the 3.73 gears. They are a good compromise between the 3.55's and the 4.10's. I also strongly recommend you get the limited slip differential. My opinion on why no 20 inch wheels is a that they are not as strong as the 8 lug wheels. I would VERY strongly recommend you try to negotiate in the cost and installation of a "Jake Brake". They are GREAT for towing and save your vehicle brakes like you would not believe!
The 3.73's are a great choice for occasional heavy towing and regualar moderate towing. The NV5600 six speed transmission will give you enough gear ranges to choose from and you may have to shift between 5th and 6th more when towing heavy. You are getting a FINE truck with a monster pulling engine.
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3 73 vs 4 10
I also, have the HO with 6 speed. I have the 410 rears, posi. For me, I originally was going to put a Blizzard snow plow on the truck. That being the case (any snow plow) one has to have the 410's in order to get the factory warrantee certificate WITH snowplow..
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3 73 vs 4 10
"Am I correct in thinking the 4.1.0 would be better than the 3.73 only if I were towing heavy loads quite frequently? And that the 3.73 would be more suitable for my only occasional towing needs?"
You have it figured out.
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3 73 vs 4 10
I faced this decision (3.73 vs 4.10) and found (doing the math from the driveline back) it was a very small difference in Engine RPM at highway speed. I chose the 4.10 for the added capacity after I convinced myself that the dmall RPM delta wouldn't make a significant economy difference over the life of the vehicle. Never regretted it.
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3 73 vs 4 10
Bill
I never did put that intended plow on and I won't do it now. I also have a 18 ft, 12,000GVW trailer that I pull my machine around with. My machine with hoe attached is somewhere around 7200 lbs. I also have pulled AndyMA's from the other net, who has a fully loaded TN75D with hoe, cab and a million other things he has added. His machine is just over 9000 lbs, so for me the 4:10's work. I would think that (occasional)towing, the 3:73 would do OK. IF I knew it would be massive highway miles more than anything else, I would go with 3:55's. For me , this isn't the case. At 4:10's and a very hilly area that I live in, 16.9 MPG is what I average. Once, with a serious tail wind, I got 25 on the Mass pike. I can, and do often get 20. - 21 on long interstate runs. This, is not pulling the trailer though..
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3 73 vs 4 10
For occasional towing and especially with the loads you indicated, the 3:73 will be good and will give improved mileage over the 4:10. If I were getting an HD I'd also go with the Allison transmission. It is more expensive than the 6 speed but you do away with the hassles of shifting. I hear that transmission is bullet proof.
I don't think Ford and GM offer a 3:55 ratio like Dodge. A 3:55 ratio will get better mileage yet. My feeling is that ratio is good for highway driving but a disaster for heavy towing with an automatic. The diesel has so much power and you get such good traction something has to give.
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3 73 vs 4 10
The Allison 1000 series transmission is a GM transmission which comes on the Duramax diesel. Dodge offers a 48RE automatic transmission which still has its design issues it is working through. The Allison transmission has its problems as well.
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