Gears inquiry

olyelr · Jan 5, 2020

sandawilliams said:
I tow 8800# with another 1500 in the bed. 3.73's average mpg is 9.3 hand calculated. I've been pondering 4.56 as I only tow at 65 mph. I know it will tow easier but I don't really have problems now. Any thoughts? What kind of money am I looking at for both axles with rear lsd?

If its performing fine for you, dont bother... unless you have $2-3000 you wont mind missing.

FlatbedHemi · Jan 5, 2020

sandawilliams said:
I tow 8800# with another 1500 in the bed. 3.73's average mpg is 9.3 hand calculated. I've been pondering 4.56 as I only tow at 65 mph. I know it will tow easier but I don't really have problems now. Any thoughts? What kind of money am I looking at for both axles with rear lsd?

mine cost me $3500 for both axels and a rear axel flush with new seals (had water in the rear axel). I tow at posted limits for the most part, so that 8.5 is averaging 75mph over a 300 mile trip. The big reason I regeared is because of the rolling terrain and I didnt like my truck running in and out of 6th, towing or unloaded. But, if you’re happy with your current setup, why change it? I just wasn’t happy with mine in my situation.

68PowerWagon · Jan 6, 2020

FlatbedHemi said:
No. Speed sensors are in the wheels, not the transmission so you are correct that only the tire size changes will change your speedometer. However, I did use my AlpahOBD tuner to change my gear ratio when I had my swap done just in case it affected any of the shift characteristics. A lot of guys don’t though, and dont seem to have any issues.

Thanks... that is what I thought.

KarL45 · Jan 9, 2020

Not sure about your reason(s) for re-gearing. I did and went to 4.56 with the Yukon Gear sets. My question and or thoughts, if going to be towing, (12k and upward) would recommend probably the 4.88's. The reason for not going higher is the ring to pinion tooth contact area. Thinking over 4.88 would be too slim for prolonged gear wear. Secondly, not sure that a sudden downshift while towing like I once had,(3rd to first at about 45 mph with the 3.73 gears) would possible do catastrophic damage to the drive train. But, would like to hear more from those that have went into the 5's for a re-gear.

Mountaineer83 · Jan 13, 2020

I have considered the 5.13 swap over and over, but think I have settled on 4.88. I use my truck empty or towing a light load most often. I only tow my 5th wheel maybe 3-4 times a year. So that helped narrow it down.

I'm thinking of calling and scheduling it today, but having a hard time letting go of that much money! I just want to be sure it's worth the expens . I have the 4.10 now, but need more bottom end in 1st and 2nd.

FlatbedHemi · Jan 13, 2020

Mountaineer83 said:
I have considered the 5.13 swap over and over, but think I have settled on 4.88. I use my truck empty or towing a light load most often. I only tow my 5th wheel maybe 3-4 times a year. So that helped narrow it down.

I'm thinking of calling and scheduling it today, but having a hard time letting go of that much money! I just want to be sure it's worth the expens . I have the 4.10 now, but need more bottom end in 1st and 2nd.

It was worth it for me, but I had 3.73s. If you need more bottom end in 1st and 2nd, it will be a definite upgrade. You would essentially be going from a 13.2:1 to a 15.7:1 first gear. Thats a pretty decent jump. For reference the 3.73 ratio calculates out to roughly 12:1 first gear ratio, so the difference in going from 4.10s will be almost as impressive feeling as going from 3.73s. Either way its gonna jump off the line.

Its also gonna help get you into the power band at highway speeds. Mine cruises at around 2200rpm at 75 and pulls a 20' gooseneck cattle trailer like nothing.

Whats really trippy is when you realize that with 4.88 gears, in 4lo, your running almost 43:1 first gear ratio. Talk about crawling around. I was worried that my brakes wouldnt be able to hold them, but they do fine. Great for creeping out of ditches or slick areas where tire spin means getting stuck.

Mountaineer83 · Jan 13, 2020

FlatbedHemi said:
It was worth it for me, but I had 3.73s. If you need more bottom end in 1st and 2nd, it will be a definite upgrade. You would essentially be going from a 13.2:1 to a 15.7:1 first gear. Thats a pretty decent jump. For reference the 3.73 ratio calculates out to roughly 12:1 first gear ratio, so the difference in going from 4.10s will be almost as impressive feeling as going from 3.73s. Either way its gonna jump off the line.

Its also gonna help get you into the power band at highway speeds. Mine cruises at around 2200rpm at 75 and pulls a 20' gooseneck cattle trailer like nothing.

Whats really trippy is when you realize that with 4.88 gears, in 4lo, your running almost 43:1 first gear ratio. Talk about crawling around. I was worried that my brakes wouldnt be able to hold them, but they do fine. Great for creeping out of ditches or slick areas where tire spin means getting stuck.

Once up to speed, even here in WV with our 5th wheel, I can maintain speed relatively easy even with the 4.10. So with 4.88 I'm sure it will be even better.

I called and got on the schedule today for the 29th. My gear guy is awesome and has a Ram himsel . Hes researched the forums even when I asked about 5.13s initially and is just very knowledgeable.

I'm pumped and now the wait begins.

Blue Streak · Jan 13, 2020

I have a 2017 Power Wagon on 37s and prepping for 40s. This is why the need for 5.13 ring & pinion. I've searched and found the AAM part #s here and my mechanic has searched online. We both have come up with these #s.

Front part #40136007
Rear part #40030646

AAM lists the front 5.13 for GM & Ram but the rear states GM and fails to mention Ram.

Mountaineer83 · Jan 13, 2020

Those appear to be correct based on what I have researched as well.

clinger3 · Jan 14, 2020

Mountaineer83 said:
Once up to speed, even here in WV with our 5th wheel, I can maintain speed relatively easy even with the 4.10. So with 4.88 I'm sure it will be even better.

I called and got on the schedule today for the 29th. My gear guy is awesome and has a Ram himsel . Hes researched the forums even when I asked about 5.13s initially and is just very knowledgeable.

I'm pumped and now the wait begins.

Where are you getting your gears done? I'm in Morgantown and considering buying a 2020 3500 with a hemi or cummins. Thinking 37's and gears

68PowerWagon · Jan 14, 2020

Mountaineer83 said:
Once up to speed, even here in WV with our 5th wheel, I can maintain speed relatively easy even with the 4.10. So with 4.88 I'm sure it will be even better.

I called and got on the schedule today for the 29th. My gear guy is awesome and has a Ram himsel . Hes researched the forums even when I asked about 5.13s initially and is just very knowledgeable.

I'm pumped and now the wait begins.

Sweet!

I am supposed to take mine in Monday the 20th. If I have any money left over before camping season I might throw a tune on it as well.

Mountaineer83 · Jan 14, 2020

My next improvement may be AMP steps. I love the look of no steps, but my wife is like 4'11" and I have to have something.

Mountaineer83 · Jan 14, 2020

clinger3 said:
Where are you getting your gears done? I'm in Morgantown and considering buying a 2020 3500 with a hemi or cummins. Thinking 37's and gears

I am getting them installed at Drive Line Service in Charleston. They have 30 reviews on Google and all are 5 star reviews. I have spoken with him a few times over the last couple of years and he is great.

However, one of the guys on here from Morgantown had his done somewhere in PA or MD one. He said it was within an hours drive. May be closer for you.

clinger3 · Jan 17, 2020

Thanks! I'm willing to drive a bit to make sure I get this done at a reputable shop.

U&A · Jan 17, 2020

Thorbeast said:
Damn, well that is way more extreme than I've read. It was suggested to me that I do 4:56 or maybe 4:88 with 37s.

With your suggestions there, how would that impact fuel economy on the highway around 70-75mph? Using 4.88s or 5.13s?

If you’re in a situation where you need to re-gear is because you’re going larger tires or your towing heavy. Neither of those situations should gas mileage be your major concern.

But my gas mileage was basically not affected much going to 488’s and 35s

Every day I wish I went 5.13

Sent while firmly grasping my redline lubed RAM [emoji231]

Mountaineer83 · Jan 17, 2020

I hope.i dont regret 4.88s, but I think with my 34" tires I will be in the perfect rpm range. Plus, I may even go back to the factory 285/60/20s because of my 5th wheel bed to rail clearance. So basically a 33.5" tire.

FlatbedHemi · Jan 18, 2020

Mountaineer83 said:
I hope.i dont regret 4.88s, but I think with my 34" tires I will be in the perfect rpm range. Plus, I may even go back to the factory 285/60/20s because of my 5th wheel bed to rail clearance. So basically a 33.5" tire.

You wont. Thats the combo Im running, and I love every mile now. Loaded or unloaded, its gonna be a whole new animal.

Mountaineer83 · Jan 18, 2020

FlatbedHemi said:
You wont. Thats the combo Im running, and I love every mile now. Loaded or unloaded, its gonna be a whole new animal.

That's good to know. I'm looking forward to it!

Ratket · Jan 19, 2020

clinger3 said:
Where are you getting your gears done? I'm in Morgantown and considering buying a 2020 3500 with a hemi or cummins. Thinking 37's and gears

The 2020 Gas Hd”s have the 8 speed, and I don’t think it would need a re gear from all the positive posts we see. But only an owner could make that call, go drive one and see what you think.

Mountaineer83 · Jan 19, 2020

But if he is going with 37" tires, he will still want a regear most likely. Taller tires will still reduce the overall ratio and cause the same types of issues as the 6 speed trucks.

Gears inquiry

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