Looking at Diesel Rams

[Gr8bawana]

Ok guys I've been doing some research for a replacement truck. Since I'll be going from a gas 5.9 to a diesel I'm sure any of them will feel like a beast compared to my current truck with 268,000+ miles. I had 4.10 gears installed to replace the stock 3.55 because it needed more power with 33 inch tires when towing.
I'm wondering how much difference there is between the diesels with 3.42 gears and 3.73 gears. I assume the 3.73 are better suited for towing. Would I notice the difference?

 

[mtnrider]

I don't think you will notice a huge difference but obviously there will be some. With that said you cannot get 3.73 (3.42 only) in a 2500 and the 3.73 is only available in the 3500 with certain engine/transmission combinations so remember that when you are building or shopping for a truck. They will say 3.73 on the window sticker as standard but as soon as you add a diesel engine and some other packages it will go to a 3.42.


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[SyN]

Take this for what this is worth which probably not squat.
The Cummins representative that I talk to enlightened me that they Chose the 3:42 gear ratio due to this ratio best suited the sweet spot (HP & Torque range) within the 6.7L as well as the gearing of the 68RFE within the HD2500.

I can’t speak for the 1 ton version.

I personally would drool over having 3:73s or 4:10s with a electronic locker with my HD2500.

This video showed me a good few rules to follow with my HD2500 w/ 3:42s.
I also never drive over 65mph while towing.


Others might have other ideas / ways they tow, but it’s worked flawlessly for us towing our 11K-12Klb enclosed trailer for over 500 miles.

 

[MADDOG]

3.42 gears are more than enough for the loads the 2500 is rated to tow.

If you were going to a 2500 gasser like the 6.4L powered trucks then 4:10 would be preferred if you are towing near the truck's limit as the gas engine won't produce as much torque as the CTD will.