Question on transmission shifts on a 3.92

[bjpatek]

Going to dealership tomorrow to factory order a 2015 Laramie Longhorn, and wanted some input as to whether the transmission on a 3.92 rear axle shifts more frequently and/or is "jerky" as compared to a 3.21.

Coming from a 4 door sedan that moved pretty good off the block(sub 6 second)and would prefer as much acceleration as possible with that 3.92, but most of my driving will be city, with very little towing, and also want a smooth ride.

Any thoughts?

 

[Andy578]

if you get the 8 speed it shifts quite a bit. i don't think the axle ratio will change things much when you already have all those gears to go through but the good thing is the 8 speed really shifts pretty smooth so you don't really notice it a lot

 

[14hemiexpress]

It's going to shift a lot but once the transmission goes through the learning stage it should be smooth for you.

 

[xrsman]

My 8 speed 3.92's are smooth as butter! They don't downshift too much, the 3.21 gears would downshift more. Plus the speed difference alone is worth it!

http://youtu.be/2JTD8-FsULo
Here is the acceleration on 3.92 gears. The 3.21 just chirped the tires took off slower.

 

[zogg]

I almost didn't buy a ram because I was Leary of the eight speed...test drive it twice and bought it. Best move I ever made. Once in a while there is a little shake down shifting at a stop, but I don't notice it any more....I love it for power and towing....Best ive ever panned

 

[Andy578]

I almost didn't buy a ram because I was Leary of the eight speed...test drive it twice and bought it. Best move I ever made. Once in a while there is a little shake down shifting at a stop, but I don't notice it any more....I love it for power and towing....Best ive ever panned

the 8 speed with 3.92 is probably the best towing experience i've had so far even at max towing. i've drove a 3500 dually pulling a combine head and it doesn't even compare to how well i enjoy towing with my truck

 

[Jerry1984]

3.92s are better for city driving than 3.21s. The 8 speed does have a weird down shift clunk when stopping but mine went away at 2500 miles. At 3500 now and it's awesome.

 

[clh1220]

3.92s are better for city driving than 3.21s. The 8 speed does have a weird down shift clunk when stopping but mine went away at 2500 miles. At 3500 now and it's awesome.

What's wrong with the 3.21 for city driving? I haven't noticed anything wrong with mine.

 

[Jerry1984]

What's wrong with the 3.21 for city driving? I haven't noticed anything wrong with mine.

Didn't say anything was wrong. 3.92s will make it easier to get the truck up to speed. The 3.21s excel on the highway at speeds around 75-80 where they keep the rpms lower. The lower the gears (higher numerically) the better anything under ~50 mph will be. Lower gears cause less strain on the truck. Where those of us with 3.92s lose a little is higher rpms at higher speed.

 

[clh1220]

Didn't say anything was wrong. 3.92s will make it easier to get the truck up to speed. The 3.21s excel on the highway at speeds around 75-80 where they keep the rpms lower. The lower the gears (higher numerically) the better anything under ~50 mph will be. Lower gears cause less strain on the truck. Where those of us with 3.92s lose a little is higher rpms at higher speed.

Well you should drive one. I've put 11k miles on mine in 6 months. I can snap your head back in the seat when I take off. It's because of the low first gear in the 8 speed. The 3.21 doesn't hurt the take off. Oh ya and mine is quicker off the line then a hemi with the 3.55 hemi 6 speed. Your 3.92.is quicker but not no where near as much as you think.ppp

 

[Jerry1984]

Well you should drive one. I've put 11k miles on mine in 6 months. I can snap your head back in the seat when I take off. It's because of the low first gear in the 8 speed. The 3.21 doesn't hurt the take off. Oh ya and mine is quicker off the line then a hemi with the 3.55 hemi 6 speed. Your 3.92.is quicker but not no where near as much as you think.ppp

Fair enough. Just saying that if there are identical trucks on the lot except for gears and you do mostly city driving, why not go for the 3.92s for an extra $50.

 

[KB Sabre]

FYI - if anyone is looking for a comparison of first gear:

My father has a 2014 Laramie with 3.21. He is at 2500 rpm @ 15 mph in 1st gear.
Mine is a 2015 Laramie with 3.92. I was around 2900 rpm @ 15 mph in 1st gear.

I do mostly city driving (and he does a lot more towing which is ironic) so I opted for the 3.92. I just got the truck this week and yes, the shifting can be a little wacky. But I'm looking forward to the tranny "learning". Then it should be smooth sailing.

 

[Jerry1984]

^^mine started behaving way better at 2500 miles. The only shift I hated was downshifting when stopping and the truck would lurch forward. All good now though. Smoothe crisp shifts.

 

[PippinAin'tEasy]

Just rolled 9k and my smile gets bigger each day. The tranny is so smooth now that you have to pay attention to notice the shift. This goes for responsible driving and those times you just gotta stomp it. [emoji41]

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I547 using Tapatalk

 

[MACH]

In my opinion if you're towing anything go with the 3.92. The RPM difference at regular cruise speeds is miniscule. 3.92 with the 8spd is awesome plain and simple. I had a 6spd 3.55 in my 2013 Laramie, and jumped up on my 2014 sport and I am so glad I did.