TEDHRS

I am curious as to whether or not it would be worth it to swap out the 3.54 i currently have to the 4.10's or 3.73's. What kind of work is involved. I have an 02 dually with the auto tranny and don't know much of what is involved. Also, how much would it increase the towing capacity and how much would it help the whole drivetrain out.

Thanks in advance.

HOHN

I'd bomb the trans and engine before I swapped to a 4.10.

You aren't going to be doing much truly heavy hauling with a stock auto trans anyway-- at least none that will satisfy you.

Fix that sloppy stock auto and the 3.54 gears will probably be enough. If not, any number of mild bolt ons will make up for that lack of 4.10s.

You'll also get better mileage than the 4.10s.

The only time IMHO that 4.10s are worthwhile is with larger tires.


Justin

TEDHRS

so here's the reason for asking the question,

We currently have the auto tranny and the 3.54's, we have noticed that dodge says that the trucks with the 4.10 can pull 1500lbs. more, so then why can't we leave the tranny alone and just swap the gears and change the shift points?? My wife and I have decided not to buy a new truck yet if we can get by with only spending a few thousand $'s. We are thinking of getting the next size up trailer and don't want to have to purchase a new truck or change the transmission. I wouldn't mind adding in the edge EZ and a couple lil things and changing out the tranny, but that would become too expensive and the warranty is not up yet. One other question, what did cummins change about the new engines to make them quieter and able to get more horsepower??

Rattletrap1

Throw some injectors in it and be done with it. Unless you're always pulling the 4 ponies around, you'll lose more than you gain and cost more than injectors. The weak link will be the tranny...but it's the weak link anyways.

the dodge 600 is quieter due to common rail injection. Under throttle they aren't much quieter...but idle much quieter.

The extra 1500 pounds in the book...is just paper calculations and marketing. Plenty of people out there pulling beyond mfg. specs.

HOHN

Agreed.

Even some modest Mach 1 injectors ($500) will give you 65hp and a great kick in the pants. No need for boost foolers, timing boxes, chips, or anything else (though a boost fooler would lower EGT).

There's a good chance that you could get by with just a better Torque Converter and matching Valve Body. This would significantly cut the cost of tranny upgrades.

Also, keep in mind that the higher (numerically) you go with the gearing, the weaker the ring and pinion are in terms of absolute strength.

Justin