Desert Diesel

Background:

Ok, so here I sit. Releshing in the glory of my truck, yet not all is well. The time has come for a clutch. I haven't made too many upgrades mechanically, however I do have a straight pipe (stock minus res and muff) exhaust, and a Comp that I run on 5x5. You may ask why, but you know the answer, "Why not?". So, I tow about 10K lbs on a monthly basis. The truck is the 5spd, non-HO ofcourse (it's all they had on the lot), 4.10s and the two afore mentioned upgrades. I love the low gears when it comes to towing, from both the start, and @ 70mph up some really steep inclines. I hate the 5 spd for Top Speed (~85mph MAX) and for the occasional street race.

Question:

What other transmission options do I have that will allow for a low 1st, 2bd, and 3rd, allow me to cruise at 90 on the freeway, and still be competitive at the track, or the light?

My limited knowledge on trannys:

What about Gear Venders Under-Over Drive? I have no idea how it works.

What about the 6spd that the other Dodges come with?

Is there a better tranny option?

I don't want to spend ~$800 on a Clutch that isn't going to work with the new transmission. My plans for this fall include Propane and DD2s (or comperable).


Thanks!

--Phillip

Haulin_in_Dixie

The five speed and the six speed have essentially the same overdrive so changing will not help that. The gear vendor overdrive is in excess of $3000. Another route would be the 3.54 axle gears. I am very satisfied with mine. In the future I may do the opposite and put the US Gear underdrive in my truck. They bolt behind the transmission and operate like a two speed rear.

TxDieselKid

<br><br>So you want your cake, and to be able to eat it too? After being hard on a clutch for only so long, it will break down, no matter WHO makes it. I would get in touch with Southbend Clutch if I were you. They have a vast knowledge about ALL angles that us Dodge owners put our trucks through.<br><br>Andrew

Desert Diesel

Is it unreasonable ot want to eat my cake as well??? I'm not one to sit and watch it get stale, then moldy. I want to grub on that dang cake.<br><br>I hadn't really even considered 3.54s for 2 reasons. First, I have the factory Limited Traction I mean Limited Slip rear end. Second of all I was worried how that would effect my towing abilities in their direct relationship with overall gear ratios.<br><br>Right now i can pull my 10K Lbs. in 5th gear and accelerate up just about any hill around here. I was concerned what it would be like with 3.54s. <br><br>What about a middle ratio? Say a 3.73, or a 3.90? What's available for a D80?<br><br>What would my ~ top speed be in each gear? Bueler? Bueler?

Desert Diesel

A gear change is somewhat straight forward. Basically it's a ring and pinion setup, then it's a matter of changing the speedo gear to match the ratio tire combo.<br><br>Costs about $200.<br><br><br>I think I'm gonna order the 3.73s and then take it from there.<br><br>Thanks!

Push Rod

I'll second what Gonzo said. I had 3.54s in my 01 C&amp;C, with a Comp and 275s and easily pulled 30K loads (trailer and critters) in direct. With 10K - 15K loads, I was usually in OD.<br><br>Rod

BigBlue

Look at my sig to see what I have. Granted, I don't tow loads, but I've got plenty of power in OD to accelerate the steepest of hills (looking almost straight up). I pull about 25mpg on the highway and about 13-16mpg in the city. I can run my truck up to 115-120. The only thing about the auto and 3.54, is that if you tow heavy (10K+) a lot, then you will blow it out a lot quicker. Especially if you have a comp (to run above level 2 safely, you need to have it built).<br><br>I don't think they make a set of 3.73's or 3.90's for a D80. The swap would be fairly simple. I'd just remove the whole LSD, Ring gear attached, and swap out the ring and pinion gear and put the new ones on. That's about it. You will have to get a special computer thingy from Superlift to correct the speedo and odometer and stuff like that.

Desert Diesel

115 or 120 would be nice. I've got a call to my guy about gearing options. I&quot;m quite certain that I can get a 3.73 for my D80, but the 3.90 is questionable at best. <br><br>The only problem is that I keep getting information from the &quot;Auto&quot; guys, but I refuse to swap over. I just wonder how similar they are, gearing wise.<br><br>

Haulin_in_Dixie

Mine is not an auto and I am real happy with the 3.54 gears.

Push Rod

[quote author=Desert Diesel link=board=4;threadid=6334;start=0#58949 date=1035928523]<br>The only problem is that I keep getting information from the &quot;Auto&quot; guys, but I refuse to swap over. I just wonder how similar they are, gearing wise.<br>[/quote]<br><br>6 'n' a stick here...<br><br>Rod

BigBlue

I have an auto. If it were built right from the factory, I wouldn't be complaining. But it ain't. I may have a 6-spd. sometime in the near future. Got a good offer from my mom. Sell my truck, I make up the difference, and I can get an 03 Cummins.

Superduty12v

To goto the 43.54's you'll have to get a new Ring &amp; Pinion and a new carrier.

Desert Diesel

A ring and pinion kit, Maybe $150. Carrier, maybe $75. I could do new bearings, but I'm not sure that'd it'd even be woth it at this point, byt even if I did, new Carrier bearings and new pinion bearings total $40.<br><br>Now I'm looking @ $265. That still isn't too bad. Ofcourse I could always go with something link a Detriot that is it's own carrier, then I'd have a locked rear end with the better gears.<br><br>Choices Choices.

Cat Cracker

I have made several runs to Pigeon Forge pulling around the same weight as you do, and I have no problems on steep grades. Poeple in cars kinda look at you funny when you are pulling a 31.5' 5th wheel up Jelico mtn. and passing them... ;D I know the clutch story already, as I am installing my southbend con-ofe this monday. I love the 6 speed, and would'nt have anything else. Just my 2 pennies.<br><br> Cat Cracker.