Since I am now waiting for the truck to be delivered to me I keep looking at brochures and online literature.

Seem a reg CAb 2500 CTDho 4x4 6speed Rig is rated at 20,000GCWR or 13,050 trailer weight with either the 3.73 or 4.10 rear axle.

What would be the benefit to running with the lower gears if both have the same weight carrying capacities?

 

One thing that most everyone talks about is the RPM range i which the engine is working while towing. The 3.73 won't be in the torque/hp sweet spot like the 4.10 will while towing a heavy load. On the other hand, the 3.73 _should_ get better mileage while driving unloaded than the 4.10. The 4.10 probably has an easier time getting a heavy load going and keeping it moving vs. the 3.73.

 

4.10 has 23000 GCWR. This yields right at 16000 towing capacity pending configuration and options of the truck. I would definitely go for the 4.10 if you are towing over 12000. I like mine very much, even solo. I don't think the 4.10 costs you much in mileage unless you run very fast. I am losing less than 1 mpg from 60 to 70. <br><br>Bob

 

Fiver, the 16000 is for a 3500. In the 2500 like mine it doesn't matter which gears, the max trailer weight is 13050. The 4.10s will certainly get it moving a little easier and pull harder up hill, though.

 

How frequently do you intend to tow something this heavy?

Frequently = 4.10
Occasionally = 3.73

My .02

 

I have towed this amount of weight many times and my gears are only 3.54 and it isnt engine power that has limited the speeds I can go. Your cummins with its low end power will have no problem with 3.73 gears. Save yourself some fuel and money for bombing and then for sure you wont need 4.10's

 

If you plan on operating in the mountains a lot while close to max GVWR then go with the 4.1 ratio. Otherwise the HO with 3.73 does just fine. Jeff

 

If your getting a 6 speed manual go with the 373's. Perfect combo for pulling any weight anywhere.

 

Its alot cheaper to get the 4.10's and if you dont like them, get slightly larger tires, than if you order the 3.73's and wish you had 4.10's. Thats why I got the 4.10's because I am pulling around the same weight (12-13k) And I wanted the flexibility of getting larger dia. tires without killing my gear ratio. fwiw. Cat Cracker.

 

: if youn plan to haul get the 4.10<br>If this is your personal every day truck and you plan no major hauling with a manual trans get the 3.73 ;D

 

Well I followed Dodge's recommendation for the weight of my trailer and it worked out well for me. I agree if you are going to exceed the gvwr for your truck you should run the 4.10's. If you are not going to exceed your gvwr it is just a matter of preference to run 4.10's not necessity.<br> As for pulling my trailer with the 3.73's, my truck pulls like a champ. If I come to a hill that it will not pull in 6th I downshift to 5th. I know that sounds like a lot of unnecessary work to some, but it really is not that hard. :<br>

 

Here me out!!!<br><br>AUTOs= 4.10 Gears <br><br>Manuals can get by with 3.73's <br><br>I experienced a huge brick wall with my 3.73's in my SO auto. Keep in mind what guys tell you in reguards to what they are driving. A manual will be different from an auto in terms of pulling / shifting.