indiana bowhunter

Ok I'm getting really confused. Maybe someone can help me.

I read that as you increase tire height, you lower your gear ratio by the same percentage. Ok, I guess that could make sense. On this theory, assuming the stated gear ratio is based on a stock tire size 265/75/17 (roughly 31" tall):

1) a 33" tire (285 and 305) would be a 6.45% increase in height.
at that percentage, theoretically:
a 4.10 gear ratio would now be a 3.84 gear ratio
a 3.73 gear ratio would now be a 3.49 gear ratio.

2) a 35" tire (315) would be a 12.9% increase in height.
at that percentage, theoretically:
a 4.10 gear ratio would now be a 3.57 gear ratio.
a 3.73 gear ratio would now be a 3.25 gear ratio.

Does anyone know if it even works this way? These ratios seem awfully low to be towing with (esp. on the 3.73 at stock). I'm sure that aside from tire height, the weight has to be a huge factor.

Sorry for all the questions. I'll be ordering an '04 in the next few months, and I just want to make sure that I don't run too high of rpm's at highway speed, and I also want to make sure I have enough power to tow in hill country.

Luke S

Are you getting a 6-speed or an auto? : ???

indiana bowhunter

Sorry about that. I'm getting the 48RE auto.

I guess info on usage will be helpful too. This will be a daily driver, with the occasional longer trip and an annual long vacation drive. My daily drive is less than most (I work 1.5 miles from my house), but I make up for it with a lot of extra miles during hunting season. I'll be towing a car trailer loaded with a small tractor and bushhog about once a month which involves a 50 mile round trip in hilly terrain. No camper to pull yet, but maybe in the future.

Luke S

I have the 4.10's in my truck which has stock tires, and I would highly recomend that ratio with the auto. Especially if you plan for bigger tires. The 4.10 gears really make a truck out of it. Get 4.10's, you won't be sorry.

Luke S

BTW, southern Indiana is only a few hours from me. Why don't you let me quote you a price? I will sell for invoice minus all rebates. You need to go sign up to be a farm bureau member now if you aren't all ready. It only cost $30 and you then get an additional $500 rebate on your new truck. Do it now though, because you have to be a member for 30 days before you qualify for the discount. Let me know how you want one set up and I'll spec it out and shoot you a price

indiana bowhunter

Thanks Luke. I forgot to add that I plan to run at least 33" tires (either 33x12.5 or 305/70) and possibly 35" (315/70). Many people have told me that 4.10's would run at too high rpm's at interstate speeds, but I don't think they considered larger tires.

indiana bowhunter

Oops, just saw the post about a price quote. I'll let you know. Thanks for the offer.

Luke S

Well, with my little stock 235/85/17's I run about 2150 at 70mph in OD. Which is pretty darn close to a 6-shooter with 3.73's. You see the OD ratio in the 48re is faster than 6th gear in the 6-shooter. So I would definetely NOT get the 3.73's since you plan on going to big tires.

So how do you want to set it up? I'll get ya a price.

Hoss

If you're planning to run larger tires then DEFINITELY get the 4.10's....especially with the auto.

doug

[quote author=Bowhunter link=board=20;threadid=18394;start=0#msg172557 date=1060884833]
Does anyone know if it even works this way? These ratios seem awfully low to be towing with (esp. on the 3.73 at stock). I'm sure that aside from tire height, the weight has to be a huge factor.
[/quote]

yup, it works that way. from your information (you plan to tow, put larger tires on, and you have an auto), I'd suggest a 4.10.

indiana bowhunter

Hmmm, here goes. I'm not sure what comes basic and what comes extra, so I'll list everything.

Quad cab, LWB, SRW, 4X4, 3500, Laramie package, towing package, light package, 48 RE auto, 4.10 gears, Light almond pearlcoat, leather interior, non-sliding rear window

Did I forget anything?

Luke S

OK, here is what you left out, tell me which options you might want.

-side airbags
-under rail bedliner
-soft tonnue cover
-dealer installed chrome tubular group
-rear window defroster
-engine block heater
-trailer tow mirrors
-protection group
-AM/FM CD/Cassette(in lieu of standard 6-disc changer in dash)
-heated front seats
-front hood protection shield
-sport appearance group
-trailer tow group
-two tone paint

Also, you will automatically get the rear sliding window unless you order the rear window defroster. Let me know which of these you want and I'll spec this puppy out.

indiana bowhunter

Add:
-dealer installed chrome tubular group
-rear window defroster
-engine block heater
-trailer tow mirrors
-heated front seats
-trailer tow group

What is the protection group and sport appearance group?
If the protection group is the skid plates, I want those too.

Luke S

Yes, the protection group is skid plates and tow hooks, I'll add them. The sport apppearance group is where they paint the grille and bumpers the same color as the rest of the truck.

Luke S

Bowhunter, I'll give you a quote as soon as my darn DC computer starts working again. The system is based out of Detroit so I think the power outage has it all messed up, cause it wont let me log in this morning.