I have a 2002 2500 4x4 quad cab 5.9L gas (I know...I should get the diesel)with the 4.10 rear end. I tow a 5th wheel camper in the summer months and have been slightly disappointed in the hauling ability. The trailer is 8900 gross. I have the 265s and was wondering if a smaller tire would make much difference? Is there another higher ratio gear I can go to? I know the Power Wagon has the 4.56 ratio gears and it is built off the 2500 truck. Is that just crazy to go to that ratio?! I'm not too worried about milage at this point. I know I'm going to get bad gas milage towing. I would much prefer more torque.
thanks

 

The 4:56's are available for both axles on your truck, as well as 4:88's and 5:13's (I think). You'll notice a HUGE difference in the power of your truck by stepping up to the lower gears. I wouldn't recommend going to a smaller tire because IMHO, your truck would then look like a roller skate. LOL. I feel your pain on the 360 gasser though. I had one in a 1/2 ton 4WD sport, and that thing was the biggest gas guzzling pig on the face of the planet. Plus the thing just had no gumption at all. Very happy with my CTD, PRAISE JESUS!

 

Thats just the answer I was looking for!! Now, next question is where do I find some? Anybody got any good leads...had good experience with a particular brand?? I'm sure the dealer is going to charge a fortune.

 

Randy's Ring & pinion has them. You might look on ebay once in a while as well. Randy's lists a 3.73 for the dana 80 rear, but I've heard lots of people say there isn't a 3.73 ratio available for the 80. anyone got any info?

 

Randy's is a good choice, you may want to check around your area for a Dana/Spicer rep. If you have one (usually a driveline shop due to Dana/Spicer U joints) they'll be the cheapest. The'll be OEM gears, and that's what comes in these trucks anyway.

Need, I do believe there are 3:73 gears available for the 80, and I believe there are people on these forums driving with that setup.

 

3.73!!! Isn't that going in the wrong direction. I understand there is a 3.73 setup but if I'm struggling to pull a camper now, what would 3.73 do?!? If you look at camparable engines in the chevy and the ford, they both beat the dodge 5.9 in both HP and Torque. So I need all the help I can get.

 

Pearl, sorry about the confusion. The 3:73 was in answer to Needs question. Stay with the 4:56's you'll be much happier!