Well after years of trusty service I sold my 99 and found an 06 mega cab to meet the demands of a growing family. Fortunety I sold my 99 in no time and found a dream truck quickly. My question is I tow 10,000 lbs about 10 times a year when we take the 5th wheel out and drive the truck as a daily driver, what mods are on the top of the list for this truck? I have to admit I am leary going from my 5 speed to an auto so the trans is the first place I am worried about making mods if needed. Details on the new truck are:

2006 mega cab 3500 SRW
automatic trans
I think 3:56 gears (dont know for sure)

 

Congrats!

I just came off an 01 6 speed and went to an 03 Auto

I like the auto so far. A lot quicker. Haven't gotten to pull much with the auto yet.

I did a valvebody and seemed to make a nice difference. Truck feels more responsive and trans temps are down a little.

I am doing a Goerend Triple disc as soon as I save up some more cash.

I like the 3rd gen truck a lot better!

 

On my 06 ive put in a quadzilla XZT tow box, also a aftermarket air intake, I get great mileage empty and tows my TT now problem, its only between 7 and 9 thou though. I would think you have 373 gears, my 48re trany so far has worked just fine, just make sure you use towhaul mode when towing, just changes the shift points, good luck with the truck love mine

 

The trany isnt so bad. I went from an 01 6 speed to an auto. Took some time but I got use to it. like mentioned above, use the tow/haul mode. I use it all the time regardless if I'm towing or not. Locks the TQ up sooner. IMO give me better fuel mileage. If you dont plan on going wild with mods a VB or shift kit will do wonders. The other mod I would suggest is the fuel tank vent mod. It allows you to fill up to the top with out taking 10 min of clicking the handle. Most like the smarty on the 3rd gens. I love mine.

 

Its more then likely a 3.73 gear.To tow 10k you really don't "need" to do anything.

 

Congrats on the new Mega. You most likely have 3.73s, but could have 4.10s. First thing I would do is add some gauges (pyro, boost, and trans temp). Airbags always seem to help me level out the headlights at the 10K lbs level. I'd also do a fluid change...

 

The best "mods" for towing 10k w/a48re are;
1)Tow haul mode and
2) keep the rpms under 2k (cruising range is 1900 for best perf and mpg)
3)a set of guages (trans temp and pyro)
in that order.....

 

A Smarty would really liven it up, but if you raise the power you'll slip the TC. If you feel like you want to bomb it, commit to a torque converter and valve body as part of the process and the minimum you can get away with. Meanwhile, you could add the Smarty and get a feel for the difference and when towing keep the revs up. Up means around 2200 if towing with anymore than stock power.

Enjoy your third gen. Good choice.

Oh, and the gearing is probably 3.73 unless it says it's 4.10.

 

Thanks guys! Im guessing I probably have 3:73s now that I have driven it a little. At 70 mph in OD Im at 1800 RPM so Im betting its not 4:10s. Looks like my best bet is starting with gauges just like my 99. I have to say, this frickin truck ROCKS! I love driving it.