I was thinking of changing my gear ratio nto 4.11. A service manager said I would be better off with a 4 or 5 inch exhaust and a program. I just want a little more to get my 5th wheel moving easer. What is everyone's thoughts?

 

Have you thought about putting in a small set of injectors?

 

like MikeD stated some clean mild injectors will have the biggest effect since you already have the predator might not see that big a difference with the exhaust, and you won't enjoy the 4.11s when not towing.

 

I am not happy with the predator. It makes my truck buck and cut out and smokes real bad when that happens. I can't tell the diff while towing. I would make someone a good deal for it.

 

then ditch the predator and try the smarty?

 

I like my 4:10s for daily driving. I run alot off interstate hwys too. MPGs are good, truck takes off really fast in all situations. Rpms are generally 2100-2500 on the hwy, 2500rpm being around 85 mph. I am a BIG believer in spinning more rpms vs lugging the engine. Also I do have 285s tires.

 

sounds like you should be running a bigger exhaust anyways. I like my smarty also.

 

i wish i had those R's i have the 4.10's and a stick but i can deal with it, with the auto its not so bad cause the higher overdrive, just remember he'd have to spend some money to get there and not many want to do that if not necessary.

 

Thanks everyone. Will see the service manager at the shop Tuesday and talk to him. I't depends all about $$$$$$.

 

Its not bad to change gears in a 2wd but a 4wd its twice the money. You should see what everyone uses in the towing and hauling forum. There are alot of guys pulling BIG 5th wheels wit the same truck you have.
When I had my Dakota 4x4 I looked into changing the gears to 4.10s and the prices were anywhere from $1000 to $1200.
You can buy alot of power adders for that. And a set of injectors.

 

There are times when spinning the engine up it ideal. But there are also times when lower RPM are appropriate.

I like to think that there is a happy middle ground. The engine needs enough load to keep temps up and burn off impurities, and high RPM running empty is a pretty light load.

Conversely, you don't want excessive load on the engine, as that is damaging from high EGT and high load-per-revolution.

IMO, the higher the load, the higher the RPM should be. Fortunately, aerodynamics usually does this work for us automatically