I will be getting my boat this friday that weighs about 9,500 pounds with trailer loaded and have a few concerns about my 35's and 3.73 gears. I can't decide if I should go back to a 285 or 295 or get some 4.10 OEM gears. I love the look of the 35's and really dont want to get rid of them, but it just seams that the truck is alot more sluggish than it was with the 285's. Do any of you tow heavy with 35's and 3.73? Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

It would definatly tow better with stock size tires but it should be doable as long as you don't hammer it while starting out and take it easy while the tc locks up!

 

I already have to do that with my little 19 foot boat that weighs 3,000 pounds so thats what worries me about the bigger boat and weight. One more thing, anyone know what the gears cost?

 

it would be easier to use stock tires and leave the gears alone. you dont need 410s you will pull it just fine, beside you dont need any worse fuel milage anyways

 

Speaking from experience, 4.10s and 35s tow GREAT, but unloaded the milage isn't too good. This is with a 6 speed.

 

Honestly I am not really worried about mileage unloaded, if I was I wouldn't be driving my truck. Right now I average 13 MPG so I dout 4.10's would make it worse, probably better with all the stop and go I do. Does anyone know how much the gears cost, I can install them so thats not a problem.

 

Last I check from a Dodge Dealer Ring and Pinion was $ 1100.00. They are much cheaper at gear shops that can be found on line.

Tires would be much cheaper and your mileage will go up. Running with 35's does reduce RPM's and allows the engine to turn slower but in some cases it may lugg on the engine which is not good. If you have a 6 speed fifth gear is 1:1 or 3.73:1. With 35's on it may only be 2.97:1. You've lost your mechanical
advantage that your 3:73's provide.

Dave

 

Thanks for all the replies guys, I have decided that the best thing to do would be to go back to a 33 inch tire. I called around and the best price I could get for a kit was a little over $1,000 so its not worth it to me at all, espically since I wont keep the truck more than a year. I think I might get the new 305/65/17 BFG All Terrains that came out. Thanks again.