Re: Axle ratios, etc

Posted by Hugh MacKay on April 26, 2005 at 15:44:19 from (64.228.11.161):

In Reply to: Axle ratios, etc posted by CNKS on April 26, 2005 at 13:54:15:

CNKS: I think the real solution lies in the transmission. Until you change that I don't think problem will go away. I experienced much the same with a 3/4 ton but only rated 7200 GVW. My truck had an optional 3.24 axle ratio. I don't have the truck anymore so can't tell you original transmission model. I installed a clutch and 4 speed transmission and that ended the problem. I lost my overdrive, but standard transmission increased my fuel milage. My truck was diesel, thus low rpm was not a concern on torque. In fact I think the torque at low rpm is what killed my original transmission. There was a very steep long hill near my home. With 6.2 diesel and overdrive automatic, if I started up that hill at 60 mph, truck would be down to 30 mph at top of hill. The first day I installed the 4 speed standard, I tried the same hill to compare, bottom of hill 60 mph and still trucking along at 60 mph at top of hill. Those comparisons were both with empty truck. Kind of tells you how inefficient those damn automatics are. I would never look at trailering with a automatic. Sure people are doing it but what is the cost. Not too many automatics in the big highway tractors, they need efficiency, to compete.

I used to run 3 pickups, usually bought them used thus they were never equiped quite the way I wished. I never bought a truck unless it had 3.24 or 3.42 axle gears. If you go to 3.73 or 4.10 you may as well buy 1 ton with duals, and soon as you put the duals on you may as well go to 20" tires and buy a real truck. Believe me, I've had both. Many of the single axle highway tractors, today are topping the 10-12 mpg today. Some of these guys with their 1 tons make me laugh, they paid more for the 1 ton than they would for a big truck to begin with, and the big truck with air brakes will give better milage.

The other item I would never do, is pull a trailer with a 4x4. I've seen way too many of them jack knifed from holding back with gears on wet or slipery roads in 4 wheel drive. Far better to hold back with trailer brakes. I know what I'd do if I were you. I'd sell the 4x4, 1/2 ton. Go out and buy a two wheel drive 3/4 about same vintage with 4 or 5 speed standard transmission. You say your only going to drive 5,000 miles per year, you'll be money in. You have another 4x4 in case of an old fashion KS winter. You not going to trailer the tractor in deep snow any how.

Follow Ups:

• Re: Axle ratios, etc CNKS 17:59:30 04/26/05 (5)
  • Re: Axle ratios, etc Hugh MacKay 20:46:03 04/26/05 (1)
    • Re: Axle ratios, etc Stickler 11:58:12 04/27/05 (0)
  • Re: Axle ratios, etc ChadS 18:59:02 04/26/05 (2)
    • Re: Axle ratios, etc CNKS 19:45:05 04/26/05 (1)
      • Re: Axle ratios, etc ChadS 07:46:04 04/27/05 (0)

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