First trip! Getting 4.10's this week!

[Rick1300]

Me and the wife took our new cougar 21rbswe out this weekend for the first time!
I have a 99 dodge 1500 quad cab with the 5.9 gas and our climb out of town was SLOW. 20-25mph. Well this Wednesday she is getting 4.10's. That should make next weeks trip a little more enjoyable tow.

[hankpage]

Me and the wife took our new cougar 21rbswe out this weekend for the first time!
I have a 99 dodge 1500 quad cab with the 5.9 gas and our climb out of town was SLOW. 20-25mph. Well this Wednesday she is getting 4.10's. That should make next weeks trip a little more enjoyable tow.

Especially if you now have 3.53s ... My '94 had them and fuel mpg was great until you hit a hill or head-wind. Had a Dakota with 3.93s and that was kind of a happy medium like the 3.73 in my '04.5. It will definitely pull much better with 4.10s. Enjoy the change and travel safely Hank

[Rick1300]

Yep, it only took one trip to realize the 3.55's suck for towing.

[Jim W]

Me and the wife took our new cougar 21rbswe out this weekend for the first time!
I have a 99 dodge 1500 quad cab with the 5.9 gas and our climb out of town was SLOW. 20-25mph. Well this Wednesday she is getting 4.10's. That should make next weeks trip a little more enjoyable tow.

Have you priced the cost of installing two 4:10 gear sets for the differentials?

I would consider trading in the truck and buying a used diesel pick-up truck with either 3:73 or 4:10's gear set in it. This would be a better investment in the long run than changing out the gear sets in the current pick-up truck.

I know of several older model 5.9L Cummins equipped pick-up trucks that get up to 20 MPG when not towing on the highway and 11 MPG towing trailers. These are all 3/4 ton or 1 ton SRW trucks from 2002 to 2007 models pick-up trucks.
Jim W.
.

[SAD]

..I would consider trading in the truck and buying a used diesel pick-up truck with either 3:73 or 4:10's gear set in it. This would be a better investment in the long run than changing out the gear sets in the current pick-up truck...

I agree with this whole-heartedly...

Investing in a gear ratio change ($$ with 2wd, $$$$ with 4wd) on a 1999 model truck is a poor investment IMHO.

Depending on elevation of your "climb" you reported, I seriously doubt the gear ratio change is going to be of much help to your gas motor.

At sea level to lower elevations, yeah, the ratio change will help with launch from stop... And will help with gear-hunting at speed...

But on a climb at elevation, the gas motor is starving for oxygen so much that it's a futile attempt IMHO..

I wish I had a more favorable opinion of what you propose, but I think you're going to be really disappointed.

[Rick1300]

Luckily the owner of the Drivetrain shop is an old family friend and I will be getting the whole deal for less than 1000.00$.

A different truck would be ideal if I had the money but for now this old turd will do fine for my lazy adventures.

[SAD]

Luckily the owner of the Drivetrain shop is an old family friend and I will be getting the whole deal for less than 1000.00$.

A different truck would be ideal if I had the money but for now this old turd will do fine for my lazy adventures.

$1000 for two axles is about full retail price around here.

Expect to pay $125-$150 for parts and the same for labor - per axle.

[Rick1300]

As I said, family friend. All taken care of. Oh yeah, if 1000$ is retail for your neck of the woods I need to move! That under 1000$ is installed, total.

[rhagfo]

Me and the wife took our new cougar 21rbswe out this weekend for the first time!
I have a 99 dodge 1500 quad cab with the 5.9 gas and our climb out of town was SLOW. 20-25mph. Well this Wednesday she is getting 4.10's. That should make next weeks trip a little more enjoyable tow.

What climb???
I recall the Boise is flat land.

I can pull grades at speed with my 11.5K 5er with a 5.9 Cummins and 3.55's, you might have more issues than gear ratio!

[Rick1300]

What climb???
I recall the Boise is flat land.

I can pull grades at speed with my 11.5K 5er with a 5.9 Cummins and 3.55's, you might have more issues than gear ratio!

If you head north at all you have to climb. North on 55 and north on 21. My 5.9 is gas not diesel. If I had a Cummins I would have a TT that was bigger then 21'.

[Rick1300]

Lots of good advise here. Keep it coming.

[ls1mike]

1000 bucks is one diff up here in the Pacific North West. I paid that for just my 10 bolt in the Trans Am.
So 1000 for two? Sounds good to me.

[Jasonr75]

You can always buy another 1/2 ton and hook it up to the first like trains do. You would have a 1 ton at that point. Something to think about??? Lol

[Rick1300]

You can always buy another 1/2 ton and hook it up to the first like trains do. You would have a 1 ton at that point. Something to think about??? Lol

Haha! I like your thinking!! Chooochooooooo!!! Lol

[Big Boy w/ Big Toys]

If you head north at all you have to climb. North on 55 and north on 21. My 5.9 is gas not diesel. If I had a Cummins I would have a TT that was bigger then 21'.

That's a baby cimb especially that run up White Birch. I had a great time pulling up thru there a couple of weeks ago. Beautiful area, had a blast in Cascade fishing and swimming. The locals were very nice.

[Rick1300]

That's a baby cimb especially that run up White Birch. I had a great time pulling up thru there a couple of weeks ago. Beautiful area, had a blast in Cascade fishing and swimming. The locals were very nice.

There are some good rainbows in that lake!! Did you find any of them?

[2011 keystone]

Not everyone can afford to go buy a new truck just to pull a TT a few times a year. I think the new gear set will be a huge help.

So if you dont no a persons income PLEASE dont rain on there paraid by telling them that this or that is a " poor investment " it just sounds rude.

Any way I hope you enjoy your new TT and have a lot of good times.

[Jim W]

Not everyone can afford to go buy a new truck just to pull a TT a few times a year. I think the new gear set will be a huge help.

So if you dont no a persons income PLEASE dont rain on there paraid by telling them that this or that is a " poor investment " it just sounds rude.

Any way I hope you enjoy your new TT and have a lot of good times.

I did not specify a new truck; I suggest a good use pick-up truck would be a better option than installing new 4:10 gear sets in a gasser pick-up truck.

What the OP needs to understand is the torque output and HP range of a diesel engine. Most diesel engines will develop their (like the Cummins engines do) usable HP and torque around 1200 RPM's and continue through 2,700 RPM's when the torque will start to fall off. I do not know of any gas engine that has this style of power band. Most gas engines will develop their usable power in the higher peak ranges of the power curve for those engines. Also remember that Torque will get the load moving but HP is needed to keep it moving.

Tire size, differential size being used, Torque convert if automatic transmission and gear selection along with the engine HP/Torque output all determines what the vehicle can achieve as far as towing on a grade. Like one of the other poster had stated once he adds the 4:10 gear set he will still be disappointed in the change.

Jim W.

[Rick1300]

Not everyone can afford to go buy a new truck just to pull a TT a few times a year. I think the new gear set will be a huge help.

So if you dont no a persons income PLEASE dont rain on there paraid by telling them that this or that is a " poor investment " it just sounds rude.

Any way I hope you enjoy your new TT and have a lot of good times.

Thanks! We love the TT!! We have a few friends that have 5thw's and TT's so we saved and sold the motorcycle to get ours. I did not have a TV so I traded a good friend my 97 pathfinder straight across for the dodge. He wanted better mpg and I needed more towing. Worked great for both of us!

[Rick1300]

I did not specify a new truck; I suggest a good use pick-up truck would be a better option than installing new 4:10 gear sets in a gasser pick-up truck.

What the OP needs to understand is the torque output and HP range of a diesel engine. Most diesel engines will develop their (like the Cummins engines do) usable HP and torque around 1200 RPM's and continue through 2,700 RPM's when the torque will start to fall off. I do not know of any gas engine that has this style of power band. Most gas engines will develop their usable power in the higher peak ranges of the power curve for those engines. Also remember that Torque will get the load moving but HP is needed to keep it moving.

Tire size, differential size being used, Torque convert if automatic transmission and gear selection along with the engine HP/Torque output all determines what the vehicle can achieve as far as towing on a grade. Like one of the other poster had stated once he adds the 4:10 gear set he will still be disappointed in the change.

Jim W.

Jim, I appreciate your insight. I don't think the changes will be a cure all. But the small difference will be a welcome change.

[SAD]

You will go up the grades slower after the change. :(

[Big Boy w/ Big Toys]

There are some good rainbows in that lake!! Did you find any of them?

Just ONE!!!!"bouncey::cool: Caught it just above the bridge right in that little canyon by the road....believe it or not just goofing around with my daughter starting our float to the south bridge.

We did catch a bunch of trout and even hooked into a couple of salmon up Hells Canyon way. I have above average luck when it comes to fishing.:eek:

[Rick1300]

You will go up the grades slower after the change. :(

I now understand your user name.

[Rick1300]

Just ONE!!!!"bouncey::cool: Caught it just above the bridge right in that little canyon by the road....believe it or not just goofing around with my daughter starting our float to the south bridge.

We did catch a bunch of trout and even hooked into a couple of salmon up Hells Canyon way. I have above average luck when it comes to fishing.:eek:

Very nice!! When I was a kid we used to pull out some big ones right next to the dam.

[SAD]

I now understand your user name.

Cool. I didn't realize you were familiar with the offload community??

[SAD]

Regarding the thought of rehearing for the grades....

In the event your climbing long, steep grades at say 4500 rpm in second gear @ 35 mph... (you really didn't define the grade you were contending with).... You're not doing it that slowly because of the poor gearing, you're limited based upon air density and it's effect on horsepower at altitude...

While the regear will certainly help get you moving... And help you climb minor grades... The scenario I describe above will not be helped much if any.

You'll still climb that grade at 4500 rpms in second gear (since its power you're primarily lacking in the scenario I describe)... But now the gearing change is going to reduce your speed to like 30 mph instead of 35 (lower gears represent lower speed at any given rpm).

Good luck.

[rnkburg]

I have a 3/4 ton dodge diesel 4x4 and it originally came with 3.55s. I changed to 4.11's and it made all the difference in the world. As for price the new gears, seals, install kit, etc was around 700, the oil in the front and rear diff was another hundred and something, that was just parts. Yukon gears also. Got them from randys ring and pinion. I think 1k installed is a good deal personally.

Hopefully this will change the ratio enough to get the rpms in the right spot so you can tow in a higher gear and gain your speed back. It did for me, plus kept my egt's way down on the ole cummins. Now I can drop a gear and crank her up and hold the speed I want climbing. Nothing like a 12 valve at 3000 rpms pushing 35 pounds of boost up a hill.... What a sound.

Let us know how it works for you. I wish I would have done it sooner.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

[Rick1300]

Cool. I didn't realize you were familiar with the offload community??

"Obviously you're not a golfer"

[Rick1300]

Regarding the thought of rehearing for the grades....

In the event your climbing long, steep grades at say 4500 rpm in second gear @ 35 mph... (you really didn't define the grade you were contending with).... You're not doing it that slowly because of the poor gearing, you're limited based upon air density and it's effect on horsepower at altitude...

While the regear will certainly help get you moving... And help you climb minor grades... The scenario I describe above will not be helped much if any.


Around here if you want to get up and down the highways better you either re-gear or re-truck. Let's see...1000$ or 10,000-20,000$.

Last time I checked, I earned my own money and get to do with it as I please.
But if I re-gear and I get little to no improvement, I will eat crow and post it here. Until then "I said good day sir!"

[SAD]

Around here if you want to get up and down the highways better you either re-gear or re-truck. Let's see...1000$ or 10,000-20,000$.

Last time I checked, I earned my own money and get to do with it as I please.
But if I re-gear and I get little to no improvement, I will eat crow and post it here. Until then "I said good day sir!"

I never said you didn't earn your money... I just posted an opinion... If you didn't expect or don't want opinions, the perhaps a public forum isn't for you? :shrug:

I wish you the best.

[Jasonr75]

I know what is like to buy a new trailer only to have your tow vehicle under perform. Obviously the best tow vehicle is not a 1/2 ton pickup. When I had a half ton we didn't go anywhere outside of the I-5 corridor to avoid mountain passes. I agree with some of the guys in the since that all the mods in world are not going to make your truck a 1 ton diesel towing machine. It is going to get you buy until you can upgrade. Then you can go into a thread and listen to the same guys debate about which truck is better. Anything you can do to get you to your destination safely I say go for it.

[OhhWell]

It will make a difference. I think it will make a huge difference in overall towing experience. It may not help on your top speed when climbing as that is mostly about horsepower but it will make getting up to speed alot easier.

I think the only crow you will have to eat is if you don't get a higher top speed on that incline. For everything else (Except MPG), I think you will have a big grin.

[Rick1300]

Well they are in! Now for the break-in period. Gotta do a lot of driving after work to log close to 500 miles before towing. Our next trip is next weekend.

[rhagfo]

Well they are in! Now for the break-in period. Gotta do a lot of driving after work to log close to 500 miles before towing. Our next trip is next weekend.

Don't forget to get your spedo adjusted! If you have a newer auto you may also need to have a programing adjustment for the new gears.

[Rick1300]

Don't forget to get your spedo adjusted! If you have a newer auto you may also need to have a programing adjustment for the new gears.

The gear shop and the tranny shop both told me that the computer will make the change. But I am still a little skeptical. I will do a speed test tonight.

[Nimbus]

Hey Rick...I also just purchased a 2013 Cougar just like yours. My 2012 Tundra has 4:10 rear ends with a 5.7L & tows up & down the hills like there is no tomorrow.

Even as I type this the Tundra is sitting hooked up to our Cougar with our Super Tenere motorcycle in the bed. We are going to the Oregon coast & enjoying the view on the bike. We plan to leave early this afternoon. We'd like to leave earlier but thing thing called work keeps getting in the way!

Your half ton truck should tow your trailer just great. I think you'll be darn glad you made the rear end change.

NIce choice on a TT if I say so myself! :)

[Rick1300]

Hey Rick...I also just purchased a 2013 Cougar just like yours. My 2012 Tundra has 4:10 rear ends with a 5.7L & tows up & down the hills like there is no tomorrow.

Even as I type this the Tundra is sitting hooked up to our Cougar with our Super Tenere motorcycle in the bed. We are going to the Oregon coast & enjoying the view on the bike. We plan to leave early this afternoon. We'd like to leave earlier but thing thing called work keeps getting in the way!

Your half ton truck should tow your trailer just great. I think you'll be darn glad you made the rear end change.

NIce choice on a TT if I say so myself! :)

Nice to meet you!!! I hope you have an awesome trip!! Make sure to check out some of the great brewery's out on the coast!!

[hankpage]

Ah yes! Trucks, trailers, motorcycles and BREWERIES. "Life is good!" The only thing missing is a palm tree, but we can't have everything. :D

Nimbus, Have a great trip.

Rick, Take it easy with that Hemi till your sure about speedo.

Travel safely, Hank

[Nimbus]

Did you say "breweries"? My wife & I are big time micro-brew & wine connoisseurs! Matter of fact, my wife writes a wine and beer blog.

Suggestions for breweries?

[rhagfo]

Ah yes! Trucks, trailers, motorcycles and BREWERIES. "Life is good!" The only thing missing is a palm tree, but we can't have everything. :D

Nimbus, Have a great trip.

Rick, Take it easy with that Hemi till your sure about speedo.

Travel safely, Hank

Yes Oregon has BREWERIES!

Astoria has Rouge and Fort George, Gearhart has a McMiniuim's, Pacific City has Pelican Pub, and the list goes on!!

[Rick1300]

Did you say "breweries"? My wife & I are big time micro-brew & wine connoisseurs! Matter of fact, my wife writes a wine and beer blog.

Suggestions for breweries?

Well, what part of the coast will you be on? Astoria has Fort George brewing co. Newport has Rouge. You can look up online a Oregon brewery map.

I actually brew my own beer and consider my self a beer geek.

[Rick1300]

Yes Oregon has BREWERIES!

Astoria has Rouge and Fort George, Gearhart has a McMiniuim's, Pacific City has Pelican Pub, and the list goes on!!

Haha! I guess I should have read on!

[OhhWell]

Have you towed with the new axle gears yet? Curious as to how improved the towing experience is.

I'm also VERY interested to see if your computer adjusted to the new gears on its own!

[Rick1300]

Have you towed with the new axle gears yet? Curious as to how improved the towing experience is.

I'm also VERY interested to see if your computer adjusted to the new gears on its own!

So after a 500 mile break in period we went out last weekend for 4 nights. 250 miles to the campground. The new ratio was a big improvement on the regular rolling highway. On the 10 mile 7% grade we improved from 25 mph to 35-40 mph. That was 2nd gear at 3500rpms. What i did not expect was the new Eaton posi packs got way to hot and tried to lock up on me after we crested the hill. So it is back at the shop today and they have to replace or fix whatever went wrong. Under warranty of course. A bigger transmission cooler is going in as well this week.

[Rick1300]

I'm also VERY interested to see if your computer adjusted to the new gears on its own!

Oh yeah, the speed sensor did its job and compensated for the new ratio.

[lightning79]

Hi there,

Have you also considered a few upgrades to the truck? I had a Dodge 1500 before this current 2500, and I had on it a cold-air intake and aftermarket exhaust. That would net you a few more ponies for towing. Switching to synthetic oil throughout the drivetrain would also lower resistance, and help a little with the tow. I can list all my mods on that truck, if you'd like.

Kevin

[rhagfo]

Hi there,

Have you also considered a few upgrades to the truck? I had a Dodge 1500 before this current 2500, and I had on it a cold-air intake and aftermarket exhaust. That would net you a few more ponies for towing. Switching to synthetic oil throughout the drivetrain would also lower resistance, and help a little with the tow. I can list all my mods on that truck, if you'd like.

Kevin

I think it is time for Trany upgrades, Valve body and a tow kit. Is the 5.9 a Hemi, if so it sould do much better than that.

How many miles on the engine?

[Rick1300]

I think it is time for Trany upgrades, Valve body and a tow kit. Is the 5.9 a Hemi, if so it sould do much better than that.

How many miles on the engine?

Not a hemi. Wish it was. 217,000 miles rebuilt at 150,000.

[Rick1300]

Hi there,

Have you also considered a few upgrades to the truck? I had a Dodge 1500 before this current 2500, and I had on it a cold-air intake and aftermarket exhaust. That would net you a few more ponies for towing. Switching to synthetic oil throughout the drivetrain would also lower resistance, and help a little with the tow. I can list all my mods on that truck, if you'd like.

Kevin

A list would be great. I already have the cold air intake, new cat., 3" flowmaster, Firestone air bags, tranny temp gauge, 4" deep tranny pan and the tranny was built by our best shop in town 100k ago. Going to get a BIGGER tranny cooler next week.

[OhhWell]

Oh yeah, the speed sensor did its job and compensated for the new ratio.

Thanks for getting back with the update. That is very good news indeed. Glad to hear that the 4.10's helped. I want to go to 4.56 myself to help witht aht awful second gear in the 545RFE. I wish I had manual transmission for everything except backing my trailer in at home.