Re: Gear Ratios [was re: '97 wind whistle]

From: Sam Parthemer (samp@cts.com)
Date: Sun Mar 16 1997 - 10:16:34 EST


L. J. Morris wrote:
>
> Alan;
>
> Don't get me wrong I like the 3.9, but for everyday driving the 3.55 would
> be the more logical choice and it looks like a lot better for gas mileage.
> First is about useless for everyday stop and go. I also live in a very
> hilly area (not much level driving) and I have always order the deepest
> gears I could get on a vehicle for this reason (0-60 times are always good
> to). However with the new Dak being a 5.2L it would have compensated for
> the higher 3.55's.

        The mileage diff.s between the 3.55 and 3.90 aren't much (only 1-2
mpg MAX. between the 2 dakotas I have had (3.55 on one, and 3.90 on my
current
truck). The one thing that you need to learn with the 5 spd and 3.90
gearing
is that you use 1st gear only if you are completely stopped. Use 2nd if
you
are even rolling... (it's a mind bender I know, I drive my wife's
Corolla
and try the same thing: RATTLE RATTLE..OOpps..) You'll LOVE 1st gear
the
first time you pull out a tree stump with ease, the first time you pull
a fully loaded travel trailer up out of a STEEP driveway: Or for me,
you
pull a buddies 4000# jetboat out of a slippery boat ramp, at
idle..*While
the rest of people on the ramp are smoking their tires just to move!*
First
is actually really good in bumper-bumper traffic too... When it's real
slow
you can idle in 1st and never hit the clutch (if the traffic is moving
slow
, but you can do that in 2nd too).
        I also had the experience of driving on an icy road (yes, icy here
in California!) where I need very slow wheel speed to get going, and
keep
it slow... 1st gear and I idled along at 2-5 mph... I tried 2nd but
started spinning instantly...(Went back to 1st)...

> ps. the 3.92's are sure fun though, the truck seems to scream and I only
> have 400 miles on it with no drive train mods.
>
> L. John Morris<ljohn@alltel.net>
> !!!!! ... your local *HEMI* owner ...!!!!!
> '97 SLT+ CC 4x4
> 5.2L, 3.92LS

        You'll find more uses for your truck, and appreciate you choice more
and more!
        
        ...Sam '95 SLT

 



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