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From: Pat Buthmann <patb@mindless.com>
To: 'dakota@ait.fredonia.edu'
Subject: RE: axle ratio questions
Date: Wednesday, June 18, 1997 11:13 AM
My first suggestion would be the 3.92 for the automatic, though that
depends upon what sort of highway mileage you expect (need) to get. I've
got 3.55 in mine, but in conjunction with the 5 Spd, it pulls everything
just fine. SG is probably not a bad option either.
Pat Buthmann
It's always best to over estimate your towing needs, and have power on tap
to spare than
not enough power/tow rating in my book. The difference in mileage between
a 3.55 and 3.92 (3.90 on my
'95) is MAYBE 1-2 mpg highway... City is roughly the same (I've had both
3.55 and now currently 3.90).
-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Ging [SMTP:ging@mticentral.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 1997 7:54 AM
To: dakota@ait.fredonia.edu
Subject: axle ratio questions
Hello,
I'm going to order a '98 Dakota 4X4 V8 (couldn't find the perfect '97
leftover), but i'm not sure what axle ratio to get. Is there a
difference in acceleration with 3.55 vs. 3.92? I plan to tow a boat
(approx 2,500 lbs) occasionally.
---Mike, with 3.90 x 5 speed (from my experiences) you 'MIGHT' have to downshift to 4th on some steep hills... You will be able to set your cruise @ 55-65 in 5th with a light load like that... I've had a 3.55, and now I have a 3.90... The mileage difference is nill in my book (1-2 mpg max. difference between .55 &.92.), plus you will be able to pull a 2500# load (*or higher) much easier, with less strain on your truck (though 3.55 gearing is still well suited for towing up to 5500#)...
FYI- My '95 4x2 Dakota 5spd, with 3.90 gearing pulls a 4500# jetboat/trailer combo better than my friend's F250 460 4x4... 67 mph vs. 59 mph on the same steep grade, and averages 13.5 vs. 8.5 mpg on the same trip...
Sam '95 SLT
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