2008 big Three Diesel performance

[Delaine and Lindy]

Well sounds if Ford and Dodge are doing good on fuel mileage with the exception of the F-450 with the 4.88 rear gear. However on Job 3 Trucks the 4.88 rear gear has been dropped, but the towing ability is the same as the F-450 with the 4.88 rear gear seems like the 4.30 will take over for the 4.88. The 4.88 is just not a road gear, to much RPM's. Our 2008 Chevy 3500 DRW got 16.1 mpg yesterday on the Interstate, but we only have almost 2,000 miles on the clock. As for performance as usual the Duramax is awesome. When you stand on it the HP power jumps into action. And the weight of our 2007 Chevy Classic was 8500 lbs loaded and ready to tow. Haven't gotten the weight on you 2008 yet. Still looking for a tool box. Rich glad the shinny new Truck is performing good for you. GBY.....

[sreigle]

I also read for the F250/F350 Fords, the 3.73 will no longer be the standard axle. It will be a 3.55, to help economy. For many users this will be a good move but those wanting the bigger axle for towing need to be sure to order a numerically higher axle.

[richfaa]

It appears that Ford is reacting to the complaints of poor MPG. In addition to the 3:55 Diff, which is not good news to the heavy tower, they have extended the front air dam to 6 inches which will allegedly improve air flow under the truck. Perhaps our Aeronautical Engineers can comment on the air dam improvement but there is a guy here at this campground who built and drove dragsters for years who is skeptical that it will do much if anything to improve MPG. We have the "off road" package that includes skid plates , etc, hanging under the truck and it appears doubtful that a longer air dam will do anything but raise expectations with little or no results leading to even more dissatisfied consumers

[TLightning]

We'll have to see how much that 3.55 rear axle reduces the tow ratings and GCWRs.

[skypilot]

Rich -- Agree with you 100 percent about the air dam. The article I read claimed 1 to 1.5 mpg increase with the two changes -- I'd say that is all because of the 3.55 gears, not the air dam. I wonder if they didn't do the air dam for something that the consumer 'can see'; whereas the gear changes are hidden out of sight. ????

TLigntning: The same article that I read stated that Ford expected no changes in GVRW or tow capacities -- just a little slower 0 - 60 runs.

[RADHAZJOE]

When research and test driving trucks to pull my 5er, I had all three so called equivalents for about a week each. I tried a lot of different things. I ended up with the chevy because:

1. The body itself was a little smaller, lower, and more easily enmtered.
2. Mileage was similiar in the ford and dodge but the chevy was noticably better.
3. The chevy price was lower for the same truck. The ford and Dodge dealers both offered me their equivalent models to the chevy 2500HD crew cab but when I told them the results, they said the vehicles were not the same. I have been pulling over 50,000 mi with a 2004 and now a 2007 2500 HD duramax short bed and am very satisified. My 3400RL comes in over 17,500 lbs. Yeah, I know its over weight, but so am I.

[richfaa]

17,500lbs.... is that a typo ????!!!!!

[sreigle]

quote:Originally posted by TLightning

We'll have to see how much that 3.55 rear axle reduces the tow ratings and GCWRs.

The same article said none of the ratings will change. Apparently, if that's correct, it's not the axle ratio that's the limiting factor. It also said the 3.73 will be available as an option. I'd bet it's a no cost option but this way only those who don't need it will get better mileage. However, the guy buying a used one for heavy towing will need to remember to check the axle ratio. No longer can assume at least a 3.73.

Didn't Dodge use a 3.55 or thereabouts axle with the diesel for years, including heavy towing?

[exav8tr]

I had a 2001 Ram 3500 Dually with a 3.55 rear end. Was not rated to tow the 3400 we bought so had to sell and buy a replacement.

[tbhd2]

The early Ford powerstrokes, 1994-1997 used the 3.55 axle as the standard ratio for the SRW trucks. It was the standard on the DRW trucks but was not available with limited slip. On the DRW with limited slip the standard was 4.10. A freind had a SRW with a 3.55 and always got great solo mileage but about the same as mine towing.