Question for Dodge owners (03-05)

[Ishler]

I'm getting ready to replace my trusty 3/4T with a 1T and have 2 questions for 3rd gen owners. 1st, vehicle will be diesel with automatic transmission, I'm looking for input on whether to go with the 3.74 or 4.10 axel. I do some mountain towing (New York through Pennsylvania). 2nd I had a dealer tell me that you're not supposed to drill or weld the frame, I couldn't check with the service manager as the shop was closed, somehow this doesn't sound like the whole story. Kind of limits the options for hitches.

[mhstevens]

I have an 04 Dodge 3500 SRW, Auto w/4.10 rears. This is the 3rd Dodge, the last two diesels. I had the 5 spd in the other diesel. I opted for the 4.10s because of the 2000# increased towing capacity. I live in Colorado, so we do quite a bit of mountain driving. I think the 4.10s help quite a bit, but we do sacrifice some top-end mileage. I still run 17-18 MPG empty, around 10-11 towing (sometimes 12) depending on how fast I want to run. I run around 70 towing, so if I slowed down some I'd probably get more. With the lower speed limits back east, I'd say it would do well.

As far as the frame drilling, Dodge does allow drilling the frame for the 5th wheel attachments. The installer used a spacer between the frame rails, so the bolt has a sleeve going through the rails. That way, the pressure isn't on the side of the rails and avoids compressing the sides of the rails when you tighten the bolts.

[palebluedot]

With the hydroformed frames on the 3rd generation Dodges trucks, it limits the modifications that are allowed. Check this link to the DC TSB concering this.
http://www.dodgeram.info/tsb/2003/13-001-03.htm

As for axle ratio, depends on the majority of your towing conditions. If you intend on doing a lot of towing with very heavy trailer (over 12k lb.) or in mountains, I'd consider the 4.10. Test drive each and see where the RPM is at around 65 MPH. This is my confortable towing speed on highway and the Cummins' sweet spot is around 2000-2200 RPM. This is where I would like the RPM to be at 65 MPH in overdrive. There does'nt seem to be a great difference in MPG with either. Dodge is replacing the NV5600 6 speed manual with a Diamler-Benz G56 unit, maybe a Diamler 6 speed auto won't be far behind. Of course then they may replace the mighty Cummins with a Diamler diesel - drats!!!

[jrgwdenner]

The Dodge we're driving is our second diesel truck. We bought a 2004 dually with the 4.10 rear end. We figure we're ready to pull just about anything except for the heavy "fulltiming" rigs that require a Freightliner, etc. It's a great truck and pulls our 3380 effortlessly.

Dodge does have a towing package that would be beneficial.

[Montana_2130]

Tow a 12k-13.5k rig with a 2005 dodge 1 ton w/3.73 auto. I am sure that 4.10 would be optimum thru the mountains and the steepest grades, but We have been very happy with the 3.73's and see no reason to go to the 4.10's. Remember, you are only pulling steep grades 1-2% of the time.Have never slowed to less than 50-55mph pulling 6-7% grades.If you need more get an upgraded chip program. GM2c.

[Chester]

I've had 3 Rams diesels now. The first had a 3.55 rear end and it wasn't enough with the Monty in tow. That truck was an automatic and the tranny hunted a lot for gears when the slightest hill was encountered. The next was a 6 sp manual and it was a 4.10. That gear let us do the same hills without even shifting out of 6th. Our newest Ram is a 3500 auto and I opted for the 4.10 again. The 3.73 will certainly do the job but I like the 4.10s extra grunt. I don't give up that much in mileage. I'm getting around 16mpg empty and about 14mpg pulling. Keep in mind mine is a dually and 4X4 and that usually costs you a couple mph empty.

I had my Husky 16k hitch moved from the last truck into the new one and this reqired a new frame kit. The kit from Husky was designed for drilling the frame and had the spacer mentioned in mhstevens post. It's fine but if I had my choice again I would have the bracket type of mount installed instead of drilling.

[Montana_1424]

Mine has the 4.10 rear end, and I probably tow through the smae placces in NY and PA (We live in Syracuse), and I have thw SRW, and it works great. No problems going through the hills, although, I do notice we burn a little more fuel. Other than that, great. As far as drilling, your truck is fully under warantte for towing, including fifht wheels, as long as you have the Tow Package ( My father works for chrysler, I had him check all the fine print). I do know the newer Dodges have a special bracket to address the frame issue, as mentioned in other posts.

Good luck.

[Ishler]

Everyone, thanks for all the input. Gear wise it looks like either will work for us. Looks like the drilling issue is covered pretty well in the TSB. Thanks again!

[FredG]

My dad is a dodge dealer at Genesee Valley Dodge in Avon, NY. He has been towing for 30+ years and could answer any of your questions. The number is 585-226-6000 and ask for Dale.