Rdnck84_03
Full Access Member
Would probably be cheaper to go with a set of superduty axles, most of them were 3.73.
James
James
Not for the bargain I got on these…Would probably be cheaper to go with a set of superduty axles, most of them were 3.73.
James
While that sounds like a good idea, I would have to find SRW front hubs… just swapping to dually might actually make things simpler, but not necessarily in the long run.Based on Black Dawg’s post above (#20) I would regear that Dana 60 front to 3.55’s. And keep the single rear wheel.
I rarely hit 30k, but I do sometimes… and me old rig doesn’t have sway bars… the Dodge has been utilized for it… but pulling that heavy a feller really needs duals… Duchess could be made to handle a load better… with the axle swap.Unless your goosenecks are super heavy and you really want 4.10’s..
I… don’t need a dually, but would gladly take the extra stability at the cost of fuel and tires… fine by me.Do you need or want a Dually? Love the service bed idea.
The trucks at work have Cummns engines and 6 speed automatics, all same ratio, but some are 4.10s, some 3.73s and 1 is a 3.55. I do not like pullin heavy with the 3.55 truck… the 3.73 trucks are fine, and the 4.10 trucks are nice when pulling but not super for unloaded, but still okay. Being Cummins powered, they rev out of their powerband by 70 mph… we also have a 4.88 truck… and that, is too damn deep. Redlined at 78 mph. Powerband sluffs off by 55. To hell with that…My 24v was 3.54’s with 33’s. NV-5600. I HATED reverse. Never towed heavy. So can’t comment there. My best friend has grossed 30k locally with his ‘99 24v with 4.10’s. Both of our pickups are stock power wise. And his does it with little complaint. Over 300k. I’d still prefer 3.55’s just cause I never need to tow heavy and would rather have the top speed.
I understand fully what you are saying...and I mostly agree on a lot of aspects of this...I just gotta ask: why would anyone drive 80mph in one of these trucks?
I understand the logic, really I do. But I rarely drive on the interstate, I take back roads to avoid hustle and bustle, I like scenery.I understand fully what you are saying...and I mostly agree on a lot of aspects of this...
But...
When you get on some well-travelled highways...it actually is safer to keep up the tempo in traffic...when people back up behind you...they get antsy and some ramp up the impatience and anger a lot faster than others...it sucks...but it is reality...it makes people do stupid stuff to try to get ahead of the pack...if they feel like others are not doing their part to move things along...
I saw a bunch of this all last year while making many trips...moving our stuff south...and dealt with it as best as we could...we just tried to be the least obstructive as possible...and we survived...it was an ordeal...and I am glad it is mostly over...
I drove my truck fairly fast when it was unloaded...I had just bought it and I needed to get it to where I was at the time to sort out any bugs before I started really using it...I felt safe in it...even without ABS and airbags...handles good and good brakes...
As long as you keep a level head and a long following distance...anticipate your stops and read the mood of the other drivers...and keep The Lord in your mind...everything will be OK...
By the time you figure up the cost of the gears, bearings, shim kit, seals, oil, and time just for one axle is far from cheap. And if you have to pay to have it done, it will come to about the same as I have bought complete 4x4 superduty trucks for.Not for the bargain I got on these…
I would want to rebuild axles from a Superduty, or from any donor for that matter. Want it all to be right. This deal comes with a frame, and all the steering gear and suspension. I’m really sure I got a good deal.By the time you figure up the cost of the gears, bearings, shim kit, seals, oil, and time just for one axle is far from cheap. And if you have to pay to have it done, it will come to about the same as I have bought complete 4x4 superduty trucks for.
James
Yes. ZF5 and 3.55s are great. That’s my current setup.Not that it applies to anything other than my Blue Truck here, but it really is a great highway cruiser. I can comfortably drive 70-75 for hours and not worry one bit about it. I have also discovered that 74 is the "magic" number. When my speedometer hits 74, it runs better. At 74 and above it seems like the engine must be more efficient or something. It takes less effort (input from the throttle) to pass another vehicle. So driving that fast isn't a problem for me unless there's a nasty headwind. Keep in mind that the engine is N/A, has ported heads, and us running headers which all may affect the way the engine performs.
Why drive that fast? #1 because I can. #2 because it's fun since no one expects to see an old truck like this going that fast. Especially if it's a diesel. #3 because out where I live, there's less trees than where KansasIDI, Jesus freak, and SedNeck84_03 live so vision isn't an issue 98+% of the time during the daylight hours.