Not a problem. Good luck with everything

 

NOTE: this is just my idea. it may not be for you. i have a 2001 dakota V-6 underpowered engine, 42 trans. i just changed from a 3.55 gear to a 4.1. posi. iam very happy, it will go into overdrive at 35 mph and the rpm is 1400. and it pulls it. have not had it on the hi-way. if you drive the hi-way a lot i do NOT recommend the 4.56 gear.

 

My usage is 90% city at 30 to 55 mph speed this is where I hate my truck and 10% long distance at 70 to 85 mph 6 hour drive from AZ to CA on the 10 two or three times a year love the drive very relaxing drive but because of my little 2.5L it can get bogged down if strong head winds or steep uphill spots.

Remember I have the 2.5L engine not a V6 or V8 like most of you and a 5 speed manual trans.

In Arizona you can go 70 to75 mph legaly posted in the desert drive to California

 

Dakaz, I would ya 4.10 definitely for yours.

Moe, that's a relative statement. I've done the math in my gear thread, and with mods, the 4.10 is perfectly fine. Stock, they might put you on the outside of the powerband (which is like 2250-2750 on the stock V6) for a stocker, but with mods like what I'm doing, I'm widening that powerband to 1800-3000 or so, making the 4.10's just fine.

The big thing, is that the 4.10's unbog the motor. There's numerous posts about this, and I've even proved it, I get better mileage with 4th gear locked out (O/d off button) than I do with 4th enabled at some speeds, just because the motor can't overcome the resistance with the tall gears. With the .69 O/D, that 3.55 feels like a 2.45 to the engine. Go from the 29" stock tires to the ~31's that I have, and now the motor thinks it's pulling a 2.30 gear. With 4.10's and the .69 OD, now the motor will think it's pulling a 2.82 gear, with the tires, makes a 2.64. In terms of rpm, that's only adding 200 RPM or so to the cruising RPM, but in terms of engine load, it's a big difference.

 

But input is welcome by all thanks moe7404

 

Are they supposed to have a tag on the differental showing the size and what ratio it is? I looked on mine but didnt see anything, I know it's low gears because at 55 i'm turning 2000 RPM's.

 

sounds like 4.56's or it's not going into overdrive on stock 3.90's...

 

Well it's a 5 speed with a 5.2, but it's seems awful low for what I need.

 

with magnetheads help i decided on a rear gear of 4.1, from a 3.55. the gear chart showed that a 4.1 gear is the best over all. BUT i think 3.55 to 3.9 might be better if you do much hi way driving. how ever each truck/engine combination is different. my 4.1 is great for me cause i dont drive any hi ways.

 

Yea same here I have been rethinking that myself and will be going with the 3.9 and trying to squese more HP from my engine with a chip.

I do like my truck on the long drive to California dont want to screw that up.