Come again?

 

I have a 1997 Ram with a 318, and a 5 speed manual, with 3.55 gearing, I run 265s and it works great, moral of this story? Always buy a stickshift lol

 

Thats why im trying to find out if I take off overdrive, if everything would be ok running just the three gears, and how it would effect gas mileage.

 

I can tell you with my 265's it doesn't matter if I drive with OD on or off...same mpg. I still use the OD on the highway, though. I pulled about 4,500 lbs from Utah to TN with OD off and got almost 10 mpg round trip. I know several people on here run 285's with 3.55 gearing...don't know why they aren't speaking up...

 

285's w/ OD off is tolerable. barely.

 

What is your ballpark rpm around 65-70?
Where does the truck feel comfortable at highway speed where you are not too much into the pedel?

 

not sure.
around 60, i engage overdrive, and rpm's drop to about 1700-1800.
it feels ok anytime rpm's are in the 1800-2200 range.
its sucky and sluggish below 1500

 

i have a 5.2L 3.55 geared auto. The truck started out with 245's from the factory. I then switched it to 265s BFG A/Ts. Truck didn't feel like it lost any power, But O/D becomes unusable in my opinion. Never use O/D unless im going 75MPH or over. Truck feels powerful, light, and nimble around town and very very slightly sluggish on the highway. At 70 MPH the truck is at exactly 3000RPM. Today i just ordered 285s Mud Terrains and 2" level for front. By Christmas i definetly plan on 4.56 gears by Christmas. This would make the truck have 3350RPM at 70MPH without O/D (too high) But 2400RPM with O/D (perfect)....This is why i think 33" Tires and a 2inch lift is the perfect combination and size for this trucks, still keeps them under control and broadly widens their offroad capibilitys while just needed a small cheap lift in the front. Gears make the truck feel powerful again.
Just my two cents...

 

I run 33's 12.5 r15, and at around 70 MPH I am at about 2k rpm with OD on when I cut it off I am about 3100 If I remember right.

 

After reading this I think i am gunna ditch the 35's I have onthere now, your post makes alot of sense.