I have recently purchased a 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 Quad Cab with a 8.0L V-10 and a 4.10 rear end. It has the 4 spd. automatic 47 RE transmission. It has aprox. 53,000 miles on it. This truck is replacing a 1995 Dodge Ram 2500 Reg. Cab with a 5.9L V-8 and a 3.55 rear end. It has 4spd. automatic 46 RH transmission (replaced) It has aprox. 115,000 miles on it. Both trucks are 4x4. The 1998 has a 4" skyjacker lift on it. My question is: How will the new truck pull compared to the older one? I tow a 7000# travel trailer and the older truck always seemed to strugle really bad with hills. I have asked this question in other forums but I have received such technical answers I can't see the answer I am looking for. I am not very mechanically inclined. I can't try towing the trailer now because the trailer is put away for winter. I just am so curious about how the new truck will pull, I have to ask for your help. Thanks in advance for any opinions or advice...

 

What's the tire size difference between the two trucks. The 4.10's will help a lot with the towing. And the extra torque of the V10 will also be a major improvement. But if you're running 245's on the '95 and 35's on the '98, your final gearing will be about the same. Combine the wind resistance of the bigger tires (if you have them) and the extra height of the truck, with the extra weight of the quad cab, you may not notice TOO much of a difference. However, if you have similar sized tires on both trucks, the 4.10's will help a LOT.

 

2 or 4wd? My 1999 2500 will pull a house off its foundation. It's 4wd and rated to 13000. Just remember to turn off the overdrive while towing. Transmission is a weak point. Keep the fluid and filter changed. Other than that, happy trailering.

 

The truck is a 4x4. The tire size on both trucks is 285. Remarkably enough the trucks are almost identical in height. (within a 1/4") The 95 does not have any suspension lift. I heard from someone that the 95 and earlier trucks sit higher than the newer ones. I guess I have to agree because my 98 has the 4" lift.... I did get advised about changing trans. fluids and filters often. Thanks for your help and advice...

 

I own a 96 2500 Quad Cab 4 x 4 with a V-10. It has 190,000 miles on it. I pull a 35 ft. fifth wheel that weighs 13,400 lbs. I can do most all the passes in Colo. at the speed limit. Hope this helps you

 

We have had three v-10s in our family and there is no doubt they would tear a 360 up on power. Just look at how much more torque the v10 (450 ft lbs I believe) compared to 345 ft lbs on a 360. Also check out the power curves for the two motors. The v10 has a flat line torque curve and almost all of the torque possible is about right off idle. If they have comparable tires sizes and the v10 has 4.10 gears you should see a world of difference in the pulling power and should be able to run in OD on most terrain unless you get in big hills.