I've got a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab that I have been prepping for towing a 6500 lb boat. I have upgraded the rear gear to a 4.10, rebuilt posi with new clutch packs, rebuilt trans with increased clutch packs in the drums and modified valve body for towing. added a 3rd trans cooler, besides the one in the radiator and in front of the radiator, equipped with 305-70 R16 tires. I have new brakes all around and will be installing the larger wheel cylinders on the back drums and the 2500 calipers on the front, along with a new master cylinder (probably larger) . I have the 5.2 with short headers and will be adding an additional electric cooling fan in front of the radiator. I am not towing long distances, but will be looking at towing a twin engine inboard, between 27 and 32 ft long. I am doing these mods since the truck is paid off and looks good (new paint job, etc) but wondering if I will be pushing the trucks limits, even with the mods. Thanks.

 

I can't find any hard information on the tow rating for your truck. Ranges anywhere from 5200, to 7200..... calling the dealer might be a good idea, they *should* be able to tell you..... looking it up by the vin won't be quite accurate, as you have changed the rear gears.

 

I'm no engineer n as a bonus, I've never played one on TV...HOWEVER...My 'ol blue is a '96/318 lassoed to a NV3500, trac locked to a 355 gear ratio n std brakes. I've hauled n towed weights like that n more with 'ol blue n she's just like the lil' engine that could, only she had no doubt. I've noticed that these beasts with the magnum engines, while not the firebreathing hemi's of today, still get the job done. It's sounds to me like you got a winning strategy going on there. So no, not pushing...experimenting is the Dodge word of the day!!!

 

You'll be fine, especially with the gears which match near perfectly the stock ratios/tires. If you had the 5.9, you could tow less, lol.

http://dodgeram.info/2001/towing-charts.html#1500

 

Just remember not to tow in overdrive!

 

Def not going to tow with the overdrive engaged (even though I just rebuilt the trans myself and did the overdrive unit as well) I am concerned with pulling the boat out of the water on the ramp, hoping the posi rear with larger tires will give the traction I need

 

Use this trick: put it in 4wd low and pull straight out. Once you're out, put it back in 2wd hi. You'll have all the grunt you'll need.

 

I think he might only have a 2wd.

 

Well, that's a shame.

 

Had a conversation with a good trans guy I use about that. He told me that the best way is to turn the OD off, but, if on a flat highway, it's okay to use it once you get up to speed. Just shut it off when you are starting or lugging up grades.
Your mileage may vary, but, it's been working for me.