Ok I was towing a small utility trailer with about 1000lbs in it and had about the same in the back of my truck. I live in the mountains so any where I go is eventually uphill. The truck does fine any other time, but with the load it was really struggling. I had intentions to make this a tow vehicle in a business, just local with a 5000lb trailer gross weight. But now I am having doubts. Also my gas mileage went to about 9 mpg, so.... My question is, would a different set of gears be my answer, or maybe a different torque converter? Or am I needing a different truck?

 

Gears, Gears, Gears. These trucks usually came with 3.55's which is way to high to do a lot of towing. get either 4.11's or 4.56's (I would recommend the 4.56's since you have a lift and larger tires)and you will be happy. The 5.9 is a great motor for towing with all the low end torque. Dodge just screwed it up and put high gears in them to get better mpg. Re-gear and you will be happy. Check out Moe's performance they have the entire package(gears and master install kit) for $600 shipped to your door, then just find a good shop in your area to get them installed.

 

i have 3.92 gears and i had maybe 1,500 lbs in my bed and it didnt seem to put a strain on the truck at all. I also just had a tune up, which seemed to help out the trucks performance.

 

Thank's but I guess it will cut my mileage in half? and what about top end? Will I still be able to cruise 75 or 80 without trailer?

 

Man you got lucky to get the 3.92's. I wish I had those, would save me about 1200 bucks.

 

Some people tell me that 5.9 is a boat anchor. Others tell me it is a torque beast. What's your take on it?

 

I'm happy with my 5.9 add a superchips and its a beast. I'm content with the power and the times im getting also.

 

all of a sudden you lost the power ??

-1st thing check your plenum for a leak ,look down in throttle body for oil if there is oil you got to get it fixed one of the main problems with the 5.2 and 5.9. that will kill mpg and power!!
-2nd check for a clogged cat another problem that happends alot
-3rd get superchips you will be surprised what kinda power you get , dodge really detuned the 5.9 from the factory if you have death flash i would fix that look for a software sticker on the pcm good luck and i hope you get her back to running good

 

Good thread, just jumping on here. I'm looking at maybe picking up an older 5.9 to turn into an off roader.

 

Here use this link. http://www.grimmjeeper.com/gears.html It will tell you how much of an rpm gain you will get compared to stock gears. If your concerned about mpg while towing buy a Cummins. If you want to keep the truck and maintian good mpg at 75 the find 3.92's out of a wreck or put 4.11's in and I think you will be happy. Good luck