Hi all, I got a 2003 Ram Hemi with 3.55 gears Quad cab and 4x4. I just bought a 30ft camper that wieghs 4567lbs dry. probably will be between 5200 and 5500lbs loaded. When I take O/D off the torque converter locks in 3rd instead of 5th. I only plan on going 60mph on the highway and this brings my rpms to 2500 rpms. I plan on going alot of places with this setup. Now my question is.......is this ok??? Will I be fine running at 2500 rpms for 16hrs straight???? I think I will be. I just wanna get some other opinions. Im thinking that 2500 rpms is accually right in the Hemi's powerband. The Hemi does like to rev!!! THANKS!!!

 

I had mine re-geared (had 3.55) went to 4.56. At 60 I run about 2300. I pull 8,000 LB Travel trailer. Pulled thru Oregon (Lots of Mt. passes) on the way to Texas. Temp gauge never went above half way. And yes your right in the power band of the Hemi. You shouldn't have any issues, just what your gauges.

 

Thanks P for the reply. I think if I leave the O/D off on the Highway I will be fine. The torque converter will lock in 3rd and I will run at 2500rpms and I think the Hemi will like it! Theres no way the Hemi will like O/D on around here in Western PA. She will be searching all the time for the correct gear!

 

if you really want to be safe, throw in a trans temp gauge and keep an eye on the temps. Its going to run warmer pulling in 3rd gear at 2500, but the stock trans cooler should be up to the task.

 

jj look into re-gearing you will get some mileage back and your drive train will thank you. you DO NOT want to tow with o/d engaged. Even with the new gears I am in Tow/Haul mode. I am not to sure about the locked in 3rd. Maybe shoot Hammer or Weed an email those guys have a ton of knowledge. They are the ones that got me to go with 4.56 gears instead of 4.10's.

 

Y 456? Is it really that different than 410

 

The torque converter definatly locks in 3rd gear with O/D off. Ive done this alot of times. I had my local dealer reflash the trans and engine computers last year and ever since than the transmission has been like night and day! It also holds the gears longer when Im climbing up some of the hills around here. It like knows that Im climbing a hill.

 

Prado. it will depend on what your running for tires. and what the truck came with. Some guys say if it came with 3.92 go to 4.10's. some guys say 3.55 stock go to 4.56. Some guys have commented they regret not getting 4.56 they went with 4.10. I run 285/70/17 which is really close to a 33 height wise. the guy who installed my gears calculated 4.56 would put the motor in the sweet spot. Very happy went from 8 MPG (Towing) to 10. 15 unloaded to 17. worth every penny.

 

Dont worry, you wont be driving 16 hours straight at 2500 rpm, towing 6000 lbs. The truck can rest everytime you stop to fill up. Lol

 

If you had 3.92s stock, 4.10s wouldn't be enough of a difference to justify the expense. Go big! Our truck's have such an overdrive that it won't hurt highway much but in town or towing it'll be a big improvement.

It's on my "to do" list but with a 4x4 it's twice the expense!