New to forum but not dodge trucks. Recently traded in an '07 2500 5.9 diesel for a new '10 1500 2wd Sport with the 3.21 axle. Reason I got the truck with that gear ratio was because of the deal they were giving me on what they had in stock. Had a few other sports with the 3.55 but they were black and I have a black car and HAD a black truck and will never get another one again. Could have dealer traded but would not have received as good a deal. Anyway never have been worried about towing because always had plenty of truck. I have a 22ft Shearwater bay boat that is approx 4000lbs and a 20 ft tandem axle utility trailer with my lawn equipment. Trailer weight is about 2000lbs and lawn equipment is about 4000lbs. I am not going to use it as an everyday hauler, I have a older ford 7.3 psd work truck for that, but for whatever the reason I might need to that day and of course on the weekends when we go fishing.
Question is am I alright with my current setup or can I expect to run into serious transmission and rear end troubles down the road? Should I look at upgrading to the 3.55 or even 3.92 rear end? I know they designed the 3.21 for better fuel economy but how much better can one expect with the 3.21 versus the 3.55 or 3.92? Did talk to one transmission guy who rebuilt a diesel 4x4 tranny for me a while back and he said I would be fine with what I have. I would like to know what opinions you guys have on this matter. Thanks.

 

I have the 3.21 and my hitch is rated at 5k, but the manual/website say I can tow 5700 pounds.

6000 might be pushing it, but others with more experience than me probably have a better idea.

 

Are you sure it's a 3.21? I know the '09 Sports were only offered with a 3.55 or 3.92. I'd crawl under the rear and look at the tag on the alxe. But even if it's 3.21 you should be fine. You may not be able to use top gear when pulling but your third is like the fifth on the 3.92.

 

I've got a 2wd 2009 Hemi with 3.21

It's only rated to tow about 6K, but tows it easily. I tow my 19ft boat frequently, as well as a car dolly with either my kids car or my jeep on it.

You should have no problems

 

You can 3.21's in any 2wd trim.

 

I just took a 2000 mile trip towing a high profile (wind resistance) camping trailer that weighted in at about 3500 LBS plus probably another 300 Lbs in the bed and back seat area plus the wife and I.

We drove from the coast of Los Angeles to Cortez, Colorado and back. A lot of the time was was going around 65-75 MPH and sometimes faster with no problem. Only time we had to slow down was on the long grades and when we had strong head winds.

I averaged about 10 MPG for the return (headwinds) and sometimes 11-12 MPG when we had the tail winds. In the flats, I experimented with the TOW/HAUL on and off while monitoring the trans temp and couldn't really tell a difference. The truck just pulled better in TOW/HAUL.

Another thing, I used 87 gas on the way there and 89 on the way back. It seems that 87 was fine and I think I actually got better gas mileage versus the 89. I felt that the truck had more power on the long grades with the 89.

Bottom line, if you are not going over many mountain passes, you will be fine.

 

Not on the 2009 Sport 4x2, 3.55 was standard and 3.92 was optional. Go build a 2009 and see: http://www.dodge.com/hostc/bmo/models.do

Now I built a 2010 and 3.21 is standard on the Sport 4x2s.

 

Thanks guys for the input. That makes me feel better. Just used to never having to worry much about it now I have to be a little more careful. I did forget to add that the transmission guy told me to make sure that anytime I am towing in the city to use the tow/haul mode. Because of all the frequent starting and stopping, but on the interstate I am fine in overdrive.

BTW ran jr that is one nice looking truck. On the lot black was one of the best looking colors. Mine is all white. I had an all black silverado years ago and now we have a 2010 Audi A5 that is black on black and they just are near impossible to keep clean and looking good. Had our audi detailed a couple of weeks ago and next day it looked as if it had not been washed in a week, but it is a literal head turner going down the road when clean.

Also ran, could you tell me how to post a pic on the bottom of your posts? Is that a signature pic? I would love to have one of the truck and car on mine like you have of your truck and bikes. Thanks.

 

Except the R/T...

 

Yes, it's a signature pic. Check out this link - https://dodgeforum.com/forum/faq.php...atures_avatars It should explain the process. You'll need to take your picture and resize it to the max allowed size using iPhoto on a Mac or Microsoft Picture Manager or what ever it's called on the PCs.