Ram 342 gears

[Big Red and 30WR]

Was looking into a ram 3500 srw cummins with aisin trans only to find out its only available with 342 gears. I wanted 410s. Like my ram drw has . My tow range is around 12k to 13k . How much of a difference will the 342 be over the 410s ? I`m concerned it will be a major let down . Dealer wants used diesels and if the deal is good as good can get I would trade . But I`m thinking the gears will be a deal breaker . What`s your thoughts ?

[Crusadernoob]

That's a big hit on ratio, I would compare transmission gears and see what it would be like. I'd put them both on paper, I would think it would be easier to strategize that way side by side.

[drittal]

Lock out 6th and go. I tow 12k. Many that tow more.

The Aisin will give lower starting gears compared to the 68RFE.

My fathers 4.10 DRW in 6th and my 3.42 SRW in 5th are roughly same rpm.

*edited because of autocorrect

[BGKirkham]

Originally Posted by Big Red and 30WR

Was looking into a ram 3500 srw cummins with aisin trans only to find out its only available with 342 gears. I wanted 410s. Like my ram drw has . My tow range is around 12k to 13k . How much of a difference will the 342 be over the 410s ? I`m concerned it will be a major let down . Dealer wants used diesels and if the deal is good as good can get I would trade . But I`m thinking the gears will be a deal breaker . What`s your thoughts ?

Check the tow ratings and payload for the truck you want to buy. If it will do the job, why sweat the axle ratio. I think 900 ft-lbs of torque will make you happy, regardless of the axle you're stuck with.

[Cypressloser]

Don't worry as long as the weights and tow ratings pan out. That Aisin is a beast!!!
Put her in Tow/Haul and hit the gas.You're gonna get awesome fuel mileage, seriously.

[Big Red and 30WR]

Originally Posted by Crusadernoob

That's a big hit on ratio, I would compare transmission gears and see what it would be like. I'd put them both on paper, I would think it would be easier to strategize that way side by side.

Both trucks have the aisin tranny so wouldn`t they be the same gearing? My drw with 410s also has 900ft of torque and it tows amazing .

[Big Red and 30WR]

Originally Posted by BGKirkham

Check the tow ratings and payload for the truck you want to buy. If it will do the job, why sweat the axle ratio. I think 900 ft-lbs of torque will make you happy, regardless of the axle you're stuck with.

The tow rating on the srw is 16860 my drw is 30320 A big difference but both over my tow range

[Big Red and 30WR]

Originally Posted by drittal

Lock out 6th and go. I tow 12k. Many that tow more.

The Aisin will give lower starting gears compared to the 68RFE.

My fathers 4.10 SRW in 5th and my 3.42 SRW in 5th are roughly same rpm.

So with that said with 342 it really wouldn`t downshift more than with 410. Better fuel mileage empty as well

[drittal]

Originally Posted by Big Red and 30WR

So with that said with 342 it really wouldn`t downshift more than with 410. Better fuel mileage empty as well

Damn autocorrect got that.

I tow in 5th, my father tows in 6th.

[markfromark]

The truck in my signature has 3.42 along with the Aisin. I was concerned at first, but after towing with it for a year, I'm really pleased. 1st gear is so low, it's seems effortless starting off. My tow range is similar to yours.

Mark

[Big Red and 30WR]

Originally Posted by markfromark

The truck in my signature has 3.42 along with the Aisin. I was concerned at first, but after towing with it for a year, I'm really pleased. 1st gear is so low, it's seems effortless starting off. My tow range is similar to yours.

Mark

I know what you mean my drw with the aisin first and second gear are slow but comes to life fast when it gets into 3rd gear .

[Big1]

So what did you decide to go with, either way you are good?

[m35a2]

My srw has 342 gears and a 68RFE. Tows great. In fact the Aisin has LESS trailer weight capacity on an srw (truck in my sig has max trailer weight 17,010, with an Aisin it'd only have 16,860)

Bottom line you don't need 411 gears or an Aisin unless you want to tow more than a 17k lb trailer... and in that case you need a drw anyway.

I've pulled from SC to NM and back with this setup. It's solid.

[kcmusa]

The chevy has one ratio, 3.73 no options. i was concerned but have not had an issue.
Like others have said, look at the tow ratings. If they are within range go for it.

[Big Red and 30WR]

Originally Posted by Big1

So what did you decide to go with, either way you are good?

Still waiting to hear back from the dealer and see how the numbers add up. Probably end up keeping my dually with the 410 gears .