Gear Vendors: Texas Highways 80MPH
My question to the group is this: I can get a Gear Vendors installed turn key in Houston for $3,400, about double the price to lose my 4.10 gears. I have only heard/read glowing reports on how the 6.5 TD responds when given an 8 speed transmission that is corrected down to 3.08 final drive when not towing.
I am on the fence as to what to do with all this data y'all are pouring out on installing smaller gears against the future possiblilty that I will obtain the bumper-pull portable Texas Ranch House/pontoon barge (Texsas Reservoir Yacht) of my dreams and need to tow 9,000+ lbs once in a little while.
I like the idea of the gear change for the component of simplicity, I lile the idea of the second transmission for the reportedly phenomenal results.
Anyone opine on this conundrum?
As well Texas DPS is slowly changing the speed limits in the 'remote' areas (I live in a remote area) to 80MPH. I will somehow feel deprived if my RPM's are so high at 80 MPH as to force the stereo to maximum DB's and I still can't keep up with the lawyers from Austin in thier sporty German Turbo Panzerwagens.
Towing, MPG and MPH; is Gear Vendors the only true solution to all these?
Gearing is not the answer here
In short
Lowering the ratio, lowers the RPM - this does not mean lower MPG
This can and will be detrimental to the engine to lug a motor.
Every engine out there has a "sweet" spot for power and were it like to run.
Outside of this area is wear either by friction or poor lubrication, yes even at low RPM
The 6.5 pulls best around 2700RPM
Put in a gear the you can live with and run the engine as intended.
I run 4.56 gears with stock tires, I pull 8000 lbs. However I can only go 75MPH top end, fast enough for me. When the engine runs at 2500 to 2800 it takes alot to slow it down, hills etc. Run the engine at 1500 and your foot will be in the gas pedal more often
Key in all engines for MPG is vacuumm not gearing.