Gear ratio and fuel mileage

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by 2Much2, Oct 18, 2010.

  1. 2Much2

    2Much2 Bobtail Member

    21
    1
    Feb 16, 2010
    Steeler Country
    0
    How important is gear ratio when trying increase fuel mileage? I have a Tri-axle dump truck 4:33 gear ratio and fro 16210 transmission. I can change my ratio to 3:91's and Im looking for a rto16709 or I can make the 9 speed a rtoo 13 speed. Mileage right now is between 4.8 mpg and 5.2. I have 3406e 5ek 475 with 30lbs of boost.
     
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  3. mackman141

    mackman141 Bobtail Member

    34
    3
    Oct 5, 2010
    SE PA
    0
    I got a MACK with a 460 and 13speed. 4:30 gear ratio. Im happy if i get over 4.5MPG. I think 3.91 is way to high in a dump truck. Unless you are stocking black top plants all day and never go off road.
     
  4. earthmover

    earthmover Medium Load Member

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    Jan 27, 2009
    castalia , north carolina
    0
    wow i have a tri axle freightliner not alot of hp but plan to turn it up a little next yr. to 350/1450 i hope it will go there..anyway now its a 280/1050 i think with a rto14709mll trans and i get 6.5/7 mpg with 4.11 geras and the truck will run 80mph loaded its a snall off the line but once i get it going its ok....
     
  5. black_dog106

    black_dog106 Road Train Member

    1,786
    1,664
    Mar 29, 2009
    MA
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    What MM141 said.
    If i go off road or haul heavy, give me low gears every time
     
  6. melpromud

    melpromud Medium Load Member

    463
    114
    Jan 29, 2010
    camden ny
    0
    I think 3.91s will be ok if you dont do alot of heavy off road. If you think you need to change the trans also get an 8LL or 18 speed. They both have a lower low hole than a 9,10, or 13 speed. Dont bother changing your 10 speed to a 9 or 13. High gear is all the same so their will be no value as far as fuel milage. If you shift a 13 properly you can get a very slight increse in fuel milage but nowhere's near enough to ever pay for the swap. The 9C is convertable to a 13 but its not the old RTOO double over. That trans has not been made in 20+ years. All Road Ranger trans that are over drive have .73 or .74 OD so swaping trannys to gain fuel milage is a complete waist. (15speed .79 but not worth talking about)
    Alot of new dump truck are being spected with 3.91s but the newer engines make power at lower RPMs. 3.91s with an 8LL or 18 speed would be more fuel efficient than what you have now but I dont think it will change a whole lot and your talking a lot of money for 2 new rears and a new trans. I dont think you will ever recoupe all the money spent swaping things out. 4.8 to 5.2 aint that bad for a dump truck. Im guessing after all the time, labor, and cost you will only gain 2 or 3 tenths. Not worth it in my oppinion.
     
  7. 2Much2

    2Much2 Bobtail Member

    21
    1
    Feb 16, 2010
    Steeler Country
    0
    The reason for the tranny swap is the 10 speed needs new synchronizers the money that I would use to fix it I could use for another transmission. I know the 3.91's will work for my application. I was just weighing the practicallity of the idea.
     
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