BUYING A TRUCK GEAR RATIO ADVICE

Yea you being down there in flat land country that would be better for mpg switching to tall rubber next time it needs tires. Pretty much everywhere in the NE is 65 i don't much go over 70 that's 1500 for me

 

Hi, I’m going to order VNL860 455TC. Hesitating between 2.64 and 2.79.. What would you advise? I drive Canadian Eastern Provinces (a lot of uphills) and USA East coast (ME,MA,NJ,NY). 50% 80k, 30% 60k, 20% empty. Company requires governed 65 mph truck. Thanks!

 

2.79 if you’ll be governed at 65.

 

Thanks a lot!

 

Talked with dealership today.., they said Volvo program recommends 2.47-2.64 for 80k trucks equipped with Turbo Compound and overdrive transmission.. They also said that 2.79 is possible as well, but it’s out of official recommendation..
Do you think 2.79 isn’t too much for Turbo Compound engine?

 

Final drive ratios and transmission ratios are the key. The idea here is to keep the engine RPM in the power band. The power band is the point where both Horsepower and Torque are at optimal performance for what you’re doing. Cruise on flat land, low RPM will give best results for fuel economy, higher RPM for pulling grades. All these numbers are a compromise. You have to find the middle ground. What will give you the best results is determined by your average. If you spend 60 or more percent running prairie miles, a gearing for best performance at the speed you want to run is going to be the best choice.

 

Do not do 2.79 with TC do the 2.47 on it since it runs better at lower RPM's. If you had the D13 and not the D13TC then the 2.79 work great.