Let's talk gears.

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Logan76, Mar 13, 2011.

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  1. Logan76

    Logan76 Crusty In Training

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    To all of you fellow drivers, what gears do you prefer? I'm sure most of you know what gears have been in the trucks you've driven, whats the gear ratio that's worked best for you? you can feel free to include what transmission is in front of them if you like.

    Personally the best setup ive driven has been an 18 speed with 4.11's. that thing pulls hard, best pulling truck ive ever driven, those gears are great. I have'nt figured out my mpg, I don't even care to. The boss said the truck seems to get 6+ mpg.
     
    Logan76, Mar 13, 2011
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  2. 25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    You can run a taller ratio with more gears coming out of the box from my experience,than with a 9 or 10, I prefer 3.55 or higher for the mountains I pull and the loads in the box.

    3.42 with a 10c overdrive is just too tall unless we are running light. It would be fine with a 13 or 18.
     
    Last edited: Mar 13, 2011
    25(2)+2, Mar 13, 2011
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  3. Logan76

    Logan76 Crusty In Training

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    Understandable there, I pass guys creeping up these hills when Im grossed over 78k, you cant hide the weight i haul flatbed freight, I always wonder whats under the hood of those guys trucks...
     
    Logan76, Mar 13, 2011
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  4. Lonesome

    Lonesome Mr. Sarcasm

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    I always thought 3:42's or similar with a 13 or 15 speed over, would get you the best all around pulling, fuel mileage, etc.
     
    Lonesome, Mar 16, 2011
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  5. bellydumper

    bellydumper Light Load Member

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    Super 10.... I also like 18 speed
     
    bellydumper, Mar 18, 2011
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  6. rickybobby

    rickybobby Road Train Member

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    10speed auto
     
    rickybobby, Mar 18, 2011
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  7. johnday

    johnday Road Train Member

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    13, 18 offroad or real, real, heavy. Somewhere around 3:55 on the rears, or maybe a bit bigger:biggrin_255:
    Try a straight 10, 3:08's and a POS Detroit, then you'll appreciate the above!
     
    johnday, Mar 19, 2011
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  8. bellydumper

    bellydumper Light Load Member

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    Nothing wrong with detroits,most are more powerful than cats. I drove a super 10 with a 435 cat and couldnt do nothing with the hills with 80k:biggrin_25513:
     
    bellydumper, Mar 21, 2011
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  9. Paddletrucker

    Paddletrucker Medium Load Member

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    ANYTHING BESIDES a Super 10!!!

    Actually, I really don't care for any ten speed. Just a personal thing. My tractor has a Super 10, and I can promise you it'll be the last one of those pieces of bovine excrement I'll ever own.

    I like an 18 speed best and then a 13. I've never felt like I had too many gears, but all the time feel like there's not enough. You can skip them if 'ya don't need them, but if 'ya ain't got 'em...well, 'ya ain't got 'em!
     
    Paddletrucker, Mar 21, 2011
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  10. johnday

    johnday Road Train Member

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    If it ain't yellow or red, it's dead. I've been in quite a number of DD's with that combo, with right about that HP, I must be spoiled. I had one Super 10 for a week once, world of difference there as well. Please. please, please, give me an old N14 and a 13 anyday.:biggrin_25514:
     
    johnday, Mar 21, 2011
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