Rear gear question

[CSXPAID]

I bought my 96 f-350 CC dually for towing an 18 foot open car trailer with a 4500 lb. vehicle on it now and then. The reason why I bought a diesel truck was for better mileage than a 460 truck, but so far I haven't been able to see anything over 12 or 13 mpg the truck is limited slip with 4.10 gear and I was wondering if I would have a hard time towing if I installed a 3.55 rear gear like the SRW trucks have?

Thank you,

DEVLYN

[95PDXLT]

With under 10,000lbs i think you'd be ok with 3.55s. My truck in sig is geared 3.55 and an auto, and it has alot more pickup than the cummins 96 ram 3500 4x4 geared 4.10 with a stick that my previous employer had. The trailer was 10,000 lbs and always had another 3000-5000lbs in it.

If its an auto i'd install a larger tranny cooler and a transmission temp guage.

As for mileage i've put 1500 miles on it since i got it a few weeks ago. I see 14-15mpg empty in 2wd or 4wd. It does not seem to make a difference.

[pipelayerjdh]

I like my 3.55's, and I have pulled some heavy loads. I have to use 4th when towing. I don't think you will get great mileage gains, unless you spend a lot of time on the interstate. I get about 13 mpg.