spec'ing a shed hauler - axle ratio etc

[jmartin]

(03-14-2025 )DVT873 Wrote:  JMartin, get the close ratio. You won't be happy with the wide ratio. They will likely recommend wide ratio for your application because it has a deeper 1st gear. They don't tell you that you get a wide gap between 3rd and 4th or 4th and 5th. It will fall on its nose. Because of the torque converter effect the gradability while less with the close ratio is still beyond what the tires could manage on dry pavement let alone dirt.

Thanks for all your info, looks like we need to dig into the Allison options. The close ratio does sound like a better fit. Will see if I can find the ratio chart for both and compare. What you said about durability is consistent with what we've been hearing from others, including a shop owner who told us it is rare that he sees any problems with them. I also found mention of a 7 speed Allison but haven't dug into into it to see which series and specs it's available in. Interesting that the exhaust brake is more effective with the Allison, but it makes sense. Regardless, I think he plans to add the jake as the cost isn't significant. We noticed that it really doesn't cost much more to add options to a medium duty, like better cluster, more gauges, better seat, sound deadening and corrosion resistant cab etc. Unlike pickup trucks, where base model to fully loaded can be a near 50k price difference and many of those options aren't even valuable from a business perspective.