Diamondpilot
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2007
- Messages
- 16,326
- Location
- Daleville, IN
- Tractor
- Jinma 254/284 Ford 861 Powermaster at work
Don't be too impressed. If you listen closely the "chief engineer" says they are similarly equipped with the "LOWEST NUMERICAL AXLE RATIO". That is the kicker right there. For those that may or may not know, the lower the numerical number, the taller the gear.
Lowest numerical axle ratio offered:
Ford - 3.31
Dodge - 3.42
Chevy - 3.73
So they were not "similarly equipped". The Ford had taller gearing which means the rpms were lower at the rated speed which lead to the better fuel mileage. If they all had the same rear axle ratio (they all offer 3.73), I bet the outcome would be different and I bet the RAM Cummins would be on top. It's Ford doing what they do best, playing the numbers game instead of actually showing a true FAIR competition.
Motor Trend did a true FAIR competition and the RAM heavy duty truck came out as Truck of the Year for a reason.
You will defend Dodge because you are Brand Loyal as you say but the rear end meant something a few years ago but does not really mean much now days. All the manufactures, Ford included, have made great strides in trannys. Another big difference is the tire sizes used now days. The ratios have changed so much that a 3.42 gear can now be equal to a 4.10 gear in a similar truck that is just 2 years old. Also going from the old standard 15" tires and wheels compared to the new trucks with 18" or larger can make a bid difference.
To get a true FAIR comparison you would need to do the math starting with the engine RPM's then calculate the gear ratio in the tranny, then the rear axle ratio, and finally the tire rotations per mile. I have sat down and did just this a few years back on the 08 models and they were all very close.
Chris