Tow Package Diff Ratio question

CowDoc · 03-21-2006, 05:38 PM

Hello all. I'm new to the forums and am 2 days away from picking up my new 2006 KC XE. I had intended to pick up a regular 4x2 with limited slip differential (2.94:1), however at the last minute the dealer stated this truck was snatched away from them (it was on another dealer lot). They offered the same truck setup, however the second truck had the Tow Package (3.36:1). Because of the big goof up, they basically offered the second truck at the same price we negotiated for the first one (which I thought was nice).
Here's my question: I do NOT do alot of towing, mainly regular driving and the occasional full bed of <insert various items>. Will this Tow package drivetrain have a noticeable difference in regular highway driving as compared to the regular drivetrain? worse gas mileage? Does anyone in the forums here own a Titan with the Tow package? If so, I would greatly appreciate your thoughts on how this particular truck drives. I'm already a little wary after reading about the Brake/rear diff problems this vehicle (seems) to have, I dont want to add insult to injury.
Thanks again, and I hope I have nothing but happy things to post on this site for the years to come!

rtapia · 03-21-2006, 07:50 PM

It will cost you 1-2 mpg. It will also boost resale value.

plateo'ribs · 03-21-2006, 07:52 PM

I've got the tow package. I'll probably never use it to it's capacity, but I think it's foolish to order a truck without it. In mixed driving I'm getting 13-14mpg, but my engine is still green.

Kooshtaka · 03-21-2006, 08:00 PM

I have the tow package. I don't use it very much, but it's nice knowing that it's there if i ever need to use it. and like stated above, will prob. boost resale. so what's not to loose, especially since you can get it for free practicaly.

whiteLE · 03-21-2006, 08:09 PM

CowDoc's question-brings up a couple more:

1. Does every Titan that does not have Big Tow and/or Off-Road package have a 2:94 differential instead of a 3:36?

2. Is the 2:94 differential actually a different rear-end (gear, pinion, etc) than the 3:36 or is 2:94 achieved by something different in the transmission to achieve higher gearing?

On the unofficial complaint list, only about 5 of the 95 failures have the 2:94 diff (no BT, no OR)

white

Kooshtaka · 03-21-2006, 08:12 PM

very gd questions to ask white. but I still wouldn't give up either my off-road or big tow packages.

2Titans · 03-21-2006, 08:14 PM

I have an '04 with Tow Package and an '05 without.
Gas mileage is about the same (around 15-16 mpg).
Under normal driving situations, the '04 with tow package excellerates faster, handles hills and loads better and runs a few rpm higher.
I wish my '05 had the tow or off-road package- if I could do it all over again I would spend the extra money and get it.
I think you made a wise choice in getting it, the gearing in these trucks does make a difference.

CowDoc · 03-21-2006, 08:22 PM

Great. Thanks for the replies, much appreciated. Guess I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed in hopes that the rear diff doesnt blow in the next 5000 miles, but I am excited to pick her up! Thanks again!

bestatchess · 03-21-2006, 08:43 PM

1. Yes

2. The transmission has nothing to do with the rear axle ratio. The rear axle ratio is obtained by dividing the number of teeth on the ring gear by the number of teeth on the pinion gear.

Quote:

Originally Posted by whiteLE

CowDoc's question-brings up a couple more:

1. Does every Titan that does not have Big Tow and/or Off-Road package have a 2:94 differential instead of a 3:36?

2. Is the 2:94 differential actually a different rear-end (gear, pinion, etc) than the 3:36 or is 2:94 achieved by something different in the transmission to achieve higher gearing?

On the unofficial complaint list, only about 5 of the 95 failures have the 2:94 diff (no BT, no OR)

white

Kooshtaka · 03-22-2006, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CowDoc

Great. Thanks for the replies, much appreciated. Guess I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed in hopes that the rear diff doesnt blow in the next 5000 miles, but I am excited to pick her up! Thanks again!

Don't even worry about your rear diff. it it goes it goes. and it'll be covered under warrenty. Also it seems like the dealer you are going through is pretty chill, and they'll take care of you if something goes wrong. Nissan is know for that- excellent customer service, and also nearly indestructable motors.

markislive78 · 03-26-2006, 02:41 PM

I have 2.94's....i wish i had 3.36's for the acceleration

**chunko** · 03-26-2006, 03:16 PM

Go With the higher gear....

You can always boost tire size a lil to put you at effectively stock gearing...

*mach1* · 03-30-2006, 02:59 AM

Its actually the lower gear ratio, although higher numerically.

I doubt you will notice any gas mileage difference in the two, they are relatively close together, and what the lower ratio loses on highway cruising, it will gain some back in easier starts from stops and low rpm cruising due to more mulitplication and less work on the engine.

CowDoc · 03-30-2006, 08:32 AM

I picked her (the truck) up last Friday, and thats what I'm finding. It hovers just under 2000 RPM at 70 MPH and at this time is getting 18 MPG...although I'm sure that will change as time goes on. I have to say it does have smooth shifting! Thanks again for the answers.