Higher Rear End Gears
03-24-2003, 08:26 AM
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Re:Higher Rear End Gears
Actually the truck is rated...not the gearing.<br><br>the 3.73 and 4.10 gears are rated to pull the same weight in the 2500HD trucks.<br><br>I think it is similarly true for the 3500s.<br><br>Anything more than 4.10s on the highway is wasting fuel IMO.
03-24-2003, 09:18 AM
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Re:Higher Rear End Gears
Hummin Cummins, the 3/4 ton rating are the same because they have to rate the trucks by the weakest component in the truck, so DC figures that there is something on the 3/4 tons that does not allow them to raise the rating for the 4.10 axle ratio. However, with the 1-ton trucks, the tow rating is raised by 2,000 lbs by going to the 4.10 axle ratio.
03-26-2003, 04:35 PM
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Re:Higher Rear End Gears
[quote author=Hummin' Cummins link=board=20;threadid=12667;start=0#119786 date=1048516001]<br>Actually the truck is rated...not the gearing.<br><br>the 3.73 and 4.10 gears are rated to pull the same weight in the 2500HD trucks.<br><br>I think it is similarly true for the 3500s.<br><br>Anything more than 4.10s on the highway is wasting fuel IMO.<br>[/quote]<br><br>They are not the same on the 3500's. 21,000 for 3.73's and 23,000 for 4.10's
03-26-2003, 06:51 PM
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Re:Higher Rear End Gears
and the difference between the 3500 and 2500 when both have the HO is? <br><br>Only thing I could find was the rear springs and DOT lights.
03-27-2003, 11:08 PM
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Re:Higher Rear End Gears
You forgot the cool-looking "3500" badge on the doors 
<br><br>I heard the brakes have larger pistons. But I think $420 or so extra for the 1-ton doesn't buy much more than the "cool" factor, if it means anything to anyone :
<br><br>Vaughn
<br><br>I heard the brakes have larger pistons. But I think $420 or so extra for the 1-ton doesn't buy much more than the "cool" factor, if it means anything to anyone :<br><br>Vaughn
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03-28-2003, 05:31 AM
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Re:Higher Rear End Gears
I guess what I was asking, was if the 3500 Ram came with a higher gear (or lower gear, I get those two mixed up) option. I know the Ford F450 come with 4:75 and some with 5:10's. It does make sence however, that the Ram is rated at it's weakest point, perhaps the brakes. So by putting 4:75's in the rear-ends would simply be putting that truck well over it's towing capacity. <br>~Nagi
03-28-2003, 07:33 AM
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Re:Higher Rear End Gears
Actually the F-450 can have 4.30, 4.88, 5.38 rear end ratios. The weakest link on the Dodge is probably the tires. The F-450 and 550 have 19.5 inch wheels.
Randy
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03-28-2003, 08:28 AM
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Re:Higher Rear End Gears
Actually the rating doesn't have anything to do with how "weak" the gears are, but more of how well the truck can handle the load. The truth it that lower gear ratios (higher numbers) are weaker then the higher ratio becase the pinion gets smaller. So technically the 3.73 is a stronger gear then the 4.10, although it is a small difference.
03-28-2003, 06:36 PM
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Re:Higher Rear End Gears
I have had a shop in San Antonio, TX install 4.56 gears on a 1-ton dually, but they are not a foctory option. The gear availability for the 11.5 American axle (aftermarket) are 3.73, 4.10, 4.56, 4.88, & 5.12. Costs range from $1500-$2500 to do the install, and it will void your factory warranty on the rear end. My shop gave me a 2 yr/24,000 mi warranty in the 4.56 gear set. My customer is very happy with the truck, and the way it pulls with those gears. I will post some pics of the truck, it is pretty tricked out. 2003 QC SLT 6-speed HO, flat bed, Jacobs Brake, custom front and rear bumpers, custom expanded metal running boards, dark garnet red w/ sport appearance grille (courtesy of my paint shop), and twin straight exhaust stacks. It gets alot of looks, and can haul his backhoes with no problem.
03-28-2003, 07:06 PM
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Re:Higher Rear End Gears
Thankyou :P. Finally, someone who can give me a direct answer to my question. I almost lost all hope there for awhile. [undecided]. I just ordered a 03, 3500, Cummins with the new automatic w/4:11's. I am thinking that with the 4:56 gears I would be running at a higher RPM. Also, how, if at all that is, would this effect the performance of the new Automatic Transmission?
03-29-2003, 08:50 AM
#13
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Re:Higher Rear End Gears
Nagi putting 4.56 gears in a one ton chassis will only enhance the overall performance when towing and slowing with an exhaust brake. It will also put you more into the power band of the Cummins with the automatic but will limit your top end to about 75 mph. If you intend to tow at 65 mph a lot you will not be disappointed with these gears, down side is that the automatic will always be in overdrive which generates more heat unless you spend some substantial money to accomadate your needs. 4.56 gears will also have you in the 2400-2600 range at 70 mph which will be uncomfortable for running empty and fuel milage will not be that good. Factory spec for the military Dodge is 4.56 for any one interested. PK
03-29-2003, 11:46 AM
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Re:Higher Rear End Gears
Very useful information. Something I had thought would have been an issue but wasn't to sure about and makes a lot of sence. I don't want to run the truck as if it is governed to only go 65 mph. Running the truck at higher RPM's making the truck run hotter with those gears makes sence also. Usefull information to concider before making any rash dicisions. That's what makes this site so valuble. Thank you.
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