I'm looking to buy this truck it runs and drives but the rear end needs to be replaced the the four-wheel drive does work but the rear end needs to be replaced it's a v6 the guy has no idea what the gear ratio is I asked him for the VIN number so I can take it to O'Reilly's and see which gear ratio it is he's hesitant which is understandable so I'm here to ask you all was there a particular rear end used for the v6 for this year I like Dodge my last truck was a Dodge and I'd like to get another one now I could go to this man's house to get the VIN number but he's 2 hours away

 

There were several options available for gear ratios over the years, and the only way to know for sure which it has, is to verify it either via the vin, or, it may also be listed on a sticker under the hood.

 

If you go to his house, crawl under it ... the ratio should be a sticker on the axle housing, or at least a tag on the diff cover.

Check the front, make sure you get the same ratio off both.

(It'll say something like 3 9 or 3 5 ... it drops the last digit from the actual ratio, and spaces for the period.)

RwP

 

So o'reilly auto is the new expert on decoding the vin? Since when?
you basically have 3 possibilities if it has a stock ratio. Either 3.2, 3.5 or 3.9.
And bearings and seals are the same for any of the above. As long as ring and pinion aren't trashed rebuild yours.it is in all likelihood an 8-1/4 model rear no matter the ratio.
And 4wd rears are harder to find than 2wd ones.