looking at the new trucks it says that going from a 3.55 to a 3.21 axle ratio brings it down by 2000 pounds, there is no manual option so it is not clear how that would possibly change the rating. although in the HD line the tow rating goes up with a manual by 2000 lbs while keeping the axle at 3.73. One could imagine that it would not go up that much with the 3.21 axle ratio, lets say 1000 pounds to be conservative. Dealer told me on the phone it was 8,000 but that seems high for a 3.21 axle.

Anyone have the hard data?

If I can tow 5,000 pounds easily that would be allright.

 

That will make your transmission have to work a lot harder. The engine can adapt to whatever power it needs to do the job, but the tranny will be stressed to(and maybe past) its limit. You will be taking the ratio the opposite direction going to 3.21 than 3.73. So try taking a couple thousand pounds OFF the standard towing capacity.

 

I looked at the trailer life tow rating charts and it says for a 2wd single cab with manual and 3.21 rear the tow rating is 3250 lbs. Swap the rear for a 3.55 gear and it's 4950 lbs. You might be able to tow that much but your truck would hate you and it wouldn't be a pleasant experience.

 

Umm your truck will get that 4950 moving much better with the 3.55's vs 3.21... Towing 5k with theses trucks isnt that bad.. I wouldnt hesitate to tow that and im sure others here wouldnt either... Why would you want to go from 3.55 to 3.21 anyway? Like DH said you are moving in the opposite direction... If you want to tow 5k with your truck go with 4.10s...

 

well I am looking at buying one and I found a nice deal, I am just trying to figure out its tow rating. So if it won't do it I will just look at another truck.

The truck I am looking at is a 1998 long bed regular cab 5 speed 3.21 ratio 318.

I am hearing lots of numbers from all over, so far 3250 is the lowest I know these trucks can tow 8,000 pounds and I know that axle ratio is showing to be the most dominant factor in how much you can tow.


Thanks for all the input so far.

 

With a 3.21 ratio its not the best for towing.. Those are more of a highway gear... Honestly I cant recall ever seeing a Ram come with 3.21... I guess there is a first for everything... The truck will haul the weight with those gears but the tranny will be working some overtime....

 

Here's a link to the chart I used. I used the 2001 list because it breaks down info a lot more than the previous years. I've towed around 5k a few times with the auto/5.9/3.55's and it wasn't bad but more gear would have definately been nice.


http://www.trailerlife.com/trailer-towing-guides/

 

well the 99 chart says don't do it at all with a 3.21 So I think I will look for a 3.55.

 

Yep, just avoid the truck with the 3.21s. By the time you even factor in upgrading the gears down the road, it's more economical to just buy a truck with a better towing gear ratio to start.

 

Most of the Dodge's you'll find will have the 3.55 gears. Kind of ironic you found one with a 3.21 as they weren't very common. The next step up from the factory is 3.92's and then 4.10's. 3.92's or 4.10's would be the most desirable factory gear for towing, then the 3.55's. There's a sticker under the hood that will tell you what gear is in the truck; also a tag on the rear itself. Happy hunting