Hi,

I have lurked here for a bit and have received a lot of help on some issues I have had.

I e-mailed for the build sheet and wonder why anyone would order the 3.9 with the tallest possible Axle you can get (3.21). It actually has nice power around town but on the highway in 4th and 5th it's pretty gutless.

Does anyone else have that setup, I suppose with the 318 it might actually be ok power-wise on the highway.

Another question, what does LD mean on the Axle, just trying to find out if its Limited slip or not (if there is no mention if does it mean that it's not?).

Thank you for contacting the Chrysler Customer Assistance Center
regarding your 1998 Dodge Ram.

We have reviewed your email regarding the Build Sheet. We appreciate
the time and effort you took to write to us. In response to your email,
we would like to inform you that we are pleased to provide vehicle build
information per your request.

According to our records, your vehicle was equipped from the factory
with the following:

Deluxe Cloth/Vinyl Bench Seat
Mist Gray
Utility Group
Monotone Paint
Work Special Group
Dress-Up Group
3.9L ENG(EHC)/5SPD M/T NV3500(DDC)
117 Amp Alternator
600 Amp Maintenance Free Battery
Pwr Disc/Drum Rr Anti-Lock Brakes
11x2 Rear Drum Brakes
Straight Back Bench Seat
Front Height Adjust Shoulder Belts
Next Generation Front Air Bags**
Passenger Air Bag On/Off Switch
Black Vinyl Floor Covering
Passenger Assist Handle
All Manual Transmissions
5-Speed HD Manual Transmission
3.21 Axle Ratio
Corporate 9.25 LD Rear Axle
All Engines
All Gas Engine
3.9L SMPI V6 Engine
Tinted Glass Windows
Tinted Windshield Glass
Front Door Tinted Glass
Rear View Day/Night Mirror
Manual 6 x 9 Black Mirrors
All Vehicles W/O Power Mirrors
Heater
Dash Liner Insulation
Instrument Cluster
200 KPH Primary Speedometer
Var Intermittent Windshield Wipers
Cigar Lighter
Dual Note Electric Horns
12V Auxiliary Power Outlet
STRIPE/BADGE/MOLDING/COLOR
Daytime Running Headlamps
Delete Cargo Lamp
Argent Rear Bumper
Painted Front Bumper
Front License Plate Bracket
Bright Grille
Black Windshield Moldings
Removable Tailgate w/Caliper Latches
Front Air Dam
Federal Emissions
EVAP Control System
26 Gallon Fuel Tank
Engine Block Heater
Emerald Green Pearl Coat
Emerald Green Pearl Coat
All Radio Equipped Vehicles
AM/FM Cassette Radio
4 Speakers
Fixed Long Mast Antenna
Power Rack and Pinion Steering
2-Spoke Steering Wheel
Front Heavy Duty Shock Absorbers
Rear Heavy Duty Shock Absorbers
Front Stabilizer Bar
Full Size Spare Tire
Tire Carrier Winch
P245/75R16 OWL All Season Tires
Michelin Brand Tires
16X7.0 Chrome Wheels
Steel Spare Wheel
All Steel Wheels
Center Hub
Pickup Box
Vendor Painted Cargo Box
Without Billable Fuel
Spring - Left Front
Spring - Left Rear
Spring - Right Front
Spring - Right Rear

 

I think the LD means Light Duty.

Gears? Maybe because of the 3.9?

 

Yeah, I did some searching the LD means something like that.

And for the LSD, it says it on the build sheet on it's own line.

You have to be careful with your search terms since it doesn't allow 3 character words like LSD or ABS.

As for the Axle, to me since there is no special short-ratio gearbox for the 3.9 it should at least have the 3.55 axle and then the 3.92 for the Auto.

If I ever had to replace the axle I would definitely re-gear it to something shorter.

 

The automatic or manual transmission, which I'm assuming is what you are referring to when you say "for the Auto", has little to do with what gears one got from the factory. I'm pretty sure you could have got a manual with 3.92, an automatic with 3.92, or either with the 3.55. Mine is an auto 5.9L, and mine came with 3.55 like 90%+ of these trucks.

Regearing would get your power to the ground more quickly, so to speak, but you'd lose top end (like you have much with a 3.9L anyway, no offense).

I just purchased a set of 3.92 gears from a friend, and will be regearing mine before next winter.

 

He has a manual tranny.

 

i think its normal for the manual transmission to come with a higher gear rear end. since you have a 5 speed with more gearing range, especially in low, the higher rear end gear is a better match. a 5 speed with a 4.10 would be a super low geared beast.

it becomes a slug in the upper gears because its just underpowered for the weight and drag.

 

...also because it's the 3.9!

Definitely the 318 would make a big difference.

At least for me it's just a second vehicle to get to work and pickup stuff that doesn't fit in the car.