I have a 99 ram 1500 quad cab slt. Recently my rear axle went out and i need a new one. I have been told by a lot of friends that they can fix it, but I need to find a new rear axle.

My question is what is my rear axle assy ratio. I haven't been able to find it, and nobody can seem to tell me where I can find it. I can't calculate it because the drive shaft is no longer connected to the rear axle(That's where it broke off) also the rear axle won't turn because it is locked up or something.
The transmission is a 4-speed automatic
Axle(only info i can find) - Anti-spin Differential
Engine 5.9L SMPI V8


These are my options.

Rear Axle Assy
4x2, 3.21 ratio
4x2, 3.55 ratio
4x2, 3.90 ratio


Any info will help me.

 

more than likely, its a 3.55, you should be able to look in your glove box and find a little sticker that says what it has.
If you are sure that the previous owner didnt modify it, then you can call a dealer tomorrow and have them run the vin number to get a build sheet. In fact I think you can do this on the Dodge website too.

 

Only problem with doing it on the Dodge website is that it sometimes takes them a week or so to get back to you. A $tealership would be quicker.

Most likely a 3.55 axle ratio is what you had stock. If you have a 4x2, which it looks like you do (and not a 4x4), I'd suggest getting the 3.90/3.92 though for a replacement if you can. Better get up and go, better for any towing/loads you might do, and better gas mileage if you have tires larger then the standard 225 or 245 size. Thats my opinion.

 

I called the parts department of my local dodge dealership. They gave it to me. 3.55 was correct. That's sucks because if it were the lower ratio the it would have saved me like 200 bucks.

 

Why don't you just put the lower axel ratio on then? I would anyway. 3.55s kinda suck.

 

Is it as easy as just changing the gears or does the whole carrier have to be repalaced?

 

Thats the nice thing about two wheel drive, you dont have to replace two gear sets.
No the whole carrier shouldnt have to be replaced un less youve dented the hell out of it, or grenaded it and put a hole in it.

 

What about the reprograming for different gears

 

I don't think there is any programming required.

 

No, there is nothing to program on the PCM for these trucks.