96 is a hybrid OBD2 thats why only one aftermarket tuner company really supports them at all...many dont support 97's either because of differences....

 

OBD2 started in 96 for cars, but unfortunately trucks didnt get OBD2 until later in the 1997 model year. Id say around march of 97 is when trucks got OBD2

 

everything I read on my 96 said it was a mix of OBD1 and 2 Dont they have to be obd2 complaint like all 96 model year vehicles? thought that was why 96 and newer vehicles have emissions testing in many states (like NY)?
from what I read they still used older style sensors and such so it wasnt plug in play with the later programming.
not to get too far off topic....but that may be why your dealer said they couldnt change any of that.

 

just throwin in my two cents.


i have read many threads on gears on this forum, and from numerous people saying the 3.55's can handle pretty much up to 33x12.5 without being THAT sluggish. Anything bigger than that is to going to make it very sluggish. So the real way to get good shift points, and not burn out your tranny is to get the 4.56 gears.

I have the 4.10 gears on my truck and am running 265/75/16, which to me is a great combo, plenty of power, and i get 13.5 MPG city (5.9L)

My fathers Ram has the same size tires, but 3.55 read end, and has 70K less miles on his motor, and mine runs way better. and smother. hes got a slight doggin in it. noticable, but i mean it still runs really good, just doesnt have good pickup.

now with those being about 31 in tires makin the 3.55 a bit sluggish, just think of what you have 3.55 with 35's. You need to change the rear end

 

Great Read on the gear, I totally agree with you on having them changed, I guess it was the dollars that I keep hearing about on different forums and what a couple of guys mentioned here. Will check the price of gears and check with a mechanic friend how much time and special tools it might take to change. I guess changing the gears, I should change the tranny gear also. Just have to findout how many teeth ....did you do that or just the 4:56 gears. Have a great one ...later

 

I use my OBD2 reader on my 96 Dodge ram to read error codes and it hooks up fine, I use mine for both the 96 and my 2005.

 

I assume changeing the rear gears to 4.56, I will have to do the same for the front ...right

 

not nessesarily, because its RWD so all the stress is going to the rear. the front should be fine.

 

you dont have to, but if you dont want to eff up your transfer case, then ya youll have to do both.

 

OK ...decided that I should change the gears in the front and rear to 4.56 because it is very sluggish with the 35's now. Can you guys tell me what exactly will I require to change these. What parts will I order and how involved is it changing the front and rear ....damm ...wish I didn"t just change the diiff fliulds a ccouple of months ago ...all synthetic oil too...lol.

Hopefully my mechanic buddy will be around and needs a few beers.