Hey all,

So currently I have a 4x4 1999 Ram 1500 Laramie SLT 5.9L V8 on 3" spacers with an add a leaf in the rear sitting on 32" tires with 16" rims. I have a dream of getting my truck a 5" suspension lift on 35" tires with steel rims one day, but in order to get there I have to understand what I'm getting into. From what I've read in order to run 35s well I would have to change my gearing from stock(3.55?) to something like 4.10 gearing. I do not know very much about gearing and hope that you guys could help me out. I know that my gas mileage will be damaged by these modifications but how much would it cost to change my gearing? And is 4.10 something I should consider anyway?

Thanks for the help!

P.S. I'm new to the forum so take it easy on me

 

With 35s you'll wanna run a 4.56:1 ratio or even 4.88s if think you'll get tires larger than 35s some day. Regearing the diffs aren't really a beginner DIY job. If you get the specifications/measurements wrong ruin the gears and have to do it over. The price depends on the brand of ring and pinion and carrier you get, some are cheap others expensive. Idk remember ther price quotes to have a shop do it, call some shops and ask.

and having 35s and going from 3.55 to 4.56 will bring your gas mileage closer to stock.

 

Recent shop quote (last week) near me for dropping off truck in morning and pickup in evening for a 1999 1500 going from 3.55 to 4.10 is $1600. This is from West Coast Differentials, which is a reputable shop. You'll get some variability in part prices for sure. This is a task that requires special tools.

Check around your area.

 

You should definitely consider 4.56s with 35s. going from 3.55 and 35s to 4.56s will actually improve your mileage, performance, etc. pretty much the best mod you can do with oversized tires. Like said earlier, this is not a DIY job for just anyone. Many things can go wrong if you are not careful. It takes a long time too. ( I did my front one weekend and my rear the next weekend :P)

 

Wow thanks for the help guys! Yeah I wasn't planning on doing the gearing myself but now I am sure I do not have the capability. And thanks Matt for telling me that I could get closer to stock mileage with a gearing change. What would happen if I tried to run something smaller? Does one inch constitute a big change?