Hello,
I have a 1998 Ram 1500 5.2L 4x4 with 3.55 gears. I am running 285/75/16 so basically 33in tires. I want to do a gear swap upto 4.10 or 4.56 and wanted some opinions on this. I mainly use the truck to pull a 16ft enclosed trailer and will be moving with it here shortly. I don't do alot of other driving with it either. Basically I would like some opinions from people that have already done this with their pros and cons to each gear. I have looked at several threads on here from others and just wanted some more opinions. Also what is the difference between Yukon and motive brands besides price?

Thanks in advance I love this site!

Matt

 

im getting ready to do this swap on my 5.9 dakota,i have 3.55 gears as well and decided to go with the 4.56 gears,ive calculated with the overdrive ill be cruising just a tad under 2000rpm at 60mph,perfect gear with 33s and perfect for pulling a trailer as well...

 

So what would the RPMS be if I were to go 70-75 on the interstate for some reason?

 

If you are towing out of OD like you should be rpm at 70-75 mph with 4.56 gears you are going to be in the 3000+ range.


...................with OD........................No OD
with 4.10
245/75R16 = 2029rpm @ 65mph........ 2940rpm
265/75R16 = 1953rpm @ 65mph........ 2830rpm
285/75R16 = 1883rpm @ 65mph........ 2729rpm
315/75R16 = 1786rpm @ 65mph........ 2589rpm

with 4.56
245/75R16 = 2256rpm @ 65mph....... 3270rpm
265/75R16 = 2172rpm @ 65mph....... 3148rpm
285/75R16 = 2094rpm @ 65mph....... 3021rpm
315/75R16 = 1987rpm @ 65mph....... 2879rpm

 

Do you ever plan on going bigger than a 33? If so, 4.56 will probably be better for you.

 

I don't plan on going much bigger than my 33's so maybe the 4.10 option is a bit better?

 

Depends on the trucks primary purpose. If you use it to tow alot, at freeway speeds, then go with the 4.10s. If not, then the 4.56 will give a nice boost to low-end grunt. The lower gears (higher numerically) would probably require you to drive a bit slower while towing on the freeway..... (keep it around 60 or so....) but, would make the truck more friendly for around town and off-road.

 

I've got a 96 1500 4x4 2" lift 5.2/auto. I just put some 285/75/16" tires on it, and changed the gears from 3.55 to 4.10. It's a good combo; especially if you'll be towing (since they don't recommend towing anything heavy with OD engaged).

While they've got it apart, it would be a good time to put a True-Trac in at least the rear.

 

I'm currently running 3.55 gears in my truck along with 285/75/16 tires and a Trac-Loc in the rear. Running Dana 60s front and rear. I've noticed that the truck is a bit sluggish when pulling off from a dead stop with the 3.55 and 285/75/16 combo. Recently towed a car on my car trailer for about 80 miles for the first time with this truck and while it did OK, it would have been perfect for me with 4.10s. I have already purchased 4.10 gears to do the swap. Just need to pickup bearing kits with pinion seal and shims to have my ring + pinion buddy to perform the swap. 4.56 is too much for my taste - just don't want to spin the motor that hard. I just want a good overall combo for driving around town and on the highway.