I just bought a 1999 RAM 1500 Laramie SLT Extended Cab 2WD with a 5.2L V8. I checked the VIN (3B7HC13YXXG196438) with the VIN decoder and it says that I have a 3.21:1 rear axle ratio. When I check the towing capacity charts they state that towing with a 3.21:1 axle ratio is not recommended. I'm towing a small popup (1500 lbs. trailer/185 lbs. tongue) which also has electric brakes. I'm guessing that they don't recommend towing heavy loads with such a low gear ratio but would such a small trailer make much of a difference? I previoulsy towed this trailer with a Subaru without any issues and I'd hope a Ram would not blink an eye. Does anyone tow light loads with the 3.21 axle and have any experience one way or the other? Any advice would be appreciated.

Are you sure you have 3.21s? That doesn't make any sense unless someone swapped them in aftermarket.


Ittl tow it fine btw

I didn't even think 3.21s were an option on a V8 in 1999. Does this truck have any kind of receiver hitch?

I used the VIN decoder located below to get the equipment specs and it says it has a 3.21:1 axle ratio? Is there another way to check? The footnotes of the Dodge towing capacity for 1999 also includes an * that states they don't recommend towing with a 3.21 axle.

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/vindeco...HC13YXXG196438

no hitch of any kind yet.

Get a build sheet from dodge. That will tell you exactly what your truck came with from the factory.

There may also be a tag on the rearend, on one of the cover bolts.

Your build sheet says 3.55

http://www.dodge.com/webselfservice/...HC13YXXG196438

Oooo, that's handy.

My 2500 has 3.55's, that gear ratio is perfect for towing with the OD off. I bought 4.10s for it but my gear installer said it would be a stupid mistake and not to do it, boy was he right.

I think your gear installer is stupid. What size tires? Auto?