Towing with a 3.21:1 axle ratio?

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Jun 30, 2015 | 04:20 PM
  #1  
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.
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Jun 30, 2015 | 04:54 PM
  #2  
Are you sure you have 3.21s? That doesn't make any sense unless someone swapped them in aftermarket.


Ittl tow it fine btw
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Jun 30, 2015 | 05:38 PM
  #3  
I didn't even think 3.21s were an option on a V8 in 1999. Does this truck have any kind of receiver hitch?
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Jun 30, 2015 | 06:34 PM
  #4  
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
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Jun 30, 2015 | 06:36 PM
  #5  
Quote: I didn't even think 3.21s were an option on a V8 in 1999. Does this truck have any kind of receiver hitch?
no hitch of any kind yet.
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Jun 30, 2015 | 09:28 PM
  #6  
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.
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Jun 30, 2015 | 09:59 PM
  #7  
Your build sheet says 3.55

http://www.dodge.com/webselfservice/...HC13YXXG196438
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Jun 30, 2015 | 10:38 PM
  #8  
Quote: Your build sheet says 3.55

http://www.dodge.com/webselfservice/...HC13YXXG196438
Oooo, that's handy.
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Jul 1, 2015 | 09:52 AM
  #9  
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.
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Jul 1, 2015 | 12:24 PM
  #10  
I think your gear installer is stupid. What size tires? Auto?
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