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Close or wide ratio in the v6 ram 1500?

Old Apr 24, 2025 | 01:29 AM
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Default Close or wide ratio in the v6 ram 1500?

Hello Guys, im looking to get an NV3500 out of a 2nd gen ram 1500 with a v6. My only question, did the nv3500's in those trucks come with the same ratios as the 5.2 engines? I know the dakotas had the "close ratio" version of the nv3500 as opposed to the "wide ratio" version used in the full size trucks. I know that sounds like im answering my own question but given the smaller v6 and the full size truck weight, im not sure if they would have put the close ratio transmission with a higher rear end ratio like how they did for the dakotas? If any one knows for sure let me know please.
 
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Old Apr 25, 2025 | 02:11 PM
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Howdy. Going off (https://www.dieselhub.com/transmission/nv3500.html) the 1500 Ram has Wide, 2500 LD has close. Doesn't specify it changes with engine, just Ram size.

My 1999 5.2L/NV3500 build sheet says it's a DDC, NV3500HD but I doubt the HD, so I don't really trust my build sheet data. 3.21 rear
From my VIN build sheet:
4.03
2.33
1.38
1.00
0.73
rev 3.57
11.0" clutch

find someone that posted their VIN build sheet on their dakota which will give you their ratios, so you can compare. but the link I gave it shows close ratio. Or search the Dakota subforum.
I would definitely search for NV3500 swaps in the dakota subforum or you may come across the unexpected

I get Dodge's logic: so wouldn't make sense to have a close ratio in a 3.9L driving a 1500. I think they went with close on the 2500 so the engine wouldn't eat the NV3500 accelerating from a stop when towing (problem the lower torque 5.2L doesn't have)
I haul stuff, but don't tow. That 1st gear is too torquey for me with an empty bed. I'm too old to "race" or "show off"
 
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Old Jun 15, 2025 | 11:14 AM
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Hey there, im a bit late in getting back to this thread but I can confirm now that the exact same NV3500 with the same ratios was used in both the v6 and v8 1500's as you suggested. It makes good sense I just wasn't sure. I appreciate your input sir! And I agree with the NV3500 being a shortcoming of the truck when it comes to towing, I've had to tear mine down too many times to fix gears that keep popping out due to me actually trying to use it like how it says it can do.
 
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