Alright, so I've tried searching for a bit, but with such a common phrase, so many post are coming up and I just don't know enough lingo to narrow the search any more, so I apologize for asking what has probably been asked a bunch. Anywho...

I just bought my 98 Ram 1500 4X4 a couple weeks ago and unfortunately have the Chrysler 9.25 rear diff w/ 3.55 gears. I don't know a whole lot about these kinds of things, but I know that I don't like what's on there now. I've had 3 other trucks in the past all with Limited Slip Differentials and they really help a lot. What can I do to get something like that in my truck for a reasonable price?

Now for the real dumb question...Would I gain any benefits from getting 4.10 gears and what would those benefits be?

Thanks in advance!

 

Auburn Gear makes a good limited slip diff for the Chrysler 9 1/4 that isn't too outrageously priced and will take a lot of punishment. As for increasing your axle ratio to 4.10:1, many people see this as an excellent way to multiply their low-end torque on an otherwise stock truck. If you're running with stock tires and an otherwise stock rig, and would like to see some more grunt off the line for towing/hauling etc, 4.10 is a good ratio as you won't lose too much highway performance. On 31 inch tires with 3.55's the engine will be revving just under 1600 rpm at 60 mph. 4.10's will increase your engine speed by about 250 rpm at 60 mph. The downside to running a bigger gear ratio is that fuel mileage will decrease, somewhat, and if you have a 4x4, then obviously you have two gearsets to swap at about $500 per. Here's a couple links so you can make some sense of this!
http://http://www.onlineconversion.com/bigger_tires.htm
http://http://www.auburngear.com/

 

I love my Auburn and agree about the gear(s).

 

Thanks a bunch akyne! That's the info I was looking for. I'm running 33's on my truck right now and don't plan on going any bigger. I think I'll get that LSD in and see how I like it from there. Right now, I can start off fine in 2nd gear, so I probably won't need much more in low end since I'll just be hauling a couple motorcycles at a time. Thanks again!

 

I have 4.10s on 33s with the 5.2, switched from 3.55s. First gear is a little low; i either short shift it or rev the **** out of first gear to get it going. The real benifit is @ high way speeds. The 4.10s brought it back to at least stock performance @ 60 mph. I can easily accelerate when cruising again.