Hello, I have a 4x4 05 Dakota SLT with the V8 and tow package. When I ordered the truck the idiot salesman talked me out of the optional gears. I should have known better. It has the optional larger tires which agravates the situation. Truck only has 30,000mile on it and this is the only problem I have with it. Slight grades cause it to shift down sometimes even when empty.

I am in the auto repair bussiness and have changed out ring and pinions before. Is this something that can be done and does anyone know what would be involved as far as the computer/speedometer? Is this feasable or do I just need to live with it? A new truck is out of the question.

Thanks Jim

 

The dealership has the ability to reprogram the ECU to any factory ratio gears, but any ratio that wasn't a dealer option would require a programmer to adjust the speedo/Odo.

A 4x4 is a little more expensive and involved to change the gears out. A few have done it on the site though.

I think "superdak05" had this done, so PM him.

 

Thanks, Yes I just wanted to go to the optional 3.92. It would have been a 100 dollar option when I ordered it.

 

The speed sensor on the 2005 is on the rear axle. No reprogramming should be necessary.

 

If your going to regear might as well go with 4:10's.



Is this the same for the 2006?

 

Don't know, I only have the service manual/parts list for the 2005. There's a tone ring on the differential, and that's what the sensor picks up on.

I can tell you that the sensor is mounted almost directly on top of the rear differential housing, so if you see a wire running to it, it's probably a safe bet that's what it is.

 

I have not inquired about changing gears on the Dakota, but I had a 2001 Dodge Ram, which is at least half similar, and I inquired into it. The rear axle is pretty much the same in the Dakotas and Rams. About $300-$400 in labor. The fronts in the Rams were different, and took a lot of extra work. Hopefully its cheaper for the Dakotas... about $600-$700 for the Rams.

Thats just labor. Good gear sets are not cheap (do not try it... cheap gears equal noisy gears), and you will need master install kits for both front and rear axles. Do not buy anything less than master install kits, anything less will not work.

Overall, you're talking about a $2000+ project if done properly.

 

Thanks for the replies. I did some searching for gear sets and prices for OEM are out of site. $800 for the rear and another $380 for the front. That's not counting any installation parts. I planed to do the labor myself but $1500 is way more than I want to spend and I don't want gear whine.

Looks like I'll just have to live with the downshifting and hope the trans stays together. My advice to anyone buying a new truck...don't listen to the salesman.

 

Holy hell! Where are you going? lol I am pretty sure its been done of much cheaper with quality. I am pretty sure Superdak had his 4.10s installed for 1500 or less and also Sleds went to 4.56s and he did his own work for much cheaper.

 

If anyone knows of an affordable alternative, I'm all ears.