I am looking at a 2006 dodge, quad, diesel with 11.50 rear end advertised. Is this the size of the ring gear and do they normally have? What then does this do to rear end ratio of 4.11 or 3.73?
Thanks,
Terry

 

If a rear end is called an 11.5", then that is the size of the ring gear. So you would want an 11.5" ring/pinion set for any replacements.

Diesels have larger rear ends than gasolines.

Not sure if i follow your last question... A 3:73 ratio is going to be a 3:73 ratio whether it's in a 8" rear end or an 80" rear end. Doesn't change. Now, 3:73 swap for a 4:10's won't make much difference since you have a diesel. Not to mention if you did a gear swap, you would need to do the front differential as well if you have 4wd which doubles the price.

 

Thanks for the reply. So all diesels must have the 11.5 and lighter models must have the 10.5.
I was thinking the 3.73 would allow me to cruise at 75mph at a lower rpm. Since I do a lot no load or small load travel there is plenty of power.

 

Gassers have 9.25"

If you don't haul a whole lot why go with a diesel then? Heck, nobody around here even wants to work on them. Gotta bring them to the dealer for work. $$$$$$$$$
Not to mention they are more expensive in general.

The Hemi has all the power one would need. Especially for lighter loads under 8,000lbs

3:73's generally are a middle gear between praire and aggressive. They are fine for highway travel.

 

^^^^^^^^^^
What he said.

 

1500 series uses a 9.25 rearend.
1500 Megacab uses the 10.5 rearend.
2500/3500 uses 11.5 rearend.
Not a big difference between 3.73 and 4.10. I would opt for the 4.10.

 

1500's have 9.25" rear and 8" front diff's.
1500 MC's have the 10.5" rear and 9.25" front diff's.
2500 Hemi's have the 10.5"/9.25" combo.
3500's have 11.5"/9.25" combo.

With the Cummins, don't bother with the 4.10's. Go with 3.73's or if you can talk the dealer into it, 3.42's (now available in aftermarket). Sounds like you are looking for mileage and not necessarily towing power. The diesel towing gets better mileage than the Hemi empty when compared to the same weight truck (2500 - 2500 for example).