Hello, this is my first post. I have an 04 ram 1500 quad cab hemi. I love it. I have been reading on this forum about rear end issues some have been having. I am bringing my truck in to dealer Monday because the rear looks wet were the drive shaft goes in. I have 48K miles on the truck. How do I know what size rear I have? In the glove compartment it says "axle rear - Corporate 9" and it also says "axle ratio - 3.55". I have been reading that pins are falling out of the rears should I have mine checked? I have never replaced the fluid, but I don't do any type of towing with the truck or go off road etc... Should I ger the fluid changed? Also I need new tires I currently have the goodyear p265/70r17 tires on it. I have been thinking about going to a 20" rim I have heard that doing this may cause issues for rear is this true? Should I be concerned about going to a 20" rim. I would like to go to a little taller tire I currently have not leveled my truck but want to should I stick with the same size rim and just level it and get a taller tire? WHat size? This is my first truck and love it to death. I don't want to put a big lift on it but want to at least level it. I am looking for suggestions on the best way to go with out going overboard. What do you recommend.

 

I'm sure the Rams with the 392 gear ratio are the ones that have the 20 inch rims. Staying with a 355 and 20 inch rims will boast your highway mileage if your not towing or drag racing but really don't don't offer a over all advantage for the price up grade for the rims or changing your gearing.

You did not say if you have a 2wd or 4wd, 20 in rims and tires look good on the streat until you go off road, the P rated tires will not last, on the streat in 4Hi your ok, but the smaller tire offers more traction.

Dodge recamonds the rear diff fluid in the Ram 1500 be changed every 20,000 km ( canada )

 

I have an 03 4x4. Have the stock 17 in rims with 3.92 gearing. I just put 285/70/17 tires on which are quite a bit taller than the 265. I love the entire set up. Handles nicely, rides fairly smooth for a 4x4 and is great off road.

 

I have a 2wd with the stock 17" rims. I have been thinking about leveling the truck. SHould I do this with the 17" rims or go to 20". I don't plan on going off road. I may in the near future tow an RV...but that I am not sure of yet. If I stay with the 17" rims what size tire should I go with I would like it to be a little higher and I would like to level it.