Hello again:

When I ordered my 2010 Ram 1500 2WD I didn't see the one tiny spot in the brochure where it showed the default axle with the Hemi 2WD is a 3.21 (3.55 with 4WD). My saleperson also didn't tip me off even though she knew I wanted to tow (we had earlier been talking 3.55 vs 3.92)-- I don't think she knew the details either. Anyhow, I now have a truck which will pull my current trailer but if I decide to upgrade I have lost 2000# towing capacity.
My dealer is telling me that Dodge engineers have told him that I cannot change the axle ratio because of "other considerations, computer, and other problems". I am not too thrilled with my dealership or their service people and I wanted to ask the experts on here what they think. I want to go to 3.55.

Rick Smith

 

Unfortunately the folks at the stealership are generally the least informed about options, and even less informed on what can and can't be done to the products they sell.

In short, they're full of ****. You can change the axle ratio, and you can do it rather easily. Quite a few members here have gone from one ratio to the next. People with 3.21 and 3.55s are going up to 3.92 and even sometimes 4.10. A lot of the 4x4 trucks you see here with lifts and larger tires have gone with 4.10 or 4.56.

Changing the gear won't be as cheap as if you'd checked that box on the order sheet (I think it's something like a $200 option at order), but you can do it. Any good truck shop in your area should be able to do the change. I've been pricing out going from 3.55 to 4.10 and adding an Limited Slip to my 2009 4x2 Sport. With everything it averages to be about $1300. Of course that's in a 2-wheel drive, if you've got a 4x4, plan on doubling that.

 

You should be able to do a ring and pinion swap for about $600- $800 for each differential. You'll then need to figure out how to reprogram the speedo and such for the new gearing. A R&P swap isn't hard, but it does take some specialized tools and a bit of skill. The reprogramming can be done with most of the programmers out there, like superchip or the ones at diablo.

Others are correct, the dealer sounds like they just don't want to be bothered.

 

I don't think you have to do any computer updates. The speed is taken from the sensors at the wheel. If you change tire size, you need to update but the gears you don't.

Are you really sure you want to change out the gears? Why not wait and see if you really need them. Unless you are not happy with the acceleration you currently have.

 

Good point. I guess in my mind a gear swap equates to larger tires as well, since that's the only reason I ever did R&P swaps. But that's not the case here.