Hi Everyone,

I've committed to installing an LSD in my 2010 4x4 Dodge Ram this fall in time for this winter.

Seems the Auburn LSD is well reviewed here on the forum.

Just unsure about gearing.

My Ram is basically a DD, mostly highway driving.

As such, fuel economy is my primary factor.

I'm fairly certain a lower gear than the stock one in the truck (believe it's a 3.73)? would inevitably adversely effect my fuel economy. I'm fully aware the lower gear would increase my torque to the wheels, but wouldn't do it at the sacrifice to fuel economy.
Love to hear someone tell me otherwise though; I'd appreciate the extra torque a gear would provide.


Additionally, if anyone can also tell me if I just need the Auburn LSD, or if I'll need additional parts such as an install kit if I'm going to keep my stock gears. If I read correctly, an install kit is only required if I change my gearing also.

All suggestions/recommendations appreciated.

 

u should have 3.92 axle which is great i would not change them if ur 4x4 u should have lsd allready otherwise u would have a 4x2

 

Your stock gearing is likely 3.55, there is no 3.73 ratio in the ram. Switching to 3.92 will give you better mileage around town and mixed driving - pure highway mileage would suffer some.

IF your driving is mostly highway then why are you considering the LSD? The stock traction control is fine for snow on the road.

Also - are you planning on having someone install it for you? It sounds like you are thinking of doing it yourself - judging from your question (no offense) it is obvious you have never set up gears. It is not a beginner job and requires some special tools and knowledge. A daily driver wouldn't be a good place to learn.

 

What he said.

 

Hard to understand any manufacture selling a 4x4 with out LSD. Double check the gearing in yours by getting dealer to print you a build sheet. You do know you got to change both ends?

 

For most usage the traction control is superior to an LSD. Most clutch style LSD's are good for 30-40K miles before the are so worn that they are useless.

If it were me and I was going to spend the money on a locker because I actually needed it, I'd either put in a real automatic locker like a Detroit or a selectable like an ARB

 

beter check i know two guys with 1500 sports both have 3.92 axle

 

What does traction control have to do with the left rear wheel spinning? Tons of liminted slips in use with lots more then 40k on them. Only ones I ever saw needing clutch packs were trucks that were bracket racing and had a few hundered runs on them. I have had open diffs with traction control. Been stuck on wet grass also. Numerous times. Not so with a LS differential. Night and day difference.

 

i agree 30k and worn out? must have been abused i had a 90 jeep with 400000 kms on it thats about 250000 miles and no prob with the lsd clutch paks. although i do agree dt lockers are superior

 

I've owned many trucks with the LSD, all of them were GMC brand (except for my current 1970 4wd Jeep wagoneer with the Dana 44, the original LSD still works well). As oldjeep said, they all lost effectiveness at about 60-70,000 miles. None of my vehicles had the electronic traction control though. I have some land with a cabin in the California sierras with a long steep unpaved driveway (sharp right turn on top) and a dirt road of about 1.8 miles to the blacktop (not my primary residence). My '09 2wd with the open diff has no problems getting out and even the leaves and pine needles where my other trucks with LSDs did. Even my wife comments that she is no longer afraid to go to town in the rain or with some light snow on the ground. When new, the LSDs were superior to the electronic traction control but as the effectiveness wore out, I had problems getting out. The electronic control on my '09 has surprised me (I have a 2wd) and I think it is superior in some cases. Both have problems on the dirt road with the sharp off camber turns when snow is on the ground as the front end just slides out no matter what the rear end is doing. Having said all of that, I was considering putting on an Eaton Detroit Trutrac since there are no parts to wear out. I've put that off since the electronic controll works so well. I know a few guys that run them and they swear by it. For my part, I'll wait another year or two and get me a 4wd with the factory LSD.