'01 rear diff ratio

[joel]

With all the ratio discussions, I haven't seen this one discussed and since I'm thinking of upgrading to an '01 ETH/DEE, figured I'd toss it out: Since they're now putting 265s on some of the new trucks, is the final ratio still 3. 54 (or 4. 10) or is it basically the 3. 54 rear end with bigger tires and therefore a lower ratio? My thought process is leaving the 265s with a 3. 54 if it's 3. 54, but if the 265s make them closer to 3. 3 or 3. 2 or something, I'd get 4. 10s and put 285 or 295s on it. Maybe bigger. Thanks.

 

[Okie-Go]

I have the truck like you described. 3. 54 ratio, 265-75-R16 Michelins. Plenty of power and excellent fuel mileage when I am not pulling or hauling.

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2001 quadcab slt 2500 HO 6spd. LWB,2wd,dk garnett red, trailer tow package,camper special, anti spin 3. 54 axle, speed liner,oversized stainless steel chicken slide,66 gallon in bed aux. tank,K&N air filter,Reese 20k hitch, Terry 2000 EX 30ft. double slide 5er, 2000 20ft gooseneck for haulin jeep, firewood and huntin stuff. 5X12 tagalong for haulin the 4 wheeler. Okie Newton

 

[dmurdock]

Any rear-end ratio you see advertised will be just that, the rear-end ratio. My 98 had 3. 54's and my '01 has the 3. 54's. Although my 98 had smaller tires, the extra hp of the eth more than makes up for the new larger tires, with or without a load. If you plan on going to 295's (maybe the 19"? rims), you might want to think about 4. 10's... I personally would take the 3. 54's no matter what, but I only tow about 10% of the time. If you are going to be driving around 100% of the time pulling a backhoe or maybe a small middle-eastern country, you may want to look at the 4. 10's.

Don't worry, your question will generate tons 'o responses.

-dm

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'01 Eth 3500 dually, no mods planned except maybe an amsoil filter & guages. See My Truck and also be sure to read What tools & methods to use for an easy 1st oil change!!!
"Be happy you don't get all the government you pay for. " -W. C. Fields

 

[mopars1]

I just got my 2001. 5 2500 ETH/DEE with the 265/75 tires. They are 31" tall. My 2000 3500 with 235/85 tires were 31" tall. Just get the rear axle ratio you want and enjoy!

 

[Barry]

Caution: If you order the 3:54s, you can change to 3:73s or 3:90s for a $350 ring gear and pinion set that will slide into your existing carrier. If you order the 4:10s like I did, you are stuck with them unless you want to spend more bucks than it is worth. As long as I am hooked to a 5th wheel, I love my 4:10s. But, when I need to blast off somewhere empty, they are a pain. Asked for a Gear Vendors for Christmas. I guess Santa kept it and installed it on his sleigh. The suck egg mule... ... ... ... ...

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2001 2500 QC, ETH/DEE,4:10s, LSD, EZ with elbow(25PSI) Boost/Pyro Guages, 4" Turbo back, BD Brake,Mag-Hytec Cover, Kleen Wheels, Energy Release, 70 gal. fuel, 20K Reese. 22,000 miles on 12/19/00 (RV Dealer)

 

[MikeR]

Yes Joel,it is the same rear diff ratio,with just a bigger tire. Buying a 4:10 with 265's now is just about the same as buying a 3. 54 with 245's back in 98-99.

-Mike

 

[Davison]

I gave a lot of thought before I ordered, and decided on the 3:54. 6 months later I haven't regreted it at all. Last truck was 4:10. With HO and 6spd I have all the power I could want hauling my 9k # trailer and get the good mileage going solo. Best of both worlds for me! #ad


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2001. 5 2500 SLT+, QC/LB 4x4, ETH, 6spd, 3:54 LSD, camper/tow equip. , NV241HD, Bright Silver, Snug Top, Ispro w/3 pod pillar w/tweeter, Pyro, Boost & Mag Hytec cover w/temp guage, "Plain Wrap" (no decals or emblems)

 

[Dane]

The HO motor with the 6 speed and 3. 54 rear gear is a perfect combo imo. 1st gear is never used unless you're pulling/hauling a heavy load. I have the factory 265's and think it would be even better with 285 or 295 tires. Only problem with the six speed is it's so beefy you can't row through the gears real fast when showing your fancy diff cover to the Ferds and Chebys. #ad
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2001 HO 6 speed Regular Cab SLT 4x4 3. 54 anti spin 2500. Used for the daily grind and sneaking away to some secret Baja beaches toting a cabover