Bigger Tires

[rpatterson]

I have 3. 54 rear end grears, automatic transmission, It's a 2001 Ram 2500. I plan to put 35" to 38" (not sure yet on size) tall tires under her with a 4" lift. I pull a toy hauler rv trailer, with the bikes and all the other stuff my wife thinks she needs to bring it come's in about 10k, I go down the road right around 20k.



What do you think should I change the grears to 4. 10's or just go get a new truck with the right grears



I what to start to add fun stuff to 24v but i what to make sure i'm spending money on the right truck.

 

[tjpatte]

This is from Tom Patterson (Pittsburgh Pa originally until the Navy came into play ). While I have a manual, I think you should get the 4:10's. Your gonna really over gear the truck with the tires. And if you plan to modify (aka Bomb) the engine you will need to modify the transmission (many threads on it) first. I run 35's and without the mods to engine I have it would be a pig.



Hope this helps.



Tom

 

[chuck3]

You want be happy with the gearing if you stay with the 3. 54s, you wont beleave the difference a couple inches make, I know I have a friend who did it.

 

[Expat]

Plan on regearing...

Whether you choose to regear your current truck or get a new one, I don't think you will be happy with 35 to 38 inch tires on 3. 54 gears. I run 36 X 12. 5s (Swampers) on 4. 10s with a stock engine and am pretty happy. I think my final drive ratio comes out similar to 3. 73s with stock tires. If you run 38s, I think you'll be back to around the 3. 54 you started with (except for greater wind resistance and unsprung weight). BTW, I don't think you can run 38s on just a 4 inch lift. I think you'll find you'll need at least a couple inches of body lift to make it work.

Good luck!