Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Diff ratio change

[WardJ]

Anyone changed the rearend ratio from 3. 55 to 4. 10? If so, what was the cost to do so? I am looking at an '02, 3500, 6-speed HO, QC and it has the 3. 55.



Thanks in advance

 

[johncameron]

2wd or 4wd?

 

[SnoKing]

Anyone changed the rearend ratio from 3. 55 to 4. 10? If so, what was the cost to do so? I am looking at an '02, 3500, 6-speed HO, QC and it has the 3. 55.



Thanks in advance

With the six speed 3. 55 will be fine. Remember that 6th in the stick is a lower ratio than OD in the auto. 4. 10's in that would be for pulling over buildings. At around 2100 your will be at 65 or less. SNOKING

 

[johncameron]

3. 54 @ 2100RPM = 77MPH



4. 10 @ 2100RPM = 66MPH



Keep the 3. 54 and downshift if needed on hills. Add some injectors and you won't have too downshift!

 

[GOT-Torque]

What size tires are you using? It has an effect on your overall gearing.



I'd just bomb it alittle bit no gear change required



Be careful though, a little bit is all it takes to start the slide down the slippery slope. :-laf :-laf :-laf

 

[Sageair]

I too am curious why you would want to change to 4:10. I tow about 16,000 lbs with my 3:55 and have never wished for 4:10's. Like mentioned above you can actually maintain speed on hills fine by just shifting into 5th and then you can pull to 65 m. p. h no strain. I'm not trying to change your mind just trying to point out some options that might save you a fair bit of money.

 

[WardJ]

2wd or 4wd?

It's a 2wd

 

[JStemann]

Around $300 for the gears & install kit + another $300-$400 for the labor.



jeff

 

[klaybus]

It's a 2wd

As stated below... . Randys Ring & Pinion in Everett, WA quoted me a tad over $300 with the installation kit & $300 per axle...



Clay

 

[WardJ]

Around $300 for the gears & install kit + another $300-$400 for the labor.



jeff

Thanks Jeff, I figured it might be between 500-1000 bux. The consensus though seems to be that it will pull a 14k trailer with no problem with the 3. 55.

 

[WardJ]

Thanks to all for the responses. The truck is bone stock, tires and all. I was asking about gearing because of what I read on this site and what I found in the Dodge towing charts for both rearends. The 3. 55 is good for 13,200 and the 4. 10 is good for 14,700. I know the truck is tough and will pull the load, but I figured one gearchange might prevent multiple clutch replacements. Remember, I'm a rookie and I read alot... ... ... ..... on this site. I ask the question to get clarity from all the vets on this board. I know there are a lot of opinions, but collectively there is a lot of knowledge.



Gauges,

 

[Nate]

Just did my truck 3. 55s to 4. 10s. Front and rear gears, install kits, Detroit locker in the rear. Parts and labor $1600. Smoking deal!

 

[DiTrani]

For sure live with the 3. 54 a while before you make the switch. Chances are you won't.



With 2wd you are a little more inclined to want the 4. 10 because you don't have 4lo as an option for those occasions when you need to maneuver something heavy slowly.

 

[WardJ]

For sure live with the 3. 54 a while before you make the switch. Chances are you won't.



With 2wd you are a little more inclined to want the 4. 10 because you don't have 4lo as an option for those occasions when you need to maneuver something heavy slowly.

Good point, thanks. Do you tow with yours? I noticed in your sig that you have the EZ along with the FASS. I was considering the EZ in near the future before our trip back east and either the Stanadyne or the FASS. What made you decide on your particular 'Bombs'?

 

[Ereynolds72]

Were 3. 73 gears an option in some 2nd gen. trucks? I'm seeing some advertised in the classifieds.

 

[SnoKing]

Were 3. 73 gears an option in some 2nd gen. trucks? I'm seeing some advertised in the classifieds.

No 4:10 and 3. 54, 3:73 would be aftermarket gears. SNOKING

 

[BDR]

I'm getting ready to swap my 3. 55s for some 3. 73s. 4. 10s would be a little much for freeway driving and the driving I do, plus I don't tow.

 

[SnoKing]

I'm getting ready to swap my 3. 55s for some 3. 73s. 4. 10s would be a little much for freeway driving and the driving I do, plus I don't tow.

With 35" tires, why not go with 4:10's. A swap to just 3:73s seems a waste of money. SNOKING

 

[Beast2B]

I would take the useage of the truck into account, as well. If the truck is NOT a daily driver running empty on the highway 80-90% of the time, go with 4. 10 for towing and more usable gears at the speeds you'll be running. If it's a combo vehicle, stick with the 3. 54s.

When stock, I used 1st as a granny gear. Starting in 2nd empty, using 1st only for trailering and hills. With my tires and 3. 54s. I have an "effective" gear ratio of 3. 00, and I'd say it's only a little bit too high geared in first for towing 12k trailer. A few bombs will make you forget completely about the gears!

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

Unless I'm mistaken you can get 3. 73 for either the 4. 10 or 3. 55 case:



http://www.reiderracing.com/dana80.htm