Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) rear axle changes after damage?

[Crowhurst]

I have a 1998 Ram, 12 valve extended cab long bed auto, 3. 54 axle which has just been involved in a side swipe accident when my son was driving it. A car drove into the side of the truck at speed. The rear axle has been shifted one eigth of an inch to the driver's side, and may need to be replaced if changing the brackets does not cure the misalignment. I would be grateful for advice on any issues I should consider if a new rear axle is required. In particular, should I opt for disc brakes at the rear instead of the present drums, and would a different rear axle ratio, perhaps 4. 10 be better for my intended use? I will use it for flat trips unlaoded between Maryland and Florida, but I also want to pull my 25ft Airstream travel trailer (6500 lbs, 800 lb tongue weight) on future dream trips over the Rockies and throughout the USA. (I plan on fitting a BD exhaust brake and Autoloc before doing so). Any advice would be gratefully received. Thanks, from Nick.

 

[Crowhurst]

I should have said that the truck is 4 X4. Nick

 

[Todd T]

I wouldnt go to 4:10's it will kill your top end mileage. and i feel the extra Rpm's ran to maintain speed will shorten the life of your engine. Just MHO though.



disk brakes would be a great upgrade. keep in mind you will have to change out the proportioning valve and then there is the ABS to figure out. good upgrade though if you take the jump, let us know what all is needed. I have often thought of doing this but have too much to do now

 

[Joe G.]

I tow my 7500 lb travel trailer with 3. 54 gears. No problems with any western mountains including the Canadian Rockies. 4. 10s are overkill for a 6500 lb trailer.

 

[dan_gilson]

I had this happen to my mom when she was driving the old Ford I used to own. The body shop did not check the alignment on the axle itself. It was bent and chewed up a set of tires before we found out. So, make sure that you get a good thrust angle alignment done on it to make sure of things.

 

[zjones]

I have a 4. 10 diff. ratio & would not recommend it for anything other than 15,000#+ trailers, yes it does kill your mileage 13-14 mpg unladen.