How do I determine rear diff ratio on Ram?

Fairenatic · 01-20-2016, 05:17 PM

I found a really good deal on a 2011 2500 Ram with a 5.7L gas Hemi but I can not tell what gear ratio of the rear differential. I have looked at the actual rear end and looked inside the doors but can not find any data. I did write down the VIN#

Anyone know? Do I need to call someone?

oldmanAZ · 01-20-2016, 05:23 PM

There is something at Dodge RAM VIN Decoder - Lookup and check Dodge RAM VIN number and get options and specs for free. Search Dodge RAM history, price and car loans.

I Googled 'decode ram vin' to find it. Hope it helps.

Jagiven · 01-20-2016, 05:32 PM

I called ram with my vin number, and talked towing numbers before we bought our htt. It was a great conversation, learned a lot.

Fairenatic · 01-20-2016, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldmanAZ

There is something at Dodge RAM VIN Decoder - Lookup and check Dodge RAM VIN number and get options and specs for free. Search Dodge RAM history, price and car loans.

I Googled 'decode ram vin' to find it. Hope it helps.

Thanks.

3.73 rear axle ratio. Damn. 9300lbs Max. Trailer

I was hoping for the 4.10 12,300lbs Max. Trailer

etex211 · 01-20-2016, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fairenatic

Thanks.

3.73 rear axle ratio. Damn. 9300lbs Max. Trailer

I was hoping for the 4.10 12,300lbs Max. Trailer

If it's the right truck, you could always throw another thousand at it and change the ring and pinion.

Fairenatic · 01-20-2016, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by etex211

If it's the right truck, you could always throw another thousand at it and change the ring and pinion.

I was just looking for one.

To be honest, unless the carrier, ring and pinion are installed new, I have had better luck just swapping the whole rear end, axles and all.

It is a pain in the ass to get the proper lash on a used rear end and I am getting to old to be jockying a diff around on a truck.

I will do some searching and see if it makes sense financially and what is the best route to take.

jtw · 01-20-2016, 08:40 PM

Is the plan to use the 2500 series gasser to pull the camper, and is that the reason for the gear change?

Fairenatic · 01-20-2016, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtw

Is the plan to use the 2500 series gasser to pull the camper, and is that the reason for the gear change?

Yes. I wanted to have a plan B.

jtw · 01-20-2016, 09:00 PM

In case the 4500 series breaks? Night and day difference between the two, the 2500 is pretty close on gvw. I guess everybody needs or has a back up plan.

NVGun40 · 01-20-2016, 09:01 PM

Just for future reference, most trucks (I know Dodges do), have a sticker inside the Glove box which had the rear differential ratio.

Fairenatic · 01-20-2016, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtw

In case the 4500 series breaks? Night and day difference between the two, the 2500 is pretty close on gvw. I guess everybody needs or has a back up plan.

It would not be my first choice for a TV for the 330RSTS (10,950 GVWR) but a 4.10 would be a decent margin at 12,300 GVWR on the TT if the need arose.

It is not so much about the 4500 breaking down as me being out of town and having the option for a buddy to meet me at Faire with the TT. Its first come first serve at most of the events. So, if he can get there, set up, and I meet him later: I'm golden.

Skaling · 01-20-2016, 10:03 PM

You can always double check by crawling under the truck and looking at the axle.. There is usually a axle ratio tag on the rear driver side. It's about the size of a credit card and is white with a barcode on it.. Wipe off the dirt and your ratio will be on it.

Fairenatic · 01-20-2016, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skaling

You can always double check by crawling under the truck and looking at the axle.. There is usually a axle ratio tag on the rear driver side. It's about the size of a credit card and is white with a barcode on it.. Wipe off the dirt and your ratio will be on it.

First thing I checked. No dice.

I did not think to look for a tag in the glove box though. I will check that.

The owners manual just says go to the Ram website. That was a lot of help. NOT.

TWP723 · 01-21-2016, 06:30 AM

Any Mopar dealer can decipher your VIN and let you know anything you need to know. If they say they can't, they're lying or lazy.

Fairenatic · 01-21-2016, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TWP723

Any Mopar dealer can decipher your VIN and let you know anything you need to know. If they say they can't, they're lying or lazy.

Sherm posted this link. It worked like a charm.

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldmanAZ

There is something at Dodge RAM VIN Decoder - Lookup and check Dodge RAM VIN number and get options and specs for free. Search Dodge RAM history, price and car loans.

I Googled 'decode ram vin' to find it. Hope it helps.

namusmc65 · 01-21-2016, 07:18 AM

My dealer took my vin number and ran me a printout with everything on the vehicle. Took him 5 minutes.

TWP723 · 01-21-2016, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fairenatic

Sherm posted this link. It worked like a charm.

Whoops! Didn't see that! Cool!

smurfs_of_war · 01-21-2016, 01:33 PM

Yeah messing around with a gear swap is a PITA. You'd likely be money ahead to find the correct axle code and start scouring salvage yards for a front and rear diff and just clean them up.

You may also like: