Difference between 3.21 and 3.92 Axle Ratios

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TruckNoob

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I'm about to get a 2014 1500 LoneStar with a 3.21 Axle Ratio (sweet deal for $23,000 with 19k miles). Only problem is that it has the 3.21 axle ratio.

Question: Does it make that much of a difference? Some charts I'm looking at are giving me a 500lb pulling capacity difference, some are giving me 2,000lbs.

I'll own a small utility trailer dealership and although most of my trailers are delivered to me, I'll be pulling a stack of 3-4 trailers 2-3 times per month (8,000 lbs is the most I'll probably pull) on flat terrain (I'm in N. Texas).
 

DannyMK2

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need more info on the truck to determine a max tow capacity. considering crew cab 4x4, 8000lbs could already be pushing it (legally). the difference in tow capacity between the two gear ratios is in fact around 2000 lbs. 3.21 to 3.92 is a big difference. whether or not its important to you, thats something your going to have to determine.
 
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TruckNoob

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Thanks for the response. It is a 4x2 Quad Cab w/ a 6'4" Box. I'll be using a weight distribution hitch and am looking into whether or not to put in an air bag suspension kit and the such.

I really wish it was the 3.92, but I don't think I can pass this up at the price.
 

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DannyMK2

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Thanks for the response. It is a 4x2 Quad Cab w/ a 6'4" Box. I'll be using a weight distribution hitch and am looking into whether or not to put in an air bag suspension kit and the such.

I really wish it was the 3.92, but I don't think I can pass this up at the price.

an 8000 lb trailer is going to put you right at max capacity. are you comfortable with that? if i had to do that 2-3 times a month, id probably re-consider my purchase.
 

bobeast

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The warm fuzzy feeling you get from finding a great price will fade long before the regret of not getting what you really want. That 2000 lb cushion is worth a few extra bucks.
 
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TruckNoob

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You guys are killin me. I was so sold and set on that truck. Now I'm seriously reconsidering. Its now a matter of whether or not I get the 3.92 or just decide to pull smaller 6500lb loads.

Thank you for the advice! I've been on these forums a lot the past week or two as an observer. I really look forward to being a part of the community.
 

coldfusion73

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I have a 2016 1500 5.7 crew cab 4x4 with 8 speed and 3.21 rear. I tow a 26 ft travel trailer weighing 6000 lbs loaded with no problems.
It tows better than my 2012 did with the 6 speed and 3.55


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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TruckNoob

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Ok, while doing more research it looks like I can just get new gears put on for under $1000. Is it as simple as that?
 

muzupan

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Ok, while doing more research it looks like I can just get new gears put on for under $1000. Is it as simple as that?

Pulling the trailer, yes. Legally no. Legally no matter what gears you put in it the truck is still rated for the original rating. But, the truck you were looking up will pull that 8000 pound trailer with no problem even though you're at the limit. Why not shop for a 2500 and then you'll be safe all the way around. I pull a 7300 pound trailer with my 1500 with 3.21 gears, I have pulled from Georgia to South Texas with no problem. I can tell though, with handling, the truck is pushing it.
 

Devin1349

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In this instance i recommend a 2500 with 4.10 gear ratio never have to worry.
 

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i had 3.55's and went to a 4.10 on my 1500...sure, it helped pull the trailer with no problem, even the airbags, it didn't sag at all.....

now getting it to stop and not get pushed around while at highway speed was a completely different story, and i'd probably have a heart attack if I had to drag it for any sort of distance over 100 miles.

my signature says the rest of the story :)
 

Markcuda

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If the deal is better than what a rear gear change is, get the truck.
Worry about 3.92s after you think you may need them.
This legality mumbo jumbo doesn't jive with me.
 

norville

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I have no regrets getting my 11 outdoorsman with 3.92. I pull a heavy travel trailer. It wasn't until after I bought it that I realized it has the 10,050 lb tow rating...
 

CDN Ram

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If the deal is better than what a rear gear change is, get the truck.
Worry about 3.92s after you think you may need them.
This legality mumbo jumbo doesn't jive with me.

Legality Mumbo Jumbo is real. Get in an accident and find out if the extra savings on the truck are worth no insurance. The truck no matter what you do was only designed to pull and more importantly STOP a certain amount of weight. go over that get into an accident and the insurance company will tell you that you are on your own. Not worth it in my opinion. Sometimes it sucks, but suck it up and get the truck you need.
 

Markcuda

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Legality Mumbo Jumbo is real. Get in an accident and find out if the extra savings on the truck are worth no insurance. The truck no matter what you do was only designed to pull and more importantly STOP a certain amount of weight. go over that get into an accident and the insurance company will tell you that you are on your own. Not worth it in my opinion. Sometimes it sucks, but suck it up and get the truck you need.


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So, you are telling me that my Ram with 8000 pound towing can't stop as good as a Ram that can pull 10,000?
Pleeeeeeeese.
So, a Ram with 10000 pound towing got better brakes from the factory?
Nice try.
 

TRCM

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So, you are telling me that my Ram with 8000 pound towing can't stop as good as a Ram that can pull 10,000?
Pleeeeeeeese.
So, a Ram with 10000 pound towing got better brakes from the factory?
Nice try.


The difference is in the gearing....easier to start moving...and easier to stop due to engine braking.....yes, the gear ratio has an effect on engine braking.


Pleeeeeeeese.


Don't really matter what does or doesn't jive with you. You are entitled to your opinion.

Juts like on the highway....the speed limit sign says 60, but in your opinion you should be able to safely do 75...fine....but don't cry to me when you get a ticket for doing so.

Just don't come crying to us when you opinion ends up costing you lots of money cuz you broke the law and got caught.
 
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Markcuda

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The speed limit is 70 in Illinois, some times I am running 90.
You pull what you want, I'll pull and drive like I want, we will both sleep good at night.
 

TRCM

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The speed limit is 70 in Illinois, some times I am running 90.
You pull what you want, I'll pull and drive like I want, we will both sleep good at night.

As long as you stay in Illinois...that way I know where NOT to go to be safe.

Funny how people think it is ok & try to justify breaking the law just so they can do what they want.

Why the heck do we even have laws if people are gonna act this way ??


:Stupid Me:
 

Markcuda

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Why the heck do we even have laws if people are gonna act this way ??
Laws were made to be broken.
I'll brake the laws I want, you act like ol mr. high and mighty all you want.
 
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