Rear Axle ratio question

asheffield50 · Jun 15, 2016

I'm in the market for a RAM 2500 Diesel and am uncertain what rear axle ratio to get. I only tow about 7500 pounds and there is little chance that I will upgrade to something bigger. My local dealer has some great discounts on 4x2s with 3.42 rear axle ratio. I assume that the 3.42 will get better mileage than either the 3.73 or the 4.10, but how much better?

Thanks

brandonjansen · Jun 15, 2016

If you're buying 2013+ all 2500's with a Cummins have 3.42 gears. 3.73's or 4.10's aren't an option on them. If you want those you need to go to an older truck, a dually, or swap them in yourself.

14hemiexpress · Jun 15, 2016

What he said ^^ 3.42 is only option on 2500 and i believe even on any srw. In the 2500 3.42 is all you'll ever need you will run out of payload way before you run out of max trailer. And yes 3.42 will yield better fuel economy.

asheffield50 · Jun 15, 2016

Thanks to both of you for the info. I guess that's one thing I don't need to worry about anymore

6.7CumminsDrvr · Jun 15, 2016

One of the things I hate about the newer 2500's or SRW 3500's!!!!! 3.42's are "ok" if you stay with stock size tires, though some may disagree with that too.

BossHogg · Jun 16, 2016

asheffield50 said:
I only tow about 7500 pounds and there is little chance that I will upgrade to something bigger. My local dealer has some great discounts on 4x2s with 3.42 rear axle ratio. I assume that the 3.42 will get better mileage than either the 3.73 or the 4.10, but how much better?

Thanks

Good news, I tow twice your target weight on a 3500 SRW with the 3:42s, you won't have any issues at all, in fact you may forget you have a load back there.

As far as MPG, that is a tough call since MPGs are all over the map. The experts tell us MPGs are more about driving style than anything else. I can tell you my MPGs but then someone else will call me a liar because they can't get the same but here goes, I average 22 in mixed driving and 12 MPG towing the 15K pound fifth wheel.

Rear Axle ratio question

asheffield50

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brandonjansen

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14hemiexpress

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asheffield50

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6.7CumminsDrvr

The Dude abides………

BossHogg

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