2015, 8spd, 4x4, gear swap

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Hemi450hp

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The front axle is not serviceable on the 2012+ trucks, so there is not a direct bolt on replacement ring/pinion for the front axle. That is why you would need to replace the entire axle instead of just the ring/pinion. I know for sure that the ring gear is welded on the 2012's and 13's, but have not looked at a 2014+ myself. I have however spoken to multiple Mopar parts distributors, and nobody lists a replacement ring/pinion for any Ram 1500 front axle after 2011...stock or aftermarket.
 
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AustinB

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So really.. No one has confirmed/denied that the 2014+ ring gear is welded in... Other than that one member stating that multiple dealerships told him they weren't, and that they can be swapped?

Is this something that you could find information on?

The only thing holding me back was the axle swap with a 2011.. The extra cost made it outweigh the benefit for my needs.. But if it's true that I can just get the ring and pinion kit alone, it would be a no brainer.

IMO
 

Hemi450hp

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Welded or not, nobody makes a replacement ring gear to go into that axle. That is something that we have confirmed. This means that the only way to swap gears up front is to go with an 07-11 axle where there are aftermarket ring/pinion options.
 
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AustinB

AustinB

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Thanks!

I have 3:21 gears currently with 35s, and definitely felt a hit with a loss of about 3mpg and 7/8th gear pretty much non existent...

Don't the 8spds have the option of 3:92 gears stock? If so, would they work? Or would 3:92 not even make a difference?

IMO
 

Hemi450hp

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3.92's will be a nice improvement from the 3.21's. You will still need to replace the front axle, but if you stick with 3.92's, you may get lucky by finding a 3.92 front axle in a scrapyard...you just need 1 from a 2012+, and it will bolt right up easily.

Rear gear swap is very straight forward, so nothing to worry about there.
 
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Trying to get an understanding, sorry if it's a stupid question.

But if the 2015 3:21 ring isn't welded in... And the 2015 3:92 isnt either.. Why would I need to swap axles instead of just doing the swap?

IMO
 

Hemi450hp

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Because you cant just buy the ring/pinion. If a bearing fails in your front axle, the dealership isnt going to fix it...they are just going to replace the entire axle because that axle does not have any serviceable parts.

And the labor is more involved to pull the ring/pinion from a scrap yard and install it in yours than to just replace the center housing itself.
 
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AustinB

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So either way, welded in or not, I need to buy a new front axle?

I obviously need to do some serious research because I don't know if I'm asking the right questions or not.. I know zero about swapping gears.

Its confusing because I'm under the impression that the 2011s - are not welded in and can just be swapped out front/rear with a kit.

If that is true, it leads me to believe the same is possible for a 2015 that isn't welded in... As long as you're using ring/pinion designed for a 2015 (like the ones that would come stock?)

How far off am I?

I will watch some install videos and do some reading to try and get a grasp on this in the meantime.

IMO
 
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Hemi450hp

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OK, lets try this another way...haha.

Where are you going to buy a ring/pinion for a 2015 if Mopar does not list a separate part# to buy just the ring/pinion and no aftermarket company makes a ring/pinion for the 2012+ trucks? They only sell the front axle components as a complete axle...not individual pieces. This means if you go to the dealership and say you want 3.92 gears for the front, the only thing they can sell you is a complete front axle with 3.92's already in it.

If you find a front axle from a 2014-2015 in a scrap yard, you will have to break it down, uninstall the 3.92 gears, and then reinstall them in your truck which is going to cost you a lot more in labor than just installing that complete 3.92 axle out with your 3.21 axle.
 
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AustinB

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That worked better lol.

And this only applies to the front? Or I need a new rear axle as well? Not 100% sure that when you say it's not offered, that you're referring to both axles.

(Long day at work)

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Hemi450hp

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This only applies to the front. The rear gears are easy to swap, and the Mopar 3.92s that we have listed for the 9.25ZF will bolt right in to your existing rear axle.
 

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You need to find two front axles lol one for me too! I have a 2015 and really want the 3.92's
 

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This only applies to the front. The rear gears are easy to swap, and the Mopar 3.92s that we have listed for the 9.25ZF will bolt right in to your existing rear axle.
So with the 2015 any front axle from 2012 and up works? I found a 2015 front carrier with the 3.92's is that all I need or still the whole axle ? Also I have 6,000 miles on mine so would a front axle with over 50,000 miles be worth putting in mine ? Thanks
 

Blackram28376

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Thanks!

I have 3:21 gears currently with 35s, and definitely felt a hit with a loss of about 3mpg and 7/8th gear pretty much non existent...

Don't the 8spds have the option of 3:92 gears stock? If so, would they work? Or would 3:92 not even make a difference?

IMO

3.92 4x4 8spd and LSD here. PITA to find on a lot.
 
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