2012 Ram 1500 gear swap

[SJC]

I have a 2012 with 3:55 gears. I was told that it is impossible to change the front gears out. My only option was to find a 09-11 differential, driveshaft and axles install the gears of choice then install into the truck.

 

[14hemiexpress]

I have a 2012 with 3:55 gears. I was told that it is impossible to change the front gears out. My only option was to find a 09-11 differential, driveshaft and axles install the gears of choice then install into the truck.

I'm not sure about aftermarket gears but all oem will swap in. 3.92 would be a good upgrade.

 

[Etroze86]

For front on the newer Rams the gears are welded in so it really isn't a bolt unbolt swap.

 

[14hemiexpress]

For front on the newer Rams the gears are welded in so it really isn't a bolt unbolt swap.

The ring gear is welded directly to the carrier?

 

[Etroze86]

If I've read correctly it is something to that effect, one of the best people to pose the question to is Matt at Moes.

 

[14hemiexpress]

If I've read correctly it is something to that effect, one of the best people to pose the question to is Matt at Moes.

Yeah he would know, but I think that would be crazy to have to replace the whole carrier if you chew up the diff (although it doesn't happen often)

 

[Etroze86]

I think that is what they are planning on is even with 4wd engaged that the computer nannies will keep most of us in check when it comes to breaking parts dealing with axles.

 

[TRCM]

Yes, gear is welded to the carrier....why is anyone's guess, cuz the money they saved in bolts got eaten up in electricity and welding wire

 

[kg93]

wish i was around when manufactures didnt make it expensive and a pain in the ass to build a truck..

 

[thechopstick]

If I've read correctly it is something to that effect, one of the best people to pose the question to is Matt at Moes.

[emoji4] he right! Call Matt at Moe's he will walk u through it I am in the process of getting it done waiting on ups to deliver my is 2014 4x2. U be happy to talk to Matt he a good guy.

 

[Hemi450hp]

Thanks guys. Like posted here, the 2012-up 4wd trucks will require a new front axle and driveshaft from an 09-11 because the ring gear is welded to the front carrier on these trucks. With the 09-11 front axle, any aftermarket Dodge 8" front ring gear will bolt up. There is rumor that the front ring gear on some of the newest 2014's is no longer welded on, but I have not been able to confirm this yet.

As for the rear, you have the option of running the factory 3.92 or 4.10 gears for the 9.25ZF axle. If you want to step up to 4.56's, then you will need to have your carrier machined to accept the bolt pattern of the older 9.25 ring gear.

 

[kg93]

so the 09-11 will bolt right up to a 14? If were lucky enough to have a 14 without the ring being welding would it significantly cut down the cost of changing the front gears or would it still be cheaper to get an older diff and driveshaft?

also how would 4.11 gears feel with 37s? vs machining the rear carrier and getting 4.56?

 

[SJC]

Ugh that sucks. Guess I'll try and track a front end down.

 

[kg93]

Ugh that sucks. Guess I'll try and track a front end down.

i would look at local junkyards first rather then ebay. You can probably get it soo much cheaper

 

[RLJ10X]

I have 4.10s. I'm running 275/70/18 BFG AT TA KOs, which are pretty close to stock height.

In 1st gear, at 2000 rpm, I'm doing about 15 mph. At 2000 rpm in overdrive, the truck is going 70 mph. At 55 mph, the engine is spinning just 1600 rpm. As you can see, 4.10s in these trucks is not low at all. It "middle of the road" by my standards.

If you throw 37s at a truck with 4.10s, and you get a giant dog. 4.56s and 35s might work.

Personally, I think 37s look stupid. They'd have to be hard on brakes, U joints, the tranny, steering, and who knows what else.

 

[kg93]

I have 4.10s. I'm running 275/70/18 BFG AT TA KOs, which are pretty close to stock height.

In 1st gear, at 2000 rpm, I'm doing about 15 mph. At 2000 rpm in overdrive, the truck is going 70 mph. At 55 mph, the engine is spinning just 1600 rpm. As you can see, 4.10s in these trucks is not low at all. It "middle of the road" by my standards.

If you throw 37s at a truck with 4.10s, and you get a giant dog. 4.56s and 35s might work.

Personally, I think 37s look stupid. They'd have to be hard on brakes, U joints, the tranny, steering, and who knows what else.

i currently have 35s with 3.55s, its not bad at all.
Problem is i want a 6" lift and 3" body, butttt 35s might look too small
at 65 im at like 1750

 

[regularcab2500]

If your gonna go through with all this axle swap stuff go big or go home and get 4.56 especially if you plan on the lift and tires. even if you dont, 4.56 wont be too little gear on the highway with 35s plus that thing would run like a scalded dog

.02

 

[kg93]

If your gonna go through with all this axle swap stuff go big or go home and get 4.56 especially if you plan on the lift and tires. even if you dont, 4.56 wont be too little gear on the highway with 35s plus that thing would run like a scalded dog

.02

If i went with this it would be around 600+ for the front diff 350ish for the gears, Unknown amount for rear carrier machining, 300 for gears. Unknown amount for the labor lol

anyone know what the machining would cost and what it would cost in labor?

 

[SJC]

The rear install not including machining should be about 4 hours labor time. The front diff labor rate is 4 hour just to remove it from the truck. Expect to pay another 1-2 hours for the gear swap after that.

 

[kg93]

so atleast 800 at the shop i go to cant wait