Axle gear ratio?

[jpilk99]

I have a '97 1500 4x4 and the front axle is so rusty that the suspension arm on the passenger side "ripped" off. Can't find anyone to weld it, and told I probably shouldn't. Especially since the whole axle assembly looks ...pretty rusty. Oddly, the rest of the truck/frame/rear axle looks quite good.

Anyhow, as I search for a new axle, I need to make sure I get the right gear ratio. I looked on another Dodge site at a VIN decoder and it says it's either a 3.92 for automatic and 3.55 for manual, and since mine's an auto, ...I assume it's 3.92.

How do I confirm, other than getting whole front end off the ground and rotating wheels & counting shaft revolutions? Is the vin is 3B7HF13Y2VG783365 if anyone is handy at decoding.

Thank you.

Jay

 

[Daw14]

I would verify by sight or turning and counting, over relying on what is listed on paper . Lots of things can be changed in 29 years.

 

[jpilk99]

I found the sticker on top of the front axle housing and the tag in the front (though hard to read). I think that number is: 52098819 with 54 610637?

 

[RamDiver]

I found the equipment listing here, even though they indicate '98+ only.
It shows the rear axle ratio is 3.55 .
I read somewhere that the front could be a 3.54 Dana, but take that with a grain of salt.

https://www.jeep.com/webselfservice/BuildSheetServlet?vin=3B7HF13Y2VG783365

Another method of verification of axle ratio would be to use an online calculator.
Search for the transmission gear ratio specs, wheel diameter, and plug in all the numbers.
The results will indicate the RPM at a given speed.

Gearbox Chrysler 46RE: specifications, gear ratios, oil

The Chrysler 46RE 4-speed automatic transmission was produced in the United States from 1997 to 2003 and was installed in rear- and all-wheel drive models

gearboxlist.com

Tire Size Calculator

The best tire size calculator. Use our tire size calculator to find tire size specs and suggested tire sizes. Then check prices for all available tire sizes.

tiresize.com

Gear Ratio Comparison Tool - Compare Axle, Transmission Combinations

Compare drivetrain combinations including axle ratios, transmission ratios, and tire sizes. Our ratio comparison tool will allow you to input up to 3 separate combinations so you can find the most suitable setup for your application. The perfect tool for one-off and custom drivetrain builds.

www.dieselhub.com

I plugged in a few arbitrary numbers for the 2 gear ratios in question.
The difference is about 170 RPM.




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[Pushrod8Speed]

Unless you're the original owner, I'd verify noone has changed things.

Identifying axle gearing - DodgeForum.com

2nd Gen Ram Tech - Identifying axle gearing - Need help identifying the gears in my front axle The ring says L4 D44-411T 304 and then 079 on the opposite side to the first numbers

dodgeforum.com

 

[Daw14]

If it was mine I would service both front and rear differentials.
The rear is staying so it could be serviced and good to go.
The front will be some silicone and gear oil , you could probably come in for less than $20.00 , and some of your time and labor.
This way you can get a visual inspection of internals on both , plus the gear ratio is stamped on the ring gear, so any uncertainty is removed.

 

[Area 51]

My odometer is running about 20% off of true mileage - I bought this used. Either someone changed my gears or something isn't working correctly. Just saying. A visual inspection of your gears is the only true way to know what's in there.

 

[RamDiver]

My odometer is running about 20% off of true mileage - I bought this used. Either someone changed my gears or something isn't working correctly. Just saying. A visual inspection of your gears is the only true way to know what's in there.

Check the tires to see if they match the decal on the door jamb.
Chances are, they don't.

Plug in the values at this site, for more information.

Tire Size Comparison

Tire size comparison the easy way. Use our tire size comparison calculator to compare diameter, width, sidewall, circumference and revolutions per mile.

tiresize.com

AlfaOBD or jScan can tweak things to correct the speedo.
Most Canadian Provinces & US States permit only a 4% variance.

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[Tominator223]

3:21. 3:55. 3.92. The 3 options for that yr. Probably 3:55. But with the age anyone could have changed it. Road trip to da boneyard