Lifted Dodge ram gear question

[fonzyn75]

Hey guys, i just have a quick question.
I got a 98 ram 1500 5.2 auto.
Its got a lift and 35inch tires, that i plan to keep on it
i now have 3:55 gears im considering 4:56 gears for the axles
all i want to know is does it actually help mpg? and will it help it accelerate up the hills better?

 

[Okiespaniel]

I don't know about mpg...some owners say it hurts hwy mpg but slightly increases city mpg.
I can tell you the acceleration and the ability to hold your speed going up hills will increase exponentialy as well as your transmission life.

 

[idahododgeguy]

i wouldn't go that low unless you plan to use it climbing rocks and stuff like that in the hills. a 4:10 would more than pull the tires you have and help with power.

 

[ltfd22]

I need to lower my gears to. Not sure what gears it has right now. But going up hills sucks right now. Always downshifts on the slightest incline and I also have 35s.

 

[Okiespaniel]

I should mention that gearing also depends on tire weight as well as diameter. The heavier a tire the more torque is required to turn them.

Last night I was doing some research on tires and while most while a given size tends to weigh the same through most brands, there were a couple companies where there was a significant difference. Remember that torque requirements increase at an exponential level based on the weight of a given wheel/tire assembly.

You might be able to run 4:10s on a truck that sees more highway driving, doesn't tow or haul, and has a significant number of torque enhancing motor mods. Other wise pretty much everyone endorses 4:56's.

 

[ltfd22]

My motor is stock for now, but I want to add some things to it for sure and I was thinking 4:10 would b good. Thanks for the info