So frustrated with my 3.21 rear end

[reek]

I've had my 5.7 4x4 express QC for about 4 months now. Love the truck overall. Gotta say, the 3.21 rear with the 6 speed trans sucks. going from my tundra 5.7 with a 4.30 rear end, this thing feels like its pulling an anchor until you get the revs above 3000. And trying accelerate on the highway about 50-70mph generates a whole lotta engine noise with a slow and constipated acceleration. I assume this is a common complaint considering I don't see the 6 speed offered for 2015 on the Ram website. I assumed with the towing package, it wouldn't have the 3.21 but my fault for not checking before buying.

anyway, enough rant. I don't tow too often but it's just a slow painful process with about 3000 lbs in tow. I hope the transmission holds up.

So is anyone else towing with a 3.21 and 6 speed? any problems?

 

[Hemi450hp]

Very few people were unfortunate enough to receive 6sp trucks with 3.21's. I only know of 2 other people that have said they had this combo from the factory. I have no idea what Dodge was thinking when they decided to go with this combo. Its unfortunate that you are 4wd as well because swapping to a 3.92 is not a cheap upgrade.

 

[Andy578]

Its unfortunate that you are 4wd as well because swapping to a 3.92 is not a cheap upgrade.

if someone was to bite the bullet and do the upgrade i'm guessing for the price you might as well go 4.10s or maybe even further?

 

[reek]

Very few people were unfortunate enough to receive 6sp trucks with 3.21's. I only know of 2 other people that have said they had this combo from the factory. I have no idea what Dodge was thinking when they decided to go with this combo. Its unfortunate that you are 4wd as well because swapping to a 3.92 is not a cheap upgrade.

I guess I'm one of those lucky few. Anyway, the 4wd issue is why I'm on here whining and not just swapping rear ends. The other truck I was looking at had the 8 speed with 3.21 which I hear is actually a pretty good performer. this on had better options minus the 8 speed, so I went with it - but forgot to check the rear end. Oh well, I'll just keep looking on the bright side, once I'm done using up this truck, the next one will drive SO much better I know I'll be happier.

 

[RLJ10X]

I couldn't live with the 6/3.21. I'd sell the truck.

 

[z28th1s]

I couldn't live with the 6/3.21. I'd sell the truck.

I agree!

 

[Copperhead7310]

Reading some of your mods, just thinking out loud do you have factory size tires on the truck?

 

[dodge dude94]

Sell the truck and get a 3.55 or 3.92 truck and make sure it's got an LSD in it.


Why LSD? Just trust me, you'll thank me later.

 

[Booms]

Why would anyone sell a truck simply because it is geared incorrectly? I guess I am one of the unlucky ones....6 speed and 3.21's, but I would never consider selling My truck for that reason alone. One of these days I will call Matt up and find out what My options are for 3.92's or 4.11's and an LSD....until then I'll just ride out....

 

[sbuko213]

Why would anyone sell a truck simply because it is geared incorrectly? I guess I am one of the unlucky ones....6 speed and 3.21's, but I would never consider selling My truck for that reason alone. One of these days I will call Matt up and find out what My options are for 3.92's or 4.11's and an LSD....until then I'll just ride out....

If you're not 4x4 regearing is way easier. Been researching it hardcore lol.

 

[sicmadek]

I bought my truck with this combo by accident. I swapped the 3.21 out for 3.92 and lsd. By far the best thing i ever could have done to this truck. I actually get better fuel economy now.

 

[reek]

thanks for the replies. Selling the truck is not an economical option for me right now, has an unexpected need to get a second new vehicle this past year. I'm probably going to have to ride it out as well, get a new truck in few years. In retrospect, I've had worse trucks in the past but now I'm just spoiled since I've had better ones too. Worst truck I've had so far for actually using the thing as a truck: 1979 Dodge D100 with a 225 slant 6.



anyway, yes, stock/OEM wheels on my truck. I'm learning how to drive the truck with the current gearing. just requires the transmission to work alittle harder so I could see a 3.92 getting better fuel economy like Sicmadek has seen.

 

[RLJ10X]

I have a brilliant idea for the poor guys with the 6/3.21:

Unplug the wire to the front locking mechanism, and put it into 4 low, there by turning it into 2 low. Probably only good for stoplight to stoplight. If you could get traction, there's not much on the street that would keep up.

^That was a joke. Sort of.....

 

[Tyler76]

Guys, what is LSD you are taking about? lysergic acid diethylamide ?

 

[ExpressRules]

Guys, what is LSD you are taking about? lysergic acid diethylamide ?

Limited Slip Differential

 

[NYCruiser]

Unfortunately, regearing the new 4x4 trucks is probably the same or more of a hit than what you take trading the truck in. It depends if there's anything else you don't like about the truck, like missing options, etc, if it make sense.

 

[MyOhFive]

OP... keep browsing junkyard sites and see if you can pick up some 3.92s for cheap over time? Then its just the labour to install.. just a suggestion

 

[Broke pilot]

^^ that was my thought... Find a wrecked truck and buy the rear diff and the front pumpkin and just swap. Even a moderately technically inclined person can do it. And it would probly be way cheaper, especially if you trade or sell your complete diffs.

 

[Copperhead7310]

You could put some 27" tall tires on it and you'd have 3.92

 

[reek]

thanks for the ideas. the guy at autozone checking out my truck told me Lucas fuel cleaner should help. might try that... or just unplug the front diff, ... glad you were kidding RLJ10X.

I'm probably going to keep it as is for now and just do it right in another 3 years. hopefully I won't have a temporary stroke at the dealer and make a dumb mistake again. I shouldn't have pulled all my hair out by then. anyway, I have to make choices for time and cash reasons, among my need-to-do items. Right now, I'm still trying to convince my self I NEED to add a 20 x 50 addition to my work shop/garage.