Swapping gears, 2015 1500 Tradesman 4x4

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dwade

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Just recently retired and I am looking at doing more camping. I have a 22' TT that weighs 4150 dry weight that falls well within my towing limits. The truck currently has 3.55 gears and I'm giving serious thought to having 3.92 gears put in it. The truck is in good shape and is pushing 226k miles, engine and transmission are good. I've thought about picking up a 2500 4x4 but with a fixed budget now I don't want a added monthly payment.

How hard of a job is it? I used to do all of the maintenance on my trucks but have never touched a differential before. One place tells me to swap just the ring and pinion and another place tells the whole differential needs replaced. Big difference in cost for front and rear axles.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.
 

Dean2

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This has been discussed dozens of times. Just one example, a search will turn up 200 more.


Long story short, save your money. Outside of pulling away from a stop, it makes zero difference. You can accomplish exactly the same thing, higher RPM at any speed, using tow haul and the gear limiter switch.
 
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dwade

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This has been discussed dozens of times. Just one example, a search will turn up 200 more.


Long story short, save your money. Outside of pulling away from a stop, it makes zero difference. You can accomplish exactly the same thing, higher RPM at any speed, using tow haul and the gear limiter switch.
I only pull the TT in tow haul mode but have not used the gear limiter switch, just put 'er in drive and go.
 

Dean2

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I only pull the TT in tow haul mode but have not used the gear limiter switch, just put 'er in drive and go.
Use the gear limiter to hold it in a lower gear to get more rpm, or better compression braking going downhill. I use mine all the time.
 
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It’s got a Hemi in it
FWIW, I’d believe the shop that tells you whole axle swaps will be your best result…if it was necessary.

My CC with 3.21s tops out around 8000# towing capacity and my RCSB tops out around 9200#(?).

That tells me the 3.92 axle is a flat out heavier duty axle.
 
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