What gears to throw in this thing

[Agm4495]

I’ve owned 2 2nd gems before this one but I recently bought a 2001 ram 2500 with a 5.9v8 and just looking to see what everyone else’s experiences are with a “upgrading” the rear diff gears(its a 2wd 8lug) and which ratio to get.

Keep reading if you want but just a little summary on what I’d be using it for/ future plans, I started my own business doing electrical contracting but also metal fab like bumpers, rv gates, rocket stoves, etc. and I do tow pretty frequently. Sometimes I’ll deliver a trailer or two for a friend who sells trailers.

As of right now it has a 3” lift front and back and without a trailer the thing is pretty quick but I’m going to be getting 33’s for my next set of tires once these wear out and dont want it too bogged down whenever I tow especially when I’ve got it loaded with tools and material for jobs. I’ve read several people saying the 3.55 are fine and others saying to get 4.10s but I figured a forum would be better and more insightful info on the subject.

Ps I am looking to do a diesel swap but saving for that/looking for a donor would be something I’d do in say 3 years or so.

Also posted a pic of my truck if y’all care

 

[GTyankee]

a wild guess here

chances are you already have a 3.73 gear ratio

remember also, you can make a ratio change by changing tire height

you can find out what your current axle ratio is, by using some painters tape, a jack, a bit of muscle & your eyes

some people say that spinning the rear wheel 1 time using this method will tell you the ratio

others say that you have to turn the wheel several times,
i am not any good at math, so i will not pick a method

How to Calculate Your Rear Gear Ratio Without Taking Anything Apart!!

How to tell what gear ratio is in your car without taking anything apart!! Calculating gear ratio on a chevy mopar ford by turning the rear wheels and counti...

www.youtube.com

 

[Agm4495]

so I’ve already figured the gear ratio I have, just wondering what size to upgrade to when I add the larger tires on it, that way it doesn’t bog down or seem sluggish when I pull a trailer and improves everyday driving if that makes any sense

 

[dodge dude94]

3" lift, 33s, towing periodically? 4.56.

Don't fear the gear. You've probably got 3.55s which make these trucks dog slow.

 

[Travelin Ram]

If a diesel swap is in the future, gearing for gas now is not worth it IMO.

OTOH, I’d be disinclined to do a diesel swap myself. You’ll need a donor truck to rob not just the engine, but many ancillary parts. Better use of time and money to just trade for a diesel truck. But that’s just me. If you’re into vehicle building, could be a fun project.

 

[GTyankee]

may i ask what your differential ratio is ?

also the tire size, full information

 

[Agm4495]

It has 265x70r16 with 3.55 gears currently

 

[Daw14]

4.56 gears with 33s are a great combo ,you won’t be disappointed.