What gear ratio is a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 front differential?

The front differential ratio for a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 varies by axle and option package; there isn’t a single universal number. In practice, you’ll commonly see ratios from about 3.55:1 up to 4.10:1 depending on the specific axle installed.

For 2004 Ram 1500 models, the exact front-axle ratio depends on whether the truck is equipped for four-wheel drive (4x4) and which axle option the factory chose for that build. Many 4x4 Rams used a Dana front differential with several possible gear ratios, while two-wheel-drive (2WD) models either did not use the front drive ratio in operation or carried a different, non-driving axle configuration. To be certain, you should verify the axle code on the vehicle itself via the tag on the differential housing or the dealer/build sheet.

Common front-differential gear ratios for 2004 Ram 1500

The following ratios are among those most frequently found on 2004 Ram 1500 trucks. Actual numbers vary by build, so use them as a reference and confirm for your specific vehicle.

• 3.55:1


• 3.73:1


• 3.92:1


• 4.10:1

These values reflect typical factory configurations for the front axle on 4x4 models. If you own a 2WD model, the front axle gear ratio is not used for propulsion in normal operation, but the axle housing and gears may still be present for compatibility and service purposes. Always verify the exact ratio for your specific VIN and build.

How to verify your exact ratio

To determine the precise front-differential gear ratio for your 2004 Ram 1500, follow these steps:

1. Locate the axle tag on the front differential housing and read the gear-code indicated there.


2. Consult the owner’s manual, service manual, or a reputable axle-code chart to translate the code into a numeric ratio.


3. If available, check the original build sheet or VIN decoding that lists axle specifications and options for your truck.


4. As a last resort, carefully count the teeth on the ring gear and pinion gear and compute the ratio, ensuring you take proper safety precautions or have a professional perform the check.

Keep in mind that production years, trim levels, and options varied widely. Verifying with the vehicle’s documentation or by inspecting the axle tag will give you the exact figure for your particular truck.

Summary

In short, the 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 does not have a single universal front-differential gear ratio. Most 4x4 configurations fall between roughly 3.55:1 and 4.10:1, with common options including 3.55, 3.73, 3.92, and 4.10. Confirm the exact ratio by checking the front axle tag, build sheet, or VIN/decode for your truck, especially since options and production runs varied widely.

How do I tell what gear ratio is in my Ram 1500?

You can find a Ram 1500's axle ratio by checking the vehicle's window sticker or doorjamb sticker, looking for a small metal tag on the differential cover, or using the "tire and driveshaft rotation" method. The most accurate method is to count the teeth on the ring and pinion gears inside the differential.
 
Method 1: Check vehicle stickers

• Window sticker: This will be with your original paperwork from when you purchased the vehicle. Look for a "Monroney" sticker that lists the vehicle's original options, including the gear ratio. 
• Glove box or doorjamb: Some manufacturers place a sticker with the axle code or ratio inside the glove box or on the inside of the driver's side doorjamb or door frame. 
• Axle tag: Look for a small metal tag on the rear axle's differential cover. It may have the ratio stamped on it, often as a three-digit number like "355" or "392". 

This video shows how to find the axle ratio from a tag on the differential cover: 59sWebWheelerYouTube · Apr 10, 2018
Method 2: Rotate the tires and driveshaft 

• Safely lift the rear of the truck so both rear wheels are off the ground and can spin freely. 
• Mark one of the rear tires and the driveshaft with chalk or a paint marker. 
• Rotate the marked wheel one full revolution (360 degrees). 
• While the wheel completes its single rotation, count how many times the driveshaft also rotates. 
• Your axle ratio is approximately equal to the number of times the driveshaft rotated. For example, if the driveshaft spun about 3.55 times, your ratio is approximately 3.55:1. 

This video demonstrates the tire and driveshaft rotation method: 1mChris DukeYouTube · Nov 22, 2016
Method 3: Count gear teeth (most accurate, requires opening differential) 

• Locate the differential cover on the rear axle. 
• Remove the differential cover to access the gears. 
• Count the number of teeth on the large "ring gear" and the smaller "pinion gear". 
• Divide the number of teeth on the ring gear by the number of teeth on the pinion gear to get the ratio. For example, if the ring gear has 41 teeth and the pinion gear has 11, the ratio is 41÷11≈3.7341 divided by 11 is approximately equal to 3.7341÷11≈3.73. 

This video shows how to count the teeth on the ring and pinion gears: 1mWeekendHandymenYouTube · Apr 14, 2017

How do I tell what gear ratio my front diff is?

And mark your wheel. And the drive shaft i use just use some blue tape. And then turn your wheel.

What is the gear ratio for a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500?

With 3.90 Gear Ratio. High performance.

What differential does a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 have?

NuTech Differential RAXN2113B
With 9.25 Ring gear.