What gear ratio is in my Ram 1500?

There isn’t a single gear ratio for the Ram 1500; the ratio depends on your truck’s axle and transmission configuration. To know yours, check the axle tag, window sticker, or your vehicle identification number (VIN). Common final-drive ratios seen on Ram 1500 models include 3.21, 3.55, 3.73, 3.92, and 4.10.

Why Ram 1500 gear ratios vary

Ram 1500 pickups have offered multiple axle options and transmissions across different model years and trim levels. The final-drive ratio is chosen to balance attributes like towing capability, acceleration, highway fuel economy, and overall drivability. As a result, two Ram 1500s with different trims or engine options can have different gear ratios even if they look similar on the outside.

Common axle (final-drive) ratios you might see

The following list summarizes final-drive ratios that have appeared in Ram 1500 configurations in recent years. Your exact ratio is determined by your specific build, so verify with your vehicle documentation or a dealer.

• 3.21:1


• 3.55:1


• 3.73:1


• 3.92:1


• 4.10:1

Note: A lower numerical ratio (e.g., 3.21) is better for fuel economy at highway speeds, while a higher numerical ratio (e.g., 4.10) improves low-speed torque and towing performance. The right balance depends on your needs and configuration.

How to find your exact gear ratio for your Ram 1500

To determine your exact gear ratio, use these steps. This ensures you know the precise axle ratio and any variation by option codes or market.

1. Inspect the differential axle tag. It usually lists the ratio (for example, “3.55” or “3.92”).


2. Check the driver’s door jamb sticker or the window sticker/build sheet from your original order for the axle ratio.


3. Decode your VIN. Use an official Mopar VIN decoder or a reputable source to extract the axle ratio from your vehicle’s configuration.


4. If you have a 4x4 model, consider the transfer case ratio as well; the overall drive ratio is the product of the axle ratio and the transfer-case ratio.


5. For absolute certainty, contact a Ram dealer with your VIN or consult the owner’s manual for the exact specification.

By following these steps, you can confirm the exact gear ratio for your specific Ram 1500. Without checking, there is no single fixed number applicable to all Ram 1500 trucks.

Summary

In short, a Ram 1500’s gear ratio is not fixed. It varies by year, engine, transmission, and axle options. Use the axle tag, window sticker, VIN, or dealer resources to find your exact ratio. Common final-drive choices include 3.21, 3.55, 3.73, 3.92, and 4.10. Knowing yours helps with towing, fuel economy, and performance planning.

Note: Always verify with official documentation or your dealer for the most accurate data for your vehicle’s exact build, as specifications can change with model year and regional options.

How do you tell if you have 3.73 or 4.10 gears?

You can tell if you have 3.73 or 4.10 gears by manually counting, checking the differential cover for a tag, or finding the ratio stamped on the ring gear. The most direct method is to lift the rear wheels, rotate one tire one full revolution, and count how many times the driveshaft turns; 3.75 turns indicates 3.73 gears, while slightly over 4 turns indicates 4.10 gears.
 
This video demonstrates how to check your gear ratio by counting the driveshaft turns: 48sBent Motorsports OffroadYouTube · Sep 22, 2023
Method 1: Manual count (with the vehicle jacked up)

1. Jack up the vehicle: Safely lift the rear of your vehicle and secure it on jack stands. Ensure the wheels are off the ground. 
2. Mark the driveshaft and a tire: Place a mark on one of the rear tires and a corresponding mark on the driveshaft. 
3. Rotate the tire: Rotate the marked tire forward one full revolution. For an open differential, you may need to lift only one wheel and have someone hold the other stationary, or lift both wheels and rotate one tire twice while the other tire is on the ground. For a locked differential, lift both rear wheels and have one tire rotate once while the other rotates once in the opposite direction. 
4. Count the driveshaft turns: Count how many times the mark on the driveshaft has rotated. 
   • 3.73 gears: The driveshaft will turn approximately 3.753.753.75 times for one full tire revolution. 
   • 4.10 gears: The driveshaft will turn a little over 444 times for one full tire revolution. 

Method 2: Check the differential cover tag 

1. Locate the tag: Look for a small metal tag that is usually bolted to the differential cover. It may be on one of the bolts. 
2. Read the ratio: If the tag is still present, the gear ratio will be stamped on it. It will likely be a number like "3.73" or "4.10". 

You can watch this video to learn how to find the differential cover tag: 51sFlawed OffroadYouTube · Apr 18, 2022
Method 3: Read the ring gear stamps 

1. Locate the ring gear: This requires removing the differential cover to get a clear view of the ring gear.
2. Find the numbers: Look for two numbers stamped on the teeth of the ring gear, such as "41" and "11". 
3. Divide the numbers: Divide the larger number (teeth on the ring gear) by the smaller number (teeth on the pinion gear). 
   • 41÷11≈3.7341 divided by 11 is approximately equal to 3.7341÷11≈3.73 
   • 41÷10=4.1041 divided by 10 equals 4.1041÷10=4.10 

This video shows how to read the ring gear stamps to find the gear ratio: 46sJL LIFE OFFROADYouTube · Nov 18, 2022

How do I identify my RAM differential?

If the ID tag or stamp is missing or unreadable, differentials can be identified by the number of cover bolts, the distinctive shape of the cover, the number of ring gear bolts, and ring gear diameter. They can also be identified by whether the center section is an integral or dropout design.

Can I find my gear ratio with my VIN?

You may be able to tell the gear ratio from a vehicle's VIN by using an online VIN decoder, though not all manufacturers include this information in the VIN itself. If the gear ratio is included, it will likely be in the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS), which are the 4th through 8th digits of the VIN. For many vehicles, a sticker on the driver's side door jamb or on the vehicle's build sheet or owner's manual is a more reliable way to find the gear ratio. 
How to check the VIN

• Use an online VIN decoder: Enter the full VIN into a free online decoder. Some manufacturers have their own decoders, such as Mopar's decoder. 
• Look for the gear ratio code: Some VINs will have a code within the VDS that represents the gear ratio (e.g., "3731"). 
• Consult the manufacturer: If the VIN decoder doesn't provide the information, contact the vehicle manufacturer for assistance. 

Other methods to find the gear ratio

• Check the vehicle sticker: Look for a sticker on the driver's side door jamb or on the vehicle's build sheet. This sticker often contains detailed information about the vehicle's equipment, including the axle ratio. 
• Look at the differential: Some differentials have a metal tag with the gear ratio stamped on them, or there may be a sticker on the axle itself. 
• Consult your owner's manual: The owner's manual or other paperwork from the vehicle's purchase often lists the gear ratio. 

How do I tell what gear ratio my Ram 1500 has?

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