What is the rear axle ratio of a 2014 Ram 3500?
The rear axle ratio for the 2014 Ram 3500 isn't a single figure; it varied by model and configuration. Common options were 3.42, 3.73, and 4.10, depending on drivetrain, cab/bed, and engine choice.
In this report, we break down what the rear axle ratio means, why it matters for towing and efficiency, and how to determine the exact ratio on a specific truck. We’ll also map out typical configurations and share practical steps to verify the ratio on your vehicle.
Understanding rear axle ratio
The rear axle ratio is the numeric relationship between the engine driveshaft speed and the wheels’ rotation. A lower numerical ratio (for example, 3.42) generally favors highway fuel economy, while a higher numerical ratio (such as 4.10) boosts pulling power and acceleration, especially when towing or carrying heavy payloads. On the Ram 3500, the ratio is selected to balance payload capacity, driveline performance, and overall capabilities for the truck’s intended duties.
Common rear axle ratios offered on the 2014 Ram 3500
The 2014 Ram 3500 was offered with several rear axle ratios. Availability depended on engine, cab/bed configuration, and 4x4 vs 4x2 drivetrain. The ratios most frequently seen in production notes were:
- 3.42:1 — A mid-range option aimed at balanced highway efficiency with respectable towing ability.
- 3.73:1 — A common choice for mixed-use configurations, offering stronger low-end torque response for acceleration and towing.
- 4.10:1 — The most aggressive ratio, selected for maximum payload and towing performance, especially on the 4x4 models or configurations designed for heavy-duty work.
Because the Ram 3500 was offered in multiple configurations, exact availability varied by model year, region, and trim. Always verify the precise ratio for your specific truck using official documentation or on-vehicle tags.
How to confirm your axle ratio on a 2014 Ram 3500
To ensure you have the correct axle ratio for your truck, check these sources:
- Driver-side door frame sticker: look for a line labeled Rear Axle or Axle Ratio showing a value like 3.42, 3.73, or 4.10.
- Differential tag: a tag on the differential cover or near the axle can display the ratio.
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) build sheet or Monroney window sticker: some versions list the axle ratio in the technical specifications.
- Owner's manual or dealership records: official documentation often records the exact ratio.
If you're unsure, a Ram dealer or a qualified mechanic can decode your VIN or inspect the differential to confirm the axle ratio.
Implications for driving and towing
Choosing the right axle ratio affects towing capability, acceleration, and fuel economy. A higher numerical ratio like 4.10 improves towing and hill-climbing ability but can reduce highway fuel efficiency. Conversely, a 3.42 ratio emphasizes highway mileage at the expense of peak pulling power. For heavy towing or payloads, many owners lean toward 4.10, while those prioritizing long highway trips may opt for 3.42 or 3.73 depending on other drivetrain choices.
Summary
The 2014 Ram 3500 did not have a single rear axle ratio; it offered multiple options—most commonly 3.42, 3.73, and 4.10—chosen based on engine, cab/bed configuration, and drivetrain. To confirm the exact ratio on a given truck, check the door sticker, differential tag, or build documents, or consult a Ram dealer with the VIN.
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)
- Jack up the vehicle: Safely lift the rear of your vehicle and secure it on jack stands. Ensure the wheels are off the ground.
- Mark the driveshaft and a tire: Place a mark on one of the rear tires and a corresponding mark on the driveshaft.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- Locate the ring gear: This requires removing the differential cover to get a clear view of the ring gear.
- Find the numbers: Look for two numbers stamped on the teeth of the ring gear, such as "41" and "11".
- 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
Does a 4.10 axle ratio better for towing on a RAM?
With the available 4.10 axle ratio, it can tow between 16,920 lbs (Crew Cab 8′ Bed 4×4) and 17,750 lbs (Regular Cab 8′ Bed 4×2). The available 6.7L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel engine can tow between 14,630 lbs (Mega Cab 6'4″ Bed 4×4) and 20,000 lbs (Crew Cab 8′ Bed 4×2).
How do I tell what rear differential is in my Ram 3500?
The most accurate differential identification is provided by the bottom line of the tag number or axle tube stamp.
What is the gear ratio for a 2014 Ram 3500?
The 2014 Ram 3500 had several gear ratio options, with the most common being 3.42 for the automatic transmission, while the 3.73 and 4.10 ratios were often specific to the dual rear wheel (DRW) models and/or the Aisin transmission. The Aisin AS69RC transmission offered the 3.73 and 4.10 options, whereas the 68RFE automatic was also available with the 3.42 axle ratio.
Standard options
- 3.42: Common with the 68RFE automatic transmission, offering a balance of fuel efficiency and towing capacity for lighter loads.
- 3.73: Often found on DRW (dually) models with either the 68RFE or AS69RC transmissions. It provides more torque multiplication for heavier towing, though can lead to lower fuel efficiency at highway speeds.
- 4.10: Typically available on DRW models and often paired with the Aisin AS69RC transmission. This ratio provides the greatest towing and hauling capability.
How to determine your truck's gear ratio
- Check your owner's manual: Your truck's specific gear ratio will be listed in the owner's manual.
- Look at the driver's door jamb: Many vehicles have a sticker on the driver's door jamb that includes the original equipment (OE) specifications, including the axle ratio.
- Inspect the axle housing: Some trucks have a tag on the axle housing that lists the gear ratio.
- Count the teeth on the ring and pinion gears: This is a more technical method that involves inspecting the gears themselves.
