Loading

What is the rear axle ratio of a 2018 Ram 2500?

The rear axle ratio of a 2018 Ram 2500 is 3.73:1. This means that for every 3.73 revolutions of the driveshaft, the rear wheels will rotate once. The rear axle ratio is an important specification that affects the truck's towing capacity, fuel efficiency, and overall performance.


Understanding Rear Axle Ratios


The rear axle ratio is a critical component of a vehicle's drivetrain that determines the relationship between the rotational speed of the driveshaft and the rotational speed of the rear wheels. A higher rear axle ratio, such as 4.10:1, results in more torque being delivered to the wheels, which is beneficial for towing and hauling heavy loads. However, this also leads to lower fuel efficiency at highway speeds. A lower rear axle ratio, like the 3.73:1 in the 2018 Ram 2500, provides a better balance between towing capacity and fuel economy.


Choosing the Right Rear Axle Ratio


When selecting a rear axle ratio for a heavy-duty truck like the Ram 2500, there are several factors to consider:



  • Towing and Hauling Needs: If you frequently tow heavy trailers or haul large payloads, a higher rear axle ratio (e.g., 4.10:1 or 4.30:1) may be more suitable to provide the necessary torque and pulling power.

  • Fuel Economy: A lower rear axle ratio (e.g., 3.73:1) can improve fuel efficiency, especially when driving at highway speeds, by reducing the engine's revolutions per minute (RPM).

  • Performance: The rear axle ratio also affects the truck's acceleration and top speed. A higher ratio will provide quicker acceleration but a lower top speed, while a lower ratio will result in slower acceleration but a higher top speed.


The 3.73:1 rear axle ratio in the 2018 Ram 2500 is a popular choice, as it offers a good balance between towing capacity, fuel efficiency, and overall performance for most heavy-duty truck owners.

What is the gear ratio for the Ram rear end?


Ram has a standard axle ratio of 3.21 on 2X4 trucks and 3.55 on 4X4 trucks and trucks with the diesel engine. However buyers can choose different axle ratios for their Ram 1500, including a 3.92 axle ratio.



What is the specs of the 2018 RAM 2500 6.7 L?


The range-topping 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel I-6 engine is rated at 350 hp and 660 lb-ft of torque with the six-speed manual transmission but gets an increase with the six-speed automatic transmission to 370 hp and 800 lb-ft of torque. All models are available with rear- or four-wheel drive.



What is the benefit of a 3.92 rear axle ratio?


By far the biggest advantage of the 3.92 will be getting that load moving from a stop. The 3.92 will give 20% more torque at the wheels in first gear. There may be other slight advantages in engine braking, having an additional usable gear and working the transmission a little less when towing. Slight.



Which is better 3.73 or 4.10 axle ratio?


Performance Relative to Use
That 3.73 vs. a 4.10 has a huge impact on engine rpm because you are selecting second gear with a 3.73 to pull the grade, but you can hit third gear with a 4.10. Your engine speed is about 1,000 rpm lower, so temperatures under hood are going to be significantly lower.



What is a 3.73 axle ratio good for?


A numerically higher axle ratio provides a mechanical advantage to send more of the engine's available torque to the rear tires (and front tires, in a four-wheel drive vehicle), but you pay the price at the fuel pump. So, a truck with optional 3.73 gears will tow a heavier trailer than one with 3.55 or 3.21.



Is there a big difference between 3.21 and 3.92 axle ratio?


The standard 3.21 axle ratio then gets you a maximum tow rating of 8,440 pounds. Go with the 3.92 gearing and the tow rating jumps up to 11,540 pounds — a massive 3,100-pound difference.



What is the axle ratio for the 2018 Ram 2500?


To give buyers options, the Ram 2500 is available with a 3.42, 3.73 or a 4.10 axle ratio and a 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrain, except the Ram 2500 Power Wagon is only available with a 4×4 drivetrain.



What is the best axle ratio for towing a Ram 2500?


FACT: A 4.10 axle ratio is ideal for towing heavy loads in a mix of city and highway driving and when towing on varied or steep grades. A 4.10 axle ratio will provide improved acceleration in stop and go city traffic.



How to know RAM axle ratio?


Method 1: Count the number of teeth on the ring gear and the pinion. Divide the number of the ring gear's teeth by the number of the pinion's teeth. This will give you the axle ratio.



What axle ratio is best for towing?


A numerically higher axle ratio provides a mechanical advantage to send more of the engine's available torque to the rear tires (and front tires, in a four-wheel drive vehicle), but you pay the price at the fuel pump. So, a truck with optional 3.73 gears will tow a heavier trailer than one with 3.55 or 3.21.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.