Which axle ratio for 2013 Ram 3500 dually?

Perrysburg Dodgeboy wrote:

However the lower the 4:10 ratio will get the load moving easier with less stress on the TV.

4x4ord wrote:

This depends how you look at it as well. For instance if you hook onto a big trailer and put your foot the floor the engine has no idea what is going on behind it and it will deliver all it can to the torque converter regardless of what axle ratio the truck has. The transmission is the same regardless of what axle ratio you have so it is not going to know any difference nor is the driveshaft. The torque will be further multiplied in the rear axle so under full load the 4.10 will put more strain on the axle and tires than the 3.42 will. When you are cruising down the highway at part throttle there is only only minimal torque on the drive components no matter which axle ratio you have.

The stress Perrysburg Dodgeboy is talking about comes from the load. The 4.10 provides greater leverage against moving that load, therefore requiring less torque before the axle to move it.

That said, all of 4x4ord's advice here is sound. I've never driven one of these trucks, but I do understand gearing, and if I were choosing an axle ratio, I'd be using the exact same reasoning he is. The 3.42 gives the most options in terms of selecting the right transmission gear for the job. This assumes, of course, it has the ability to get the load moving from a stop. Given the massive torque of that engine, though, this shouldn't be a problem at all.

For those in the "more torque is always better" crowd, remember you'll always produce the most wheel torque in the lowest (transmission) gear that keeps the engine in its powerband.

-- Rob