I think I narrowed down to getting the following combo:- 2013 Ram 3500 Megacab Dually Diesel with short bed- 2014 DRV 36ft 3-slide modelI've been looking at the Ram configurator and realized there are 3 different axle ratios ranging from 3.42 to 4.10. I assume 3.42 is the most fuel economical version but with the least amount of power. And even with 3.42, there's more than 20k lb towing capacity so it easily meets the DRV's GVWR.So is it safe to assume that I can choose 3.42 or should I look for higher gear variations?

It'd help if you could post the transmission gear ratios. The difference between 3.42 and 4.10 is about 20% (4.10 / 3.42 ~= 1.20). This means that at any given speed, with the 4.10s you'll have 20% more torque at the wheels, but you'll also be be turning 20% higher engine RPM. Whether this tradeoff is good or bad is a function of how you'll be driving. It's all about final drive ratio. For example, if the difference in the top 2 gear ratios in the transmission were 20%, you'd get the same final drive ratio with the 3.42s by running a lower gear in the transmission.-- Rob

I have 4.10s in mine with max tow package and love it. From what I've read on here not much diff in mileage between the diff gear ratios. Lower gear ratio is easier on equip when towing as the truck doesn't have to work as hard to get it all moving. That's why I chose the lower gears.

I had/have 3:73 in my 07(5.9)and 11 MegaCab and have pulled all over the country. Never had any problem but then I'm retired and not in any race or truck pull competition.

From what I remember the last time I 'built' a truck on the Ram website, not all gear ratios are available with all engines!As I recall the 3.42 and 4.10 are the only available ratios with the 6.7 Cummins. The 3.73 is only available with the gas engineIt might be worth the time to visit a dealer and find out what ratios they can actually order with which enginesJMHO

I would get the 3.73 or 4.10 axles, not the 3.42 for towing your anticipated weight.

Which axle ratio for 2013 Ram 3500 dually? | Good Sam Community

52 Replies

tinner12002
Explorer
Jul 20, 2013
I have 4.10s in mine with max tow package and love it. From what I've read on here not much diff in mileage between the diff gear ratios. Lower gear ratio is easier on equip when towing as the truck doesn't have to work as hard to get it all moving. That's why I chose the lower gears.
bimbert84
Explorer
Jul 20, 2013
It'd help if you could post the transmission gear ratios. The difference between 3.42 and 4.10 is about 20% (4.10 / 3.42 ~= 1.20). This means that at any given speed, with the 4.10s you'll have 20% more torque at the wheels, but you'll also be be turning 20% higher engine RPM. Whether this tradeoff is good or bad is a function of how you'll be driving. It's all about final drive ratio. For example, if the difference in the top 2 gear ratios in the transmission were 20%, you'd get the same final drive ratio with the 3.42s by running a lower gear in the transmission.

-- Rob

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Which axle ratio for 2013 Ram 3500 dually?

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