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Should have configured the 3.92. Can I upgrade after purchase?

DharmaDog

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When I bought my truck over a year ago. I went with the 3.21 hoping it would give me even a little better mileage, and I also did not anticipate the need to tow more than ~5,000 lbs. I believe my tow rating is 8190 in the current config. Now my family is looking at travel trailers, and we need sleeping and elbow room for 5 people minimum. We can get away with 28/29 footers, but my wife wants a NICE trailer. That usually means more weight and I'm not finding many options that leave much room under the 8190 lb rating. It's close though and there are a few options out there, but there would be more options if I could tow the 11,000+ lbs of those trucks with the 3.92.

So my question is, does anyone know the process and approximate cost to upgrade from 3.21 to 3.92? I really like my truck, and don't want to swap the whole truck out for a different rear axle.

Thanks
 

Willwork4truck

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This is a w.a.g. But $1K-1500K at a shop that deals with axles. No idea what a gear set change (rear only, right) at a dealer would be. You’d sure want someone who knows how to set them up correctly and I doubt that dealers do very many of those, if ever.
an old 2014 RAM forum post about a gear change was $1200 at the dealer.

Another poster said to call this shop, if not close (NY) maybe they can at least estimate the cost for you:
Deer Park Driveshaft.
Rick
641-667-4091
Known him 30yrs.Top Notch
 

Dragonmaster13

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Check with a driveline shop in your area, but the previous gen Ram's had the front gears welded into the carrier and were not swappable requiring a whole new axle assembly. If that's the case count on $3500-4000 to do it.
 

Moparian

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If you had a 4x2 then you could probably do it for less than $2k maybe even under a grand if you can find a take off rear end with the 3.92 gears. Given that yours is a 4x4 I think you have to do both axles but dont quote me.
 

Dookie

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IIRC, someone on here mentioned doing a front and rear gear swap and rear wasn't a problem for a ring and pinion swap, but the front, you had to swap entire carrier and pinion. He opted out because of the total cost and parts availability. FWIW, I went from 3.92 to 4.56 in my first Ram (2003), bought the R&P w/bearing kit from Randy's Ring & Pinion for about $700.00, and did it myself, with the assistance from a friend to set the lash. He had a 1/2" extension he welded up to about 5 feet long to rotate the cup nuts to set the lash with a dial indicator. Since, I've changed out my open carrier to a LSD with new bearings on my 06 Charger SRT8 myself. It has retaining rings that is non-adjustable (Mercedes rear end) I'm not sure how the new ZF rears are set up though. Leave this job to the pros, estimate about $1500.00 rear, no idea on the front with the carrier swap, probably $2000.00 or so.
 

DharmaDog

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Thanks for the feedback. It may be a bigger deal than I thought. I did something similar in an old Mustang 20 years ago, and it wasn't too big a deal. I understand the vehicle and drivetrain are a bit different...

Hmmm.....
 

Zeronet

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With 5 people and a “NICE” 29 foot camper I’d seriously be looking for a 2500.

Your Longhorn will probably be short on payload. Post a pic of your payload sticker (yellow/black) inside your drivers door jamb. I’m guessing your max payload is around 1350. Subtract from that the weight of 5 passengers, their gear, a hitch and any accessories you’ve added to the truck. What’s left is how much you have available for trailer tongue weight.

Visit the towing threads for what’s realistic regarding towing with a half ton.
 
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2wd

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Just my opinion but I would look to a heavy duty truck if towing a TT more than 8000 lbs.

The 3.92 pushing the Ram north of 10K towing is for a very narrow use case (in my opinion) - such as hauling a loaded dump trailer. Travel trailers can become difficult to control due to the shape and size more so than the weight.

If you take the time to review the transmission/gear ratios across the industry you'll find that the Ram with 3.21 is basically the same as a 6 speed truck from a few years ago with 3.73-4.30 gearing. That was the best towing setup available with 6 speeds, with many having tow ratings at or north of 10k pounds. The 3.92 is like a 6 speed with 5.xx+ - awesome for huge tires, burnouts, "spirited driving", and those super heavy construction trailers.

I towed an 8k TT with my 3.21 and was very comfortable but will likely not go heavier (not because of the gearing mind you but because of the size/weight of the truck). If you can keep the trailer around 8k pounds you will do very well with your current truck with no gear swap.

If I was in your shoes going to tow 10K+ trailer, I'd trade for a Gas Ram 2500 with the 8 speed or Ford 250 with the new 7.3 Gas and 10 speed. I love Gasoline and extra gears!
 

MFALRAM

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I have a Winnebago Winnie Drop and I’m thinking of trading it in and getting a Winnebago Micro Minnie 5th wheel model 2405BH that sleeps 5 1/2 ready take a look
WEIGHTS & MEASUREMENTS
2405BHNEW2405RG2405RL
Exterior Length26'9"26'9"26'9"
Exterior Height111'5"11'5"11'5"
Exterior Width27'7'7'
Awning Length18'18'18'
Interior Height7'7'7'
Freshwater Tank Capacity4(gal.)313131
Water Heater Capacity (gal.)666
Holding Tank Capacity4 — Black (gal.)252525
Holding Tank Capacity4 — Gray (gal.)255025
LP Capacity5(lbs.)404040
GVWR (lbs.)7,0007,0007,000
Sleeps9544
Axles (lbs.)2@3,7002@3,7002@3,700
Dry Weight (lbs.)5,7405,7805,640
Furnace (BTU)18,00018,00018,000
Hitch Weight (lbs.)1,1401,0601,100
Tire SizeS/B 235/75R15
 

silver billet

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I have a Winnebago Winnie Drop and I’m thinking of trading it in and getting a Winnebago Micro Minnie 5th wheel model 2405BH that sleeps 5 1/2 ready take a look
WEIGHTS & MEASUREMENTS
2405BHNEW2405RG2405RL
Exterior Length26'9"26'9"26'9"
Exterior Height111'5"11'5"11'5"
Exterior Width27'7'7'
Awning Length18'18'18'
Interior Height7'7'7'
Freshwater Tank Capacity4(gal.)313131
Water Heater Capacity (gal.)666
Holding Tank Capacity4 — Black (gal.)252525
Holding Tank Capacity4 — Gray (gal.)255025
LP Capacity5(lbs.)404040
GVWR (lbs.)7,0007,0007,000
Sleeps9544
Axles (lbs.)2@3,7002@3,7002@3,700
Dry Weight (lbs.)5,7405,7805,640
Furnace (BTU)18,00018,00018,000
Hitch Weight (lbs.)1,1401,0601,100
Tire SizeS/B 235/75R15

All 3 of these trailers are two heavy for any ram 1500, regardless of whether you have the 3.92. You're max tongue weight (not payload, tongue weight) is 1100 pounds. Those trailers listed above are probably "dry", no? If so, definitely too much for your truck.
 

MFALRAM

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All 3 of these trailers are two heavy for any ram 1500, regardless of whether you have the 3.92. You're max tongue weight (not payload, tongue weight) is 1100 pounds. Those trailers listed above are probably "dry", no? If so, definitely too much for your truck.
If it was a tow behind yes it would be but these are 5th wheel Made for 1500’s. Winnebago uses hitch weight which might be a little confusing.
 

Boston

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I think you are better off hedging your bets and moving up from a 1500 to a 2500 Hemi or 3500 diesel.
Give yourself all the flexibility possible and include the fifth wheel option on the 8ft bed and get the 50 gallon tank to.
 

Adrianp89

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I'd say step down the size of the trailer or step your truck up to a 2500 diesel.
 

WXman

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I agree with the others, if you're looking at large campers then moving up the ladder to the 3500 is a wise choice. Then you'll never "run out of truck" to do anything you need to do.

You can change gear ratios, add air bags, do anything you want to your truck but legally you'll always be capped by that payload number on your door jamb placard. Modifications add practical capacity, but they do not add legal capacity.

Good luck.
 

Sensei

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I have a 2019 1500 5.7 eTorque with 3.21. Pulled our new bumper pull 26' (31' total length), GVWR 7499 from Texas up through Colorado mountains (several passes) and never had a single issue. Pulled great. My biggest complaint is maneuvering that sunuvabich. Granted, I kept the speed under 70MPH. The couple we traveled with had an HD Chevy pulling a bigger camper (5th wheel) and they were able to drive a little faster.
 

Willwork4truck

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I have a 2019 1500 5.7 eTorque with 3.21. Pulled our new bumper pull 26' (31' total length), GVWR 7499 from Texas up through Colorado mountains (several passes) and never had a single issue. Pulled great. My biggest complaint is maneuvering that sunuvabich. Granted, I kept the speed under 70MPH. The couple we traveled with had an HD Chevy pulling a bigger camper (5th wheel) and they were able to drive a little faster.
Yep, with that big of a trailer while its doable its not ideal. As so many owners have done, prioritize the 90-95% of the time it doesn't tow. Ride and fuel will be better. Absolutely sacriligous to the hd towing group of which I used to belong to but the reality of people’s situations is different. Kinda like “theory vs practice”.
 
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rubrduk

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I have a Winnebago Winnie Drop and I’m thinking of trading it in and getting a Winnebago Micro Minnie 5th wheel model 2405BH that sleeps 5 1/2 ready take a look
WEIGHTS & MEASUREMENTS
2405BHNEW2405RG2405RL
Exterior Length26'9"26'9"26'9"
Exterior Height111'5"11'5"11'5"
Exterior Width27'7'7'
Awning Length18'18'18'
Interior Height7'7'7'
Freshwater Tank Capacity4(gal.)313131
Water Heater Capacity (gal.)666
Holding Tank Capacity4 — Black (gal.)252525
Holding Tank Capacity4 — Gray (gal.)255025
LP Capacity5(lbs.)404040
GVWR (lbs.)7,0007,0007,000
Sleeps9544
Axles (lbs.)2@3,7002@3,7002@3,700
Dry Weight (lbs.)5,7405,7805,640
Furnace (BTU)18,00018,00018,000
Hitch Weight (lbs.)1,1401,0601,100
Tire SizeS/B 235/75R15


I looked at the Micro Minnie 5th wheel trailers out of curiosity...but we bought a '21 Micro Minnie 2306bhs which is very similar space/sleeping capacity to the 2405, with the narrow 7ft body (barely fits down the driveway with barely a couple inches, where a traditional 8ft will not)

both are bunkhouse with a convertible table-to-bed, and a queen bed. The 2306 has a murphy bed (we just leave it down except if raining), the 2405 has a "bedroom", but has significantly fewer storage spaces and overall cargo space...also you then lose the truck bed and payload space with the 5th wheel setup

It would be a lifestyle decision at that point on what best fits your needs...my kids are young, so having a door closing bedroom does not important when camping, we all share the same space...the 16yr old beagle-jack sleeps on the bed, and the coonhound on the floor (or bottom bunk because she's an *******)

The tiny outdoor kitchen wasn't the best use of space...the tiny fridge is electric-only (that means full hook-up sites only), and the little cooktop is eclipsed by any basic grill. I do like an outdoor kitchen,...we just think this one is too limited in use

just my $.02
 

CJ7nvrstk

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I know this is an old thread but some might find this useful. I inquired and my dealership about swapping out gears from 3.21 to 3.92 and was told it would void the warranty unless done by Dodge. They quoted me $2700 for the 4x2 I was looking at! Just bought one with 3.92’s, problem solved.
 

Trooper4

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My wife says I can't get into these towing discussions anymore. Soooo, -------, I tow at/near max, and have no problem. But that's me, I am comfortable with it. and my driving style is very conservative. What the he!!, I'm retired and not in a hurry.
So much for listening to the wife ;-).
 

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