Yes, you can change the gear ratio on your 2019 Ram 1500 to tailor its performance. Swapping from the stock ratio—often 3.21 or 3.55 depending on your engine—to a lower ratio like 4.10 boosts torque for towing and off-road power. While it may impact fuel efficiency at highway speeds, it improves acceleration and handling with bigger tires. Want to know how to pick the ideal ratio and what the installation involves?
Understanding Gear Ratios and Their Impact
Although gear ratios might seem complex at first, understanding how they work can greatly improve your 2019 Ram 1500’s performance. Gear ratios determine how many times the driveshaft turns in relation to the wheels.
When you change the ratio, you adjust how much torque reaches the wheels and how fast they spin. Lower gear ratios provide more torque, which helps with towing and off-roading, while higher ratios improve fuel efficiency and highway cruising.
Knowing this balance allows you to tailor your truck’s capabilities to your needs. If you want quicker acceleration or better towing power, a different gear ratio can make a significant difference.
Stock Gear Ratios for the 2019 Ram 1500
Since your 2019 Ram 1500 comes with specific stock gear ratios, knowing these baseline numbers helps you understand how your truck performs right out of the factory.
Typically, the stock gear ratios for this model range between 3.21 and 3.92, depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration.
For example, Ram usually equips the 3.6L V6 with a 3.21 ratio, while the 5.7L HEMI V8 often comes with a 3.55 or 3.92 ratio.
These numbers determine your truck’s balance of power, fuel efficiency, and towing capability.
Benefits of Changing Your Gear Ratio
Understanding your Ram 1500’s stock gear ratio sets the stage for exploring how changing it can improve your truck’s performance. When you adjust the gear ratio, you can tailor your truck’s power delivery to better suit your needs.
For instance, a lower gear ratio boosts torque, helping you tow heavier loads or climb steep inclines more easily. It also improves acceleration, making your Ram feel more responsive off the line.
On the other hand, a higher gear ratio can enhance fuel efficiency during highway driving by reducing engine RPM.
Plus, changing your gear ratio can optimize your truck’s compatibility with larger tires, maintaining accurate speedometer readings and overall drivability.
Ultimately, you gain more control over your Ram’s performance and efficiency by customizing the gear ratio.
Potential Downsides of Altering Gear Ratios
When you change your gear ratio, you might face some trade-offs that impact your Ram 1500’s everyday performance. For instance, a lower gear ratio can improve towing power but may reduce your fuel efficiency, causing you to fill up more often.
You might also notice your engine revs higher at highway speeds, leading to increased noise and possible wear over time. Additionally, altering gear ratios can affect your speedometer’s accuracy, requiring recalibration to avoid false readings.
If you frequently switch between hauling heavy loads and casual driving, a single gear ratio may not suit both scenarios well. Lastly, changing gear ratios can be costly and time-consuming, especially if you’re not experienced.
Weigh these downsides carefully before deciding to modify your Ram’s gearing.
How to Choose the Right Gear Ratio for Your Needs
Although choosing the right gear ratio might seem complicated, focusing on your primary needs will simplify the process. Start by considering how you use your 2019 Ram 1500.
If you haul heavy loads or tow often, a lower gear ratio (numerically higher) like 4.10 or 4.56 offers better torque and pulling power.
For daily driving and better fuel economy, a higher gear ratio (numerically lower), such as 3.21 or 3.55, keeps RPMs down and improves efficiency.
Think about your terrain too—steeper hills might benefit from a lower ratio for easier climbs.
Finally, balance performance and fuel economy based on your priorities.
Steps to Change the Gear Ratio on a 2019 Ram 1500
Now that you’ve selected the ideal gear ratio for your 2019 Ram 1500, it’s time to adjust your truck accordingly.
First, safely lift the rear of your truck and secure it with jack stands. Remove the wheels to access the differential cover.
Drain the gear oil by removing the drain plug or the differential cover.
Next, unbolt the differential cover completely and remove the old gear set carefully.
Replace the ring and pinion gears with your chosen gear ratio, ensuring proper alignment.
Apply new gear oil to the differential and reinstall the cover with a fresh gasket or sealant.
Finally, refill the differential with the appropriate gear oil, reattach the wheels, and lower your truck.
Test drive to confirm smooth operation and proper gear engagement.
Professional vs. DIY: Which Option Is Best?
How do you decide whether to tackle changing your Ram 1500’s gear ratio yourself or hire a professional? It depends on your experience, tools, and comfort level.
If you’re mechanically skilled and have the right tools, a DIY approach can save you money and give you a sense of accomplishment. However, this job requires precision and knowledge—mistakes can lead to costly damage.
On the other hand, professionals have expertise and specialized equipment to ensure the job is done correctly and efficiently. Hiring a pro minimizes risks and often comes with a warranty.
If you’re unsure or lack proper tools, it’s best to leave it to the experts. Weigh your abilities against the complexity and decide what suits you best.
Conclusion
Changing the gear ratio on your 2019 Ram 1500 can significantly improve performance, towing, and fuel efficiency. Before making a switch, weigh the benefits against potential downsides to ensure it fits your driving needs. Whether you choose to tackle the job yourself or hire a professional, selecting the right gear ratio is key. With the right approach, you’ll get the most out of your truck’s capabilities and enjoy a smoother, more powerful ride.