Hey Guys -- In case you're interested -- just an FYI for those who might be interested. I wrote to AAM regarding other ratio options. I realize that many "heavy haulers" are happy with the G56 w/3.73 rear so no offense intended. My perspective is more from the all-around / boat towing / grocery getting user. Anyway, they replied within 24 hours but just an acknowledgment. Read below.

My Letter to AAM:

To: AfterMarket
Subject: 3.73 and 4.10

Dear Folks,

I have a 2005 Dodge Ram Cummins 2500 4x4

It turns 2200 rpm @ 70 mph with the AAM 11.50 w/3.73 gears and the G56 6 speed manual transmission with .79 OD final drive ratio. This problem surfaced when DiamlerChrysler went from the NV5600 with the .73 final ratio to this G56 with the .79.

This combo is terrible on the highway. The engine should be around 1800 rpm's. It's a difference between getting 16 mpg vs 20 to 22 mpg on the highway.

Do you all plan on making a 3.54 or 3.23 gear set for my truck? There are a lot of folks spending $3,500 on up for gear vendors, etc... overdrive units to compensate for this problem.

It's really a shame when a more reasonable gear set would make this an all-around better truck.

I appreciate you looking over this email and look forward to a reply.

Thanks!!!

-Jay G.

Their Reply:

Jay,

Thanks for your inquiry to the AAM website. Bob Dunn, our Tech Service expert, will be in touch you to assist with your situation.

Regards,

Bill Sheehan

 

Given the track record of gears from AAM, I'm not holding my breath. But just to be a hypocrite,....... the day they released some gears in the lower half of the 3's I will jump on them. But of course we all know they will be stupidly expensive, completely negating the purpose of the gears.

Just my typical after a long days work response , which translates into, PLEASE keep us updated on what this "Tech Service Expert" tells you .

Mike

 

Does anyone make 4.56 gears for our trucks?? A little off topic but I figure whoever is reading this thread has searched for gears before.

Thanks.

 

http://www.ringpinion.com/PartsList....b-Differential

 

Here is a responce I got from Randy's Ring and Pinion today. I asked the same question and wanted something in the 3.30 to 3.40 range.

Randy's
"3.73 are it but in about 5 months they should be releasing a 3.54 keep your fingers crossed "

Bruce Reinecke [brucere@ringpinion.com]

Not too much of a difference though

 

everyone of us need to email them so they will know there is a market for them and every couple of weeks after that until they produce them

 

I agree. Send emails to: Robert.Dunn@aam.com -- He's their "Tech Service Expert."

I'm still waiting to hear from him......

 

And Bruce Reinecke brucere@ringpinion.com He's the guy from Randy's Ring and Pinion service and tech dept.

 

Just got looking on another site that JT's Parts and Accessories is selling 3.42 for the 9.25 and 11.5 AAM now. They said have to email or call to get info.
www.ringpinion.biz Hope this helps

 

well i looked at it but i couldnt see it

 

like i said they just realesed them and you have to call or email them to get info not on website yet
There contact info is on website.

 

Received two emails today. The first was a reply to my original message to AAM which was posted at the top of this thread. Here is the reply:

Jay,
We are in the process of developing a 3:42 ratio for both the 11.5" rear axle and a 9.25" for the front axle. But depending on what differential case is in the front axle it may have to be switch also. These gears are going to be available late May.

Bob Dunn
Sr. Service Engineer
American Axle & Manufacturing
World Headquarters
One Dauch Drive
Detroit, Michigan 48211-1198


The 2nd email was to Jeremy @ J.T.'s Parts & Accessories. It basically said the same thing as my original message to AAM. Here is his reply:

We will have 3.42 gears in stock within the next month or so. We have several people that have preordered these gears from us and once they arrive we will be shipping all of these backorders out. Been a very popular request.

J.T.'s Parts & Accessories
406 S. Wenatchee Ave
Wenatchee, WA 98801
Phone: 866-349-6801
Fax: 866-399-7532
Email: jeremy@justdifferentials.com
URL: www.ringpinion.biz
Ebay Store: http://stores.ebay.com/JTs-Differentials-Axles

So it appears it's not hopeless. I think my truck would be far superior with a 3.42 rear combined with the G56. I hope it can happen and the final installed price isn't as much as a gear vendors unit!!!

 

any word on how much they are going to run price wise

 

Wow - that sure would be a tempatation!

 

3.42's would be splitting hairs for the cost of the gear change. Only an 8% diff.