3.21 axle ratio or 3.55????

Question

Hey guys. I want to put a truck camper in back of a Dodge Dakota i'm shopping for. It has a 3.21 axle ratio or 3.55 axle ratio option. Which is better for hauling heavy stuff?

Answer 1

The 3.55 would be your best bet camper/hauling wise as it will give greater pulling power. The 3.21 will give better mileage but will be slower on takeoff.

Answer 2

It really depends on how heavy it is and the size of engine and transmission.

I drive a big truck I have a 425 hp engine with a thirteen speed gear box and 3.85 rear end. I can haul up to 80,000 pounds gross (including the freight, tractor and trailer).

I can drive highway speeds with no problem at 1400 rpm but slow down big time going up big hills, and have to down shift from 13th to 5th on some big hills.

I suggest you let the dealer know what you plan on doing and have the weight of the camper with, if you go with a towing package you may have different options.

Answer 3

The 3:55 will give you greater torque multiplication and quicker acceleration and better performance for hauling. Everything has a price. So to get this increase you'll have to pay on fuel economy. Your MPG will be lower with the higher ratio, but thats a law of physics and nothing you can do.

Answer 4

The 3.55 will give you more response and get you up that impossible hill better. Better mileage too. the camper will have a huge impact on your Dakota.

Answer 5

3.55 ratio, and even higher if you ever run bigger tires or plan on towing in addition to the camper.

Answer 6

you will not get much milage difference between the two ratios. Go with the shorter, 355's.