Explorerinil
Observer
Give diesel power products a call or email, they might have an option for you, I am with you, I don’t want to mess with air lines and a compressor for the arb set up.
Another Ram 3500 build...
- Thread starter blackdmax15
- Start date
blackdmax15
Observer
I totally thought about the LSD and even mentioned it to the gear guy. I’ll try to reach out to DPP tomorrow and see what they say. I have the Kraig at Pro Gear here in SD looking and trying to get info from JustDifferentials to see if we can fit the AAM track-rite e-locker in the front. I believe there are a few things required to get it to work, but I believe it has been used before by some other guys on Cummins forums. Here is the link to what we are looking for. I thought about doing a Yukon or Detroit up front and the free spin hub kit, but it’s just more moneys right now. If someone can convince me the free spin kits are worth 2300$ then i’m All ears.
ELAAM9.25
Just Differentials, Justdifferentials.com, JT Parts, JT's Parts & Accessories is a leading distributor in differential and axle parts from Nitro Gear & Axle, Nitro Gears are available for all types of vehicles.
www.justdifferentials.com
blackdmax15
Observer
Slight update. I called and spoke with DPP today. They recommended the ARB up front for reliability. They also recommended 4.88s if I planned on going bigger in the future. I still have some RFIs out about the e-locker, but now i'm confused if i should do 4.30s or 4.88s. While on the phone Ash did a quick check and with 4.88s/37s and the AISIN at 70mph yielded 1950 rpm. This of course dropped a little lower with 40s. Quick math and to go bigger will probably be 10k or more to do it with hydro assist, fenders, lower arms, wheels/tires etc. I'm tempted to just do 4.30s and call it a day and start working on my next jeep build. Explorerinil or anyone else with 4.30s can you sniff check this for me? With the AISINs final drive of 0.63-1, apparently the axle gears only have a little effect in 6th gear. What are you seeing on 37s at 70mph? I rarely drive over 75mph as 1) it's a big truck and 2) I don't do a lot of highway driving. I really only go faster to pass traffic. I welcome all thoughts or opinions. Oh and the reason for not going 4.56s is due to everyone saying it creates crazy gear noise. Thanks all. Trying to get this thing going again.
Explorerinil
Observer
Just did a check for you! I ran 80 mph on the interstate and was running 2000 rpms, 37x13.50 tires. I’ll report back on 70 mph.
blackdmax15
Observer
Thanks a bunch. Calculator say 1722 at 70 so we’ll see. I rarely go that fast. Biggest thing I need to figure out is if i’m going to go bigger or not. I love the truck right now. Other than needing 5-700# in the bed to ride super smooth, the truck is darn near perfect for me. But the kid in me still wants 41” iroks. Maybe i’ll Try the new cut pattern 4.56s and cross fingers they aren’t loud. That’s a descent compromise. I just want the truck to be best geared to haul a 5th wheel, and still go to remote locations when unhooked! I think the answer is 4.30s and stay on 37s as there are more options avail in 37 for E rated tires.
Explorerinil
Observer
Just ran 70 mph, I’m one line under 2k, looks like 1900 rpms is my guess. 4:30 gears and 37’s give you a ton of pulling power, and the exhaust brake really comes on strong. I think you’ll be fine with 4:30 gears and 37’s or 40’s. Look at it this way, if you run 4.56 gears you’ll be fine, but if for some reason you want to run 35’s... say in the winter, you may run to much rpm on the interstate. If your pulling a 5th wheel camper, you’ll love having deeper gears.
Explorerinil
Observer
I think they make 4:44 gear set not the 4.56 anymore... I could be wrong though. Your right I have heard the AAM gear sets are quiet.
On another note, my nitro 4:30 gears are quiet.
blackdmax15
Observer
Thank you all. CTDjeeper has also gave me some good advice as well. Waiting for local gear guy to get back with me. I think the new Nitro 4.56 gears are not as bad as they used to be from calling around today. If I can find 4.44s I may go that route but 4.30s are the percent majority solution. Especially for fifth wheel considerations. After about five hours of studying the Cummins engine online and looking at torque curves and thermal properties of diesels etc, I can just pay more money for additional gearing if it’s insufficient “if” I go bigger down the road. To do it right i’m Looking at another 10k or higher bill to put 40s on the truck so a new toy may make sense.
blackdmax15
Observer
Now if I can only convince the wife to sell the Denali and get a new gladiator i’ll have it made! So far i’m losing that one so wish me luck.
CTDJeeperman
Active member
Just to clarify for everyone, the new 11.8" Nitro 4.56 gears are extremely quiet. Dan's Driveline in Las Vegas did my install and they do spectacular work at very fair prices. Also the AAM 9.25" e-locker fits and works just fine in our trucks. I had that installed in the front and kept the LSD rear. I think this setup works pretty well without the complexity of leaky air lines. With 40"s my gearing is slightly lower than a stock tire truck with 3.42s. It's the perfect gearing choice IMO.
Last edited:
blackdmax15
Observer
So I ordered the 4.30s and the last e-locker currently in the system. We’ll get them in as soon as the shops receives them. Between now and then, I got the AEV procal and that really helped the transmission shifting. I also received the tie rod and drag link from CJC And I am going to try to get them in tomorrow, the tie rod is pure beef. I’m holding off on the hydro assist until I figure out if i’m even going to go 40s. Pics to follow