Ram 3500 High Output Cummins Build on 37's

Zuber

Active member
I'm surprised you got a 3500 short bed. In April I was told RAM wasn't making any more for 2021. I thought that I wanted the full 1075 ft/lbs of torque, but ended up with the weak 875 ft/lb engine.

I managed to get a 2021 RAM 2500 CCSB after waiting 4 month. This will basically replace my Jeep JK (thankfully gone). I have the Carli Pintop kit on order, it is still a month or so out, but I only want to do it once. The 2500 has full coils/linkage which rides great. I won't be carrying anything heavy, just towing 7000# trailers. Also, I have a contractor's canopy on order to make it more jeep-like.

I went with the same Method wheels, but only have 295/70-18 tires (about 35x11.5). These tires have a higher load rating at 4000# and don't effect gearing much. In fact the speedometer is right-on now. They don't fill out the wheel wells like 37's though and the Bushwacker flares show it at this angle. Running 45/40 psi and the ride is good over my old leaf spring trucks.

KIMG0220.JPG

Question: have any of you found a front axle locker/limited slip that fits the 2019-up 2500/3500 front axle? ARB says no. I'm waiting on AAM to respond about their Trac-Loc E-Locker.
 

GPurcell01

Active member
I'm surprised you got a 3500 short bed. In April I was told RAM wasn't making any more for 2021. I thought that I wanted the full 1075 ft/lbs of torque, but ended up with the weak 875 ft/lb engine.

I managed to get a 2021 RAM 2500 CCSB after waiting 4 month. This will basically replace my Jeep JK (thankfully gone). I have the Carli Pintop kit on order, it is still a month or so out, but I only want to do it once. The 2500 has full coils/linkage which rides great. I won't be carrying anything heavy, just towing 7000# trailers. Also, I have a contractor's canopy on order to make it more jeep-like.

I went with the same Method wheels, but only have 295/70-18 tires (about 35x11.5). These tires have a higher load rating at 4000# and don't effect gearing much. In fact the speedometer is right-on now. They don't fill out the wheel wells like 37's though and the Bushwacker flares show it at this angle. Running 45/40 psi and the ride is good over my old leaf spring trucks.

Question: have any of you found a front axle locker/limited slip that fits the 2019-up 2500/3500 front axle? ARB says no. I'm waiting on AAM to respond about their Trac-Loc E-Locker.

You and me both lol. The only reason I was able to find a truck in this configuration is because the dealer special ordered it. Why? I don't know. I had really lucky timing. I was specifically looking for a high output and was told they got this truck that morning.

Answer: I was under the impression that the front axle was the same? I thought an ARB would fit on these newer trucks. That's interesting to know. Other than that, no I'm not sure of any other lockers out there right now.
 

Tex68w

Beach Bum
3.73's and 37s are working great. BUT if companies can come out with some lower gearing, why not bump to 40s? :devilish:

Agreed, I have yet to see a need to regear and I have been running 37's on the factory 3.73's since May. Now I am considering moving up to 39's when these 37's need replacing and at that point I'll likely regear so hopefully there are some lower gearing options for the new rear axle by then.
 

GPurcell01

Active member
Agreed, I have yet to see a need to regear and I have been running 37's on the factory 3.73's since May. Now I am considering moving up to 39's when these 37's need replacing and at that point I'll likely regear so hopefully there are some lower gearing options for the new rear axle by then.

I'm guessing the BFG KM3's in a 39? That would be awesome. I may have to do the same depending on where the truck is at then.
 

UglyViking

Well-known member
Agreed, I have yet to see a need to regear and I have been running 37's on the factory 3.73's since May. Now I am considering moving up to 39's when these 37's need replacing and at that point I'll likely regear so hopefully there are some lower gearing options for the new rear axle by then.
I'm also kicking around the idea of stepping up to 39s. I'm thinking about the new T/A KO2, what were you looking at?
 

Tex68w

Beach Bum
I'm guessing the BFG KM3's in a 39? That would be awesome. I may have to do the same depending on where the truck is at then.
I'm also kicking around the idea of stepping up to 39s. I'm thinking about the new T/A KO2, what were you looking at?


Either the KM3 like I am running now and love or the KO2. It really just depends on how I see the truck being used going forward at that time.
 

GPurcell01

Active member
Either the KM3 like I am running now and love or the KO2. It really just depends on how I see the truck being used going forward at that time.

Sweet. Just be warned I hear mixed reviews of the KO2 on such a heavy truck. Apparently they easily chop or wear the outside tread. I really don't know how true or not that is.
 

Tex68w

Beach Bum
Sweet. Just be warned I hear mixed reviews of the KO2 on such a heavy truck. Apparently they easily chop or wear the outside tread. I really don't know how true or not that is.

It's possible as they have done that on other vehicles but I am not sure how much the rubber compound differs from that which is used on the KM3's. I love the KM3's so unless they net less than 30K miles of tread life I'll likely go back with them when/if I move to 39's.

agayt9c.jpg
 

GPurcell01

Active member
It's possible as they have done that on other vehicles but I am not sure how much the rubber compound differs from that which is used on the KM3's. I love the KM3's so unless they net less than 30K miles of tread life I'll likely go back with them when/if I move to 39's.

agayt9c.jpg

Man... it's a damn good looking tire if anything else.
 

CFMGarage

Active member
I've also heard the comment on Rams and BFGs wearing out, it seems to be shared whenever a tire recommendation thread comes up on HD ram forums. Tires are always evolving though. I'm looking forward to hearing the first hand experience and mileage you get based on that brand new set.

Speaking of larger tires and to start another conversation, anyone have any thoughts/options on running 39/40s without having to do AEV fenders? I don't want to change lifts from my Carli backcountry, but we all want to plan that larger set. These trucks wear 40s like my old solid axle Toyota wore 33s, it just looks good. There are some other front fenders available and I think the rear would have no issues clearing 40s.
 

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