2022 Ram 1500 Transmission & Axle Gear Ratios

The 2022 Ram 1500 is known for its exceptional ride quality, luxurious interior, and highly capable powertrains. Whether you are maximizing fuel efficiency for daily commutes or equipping a truck for heavy towing, understanding your powertrain specifications is vital. The gear ratios within the transmission and the rear differential determine how the engine's power is translated to the pavement.

Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the transmission internal gear ratios and available axle ratios for the 2022 Ram 1500, along with tips on identifying your setup and understanding its impact on performance.

Transmission gear ratios

For the 2022 model year, the Ram 1500 exclusively utilizes variants of the acclaimed TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission. Depending on the engine choice, the truck uses either the 850RE (typically paired with the 3.6L Pentastar V6) or the ZF-sourced 8HP75 (paired with the 5.7L Hemi V8, 3.0L EcoDiesel V6, and the 6.2L Supercharged V8 in the TRX). Despite handling different torque capacities, the gear ratios are identical across both transmission variants.

TorqueFlite 8-Speed Automatic (850RE / 8HP75)

Note: The exceptionally low first gear (4.71:1) allows for strong off-the-line acceleration and pulling power, while the dual overdrive gears (7th and 8th) keep engine RPMs low at highway speeds to maximize fuel economy.

Available axle ratios

Ram offers three main rear axle ratios for the standard 1500 lineup to accommodate different driving needs, from highway cruising to maximum towing.

Note: The TRX model features a specialized Dana 60 solid rear axle geared specifically at 3.55.

How to identify your axle ratio

If you bought your 2022 Ram 1500 used or simply want to verify how it was built, there are three reliable ways to identify the rear axle ratio:

1. Window Sticker / Build Sheet: The most straightforward way is to check the original window sticker (Monroney label) or factory build sheet, where the axle ratio will be clearly listed under standard or optional equipment.
2. Axle Tag: Crawl under the rear of the truck and look at the differential cover. Ram traditionally attaches a small metal tag to one of the differential cover bolts. This tag will have numbers stamped on it, such as "3.21" or "3.92". Additionally, a barcode sticker on the right axle tube often displays the ratio.
3. VIN Decoder / Dealership: If tags are missing or illegible, contact a local Ram dealership parts department or use an online Mopar VIN decoder. Providing your 17-character VIN will allow them to pull the exact axle specifications your truck was built with.

Towing vs MPG impact

Understanding how your axle ratio affects the truck's dynamics is crucial, especially when deciding what to use your truck for.

Numerically Lower Ratio (e.g., 3.21): Often referred to as "taller" gears, a numerically lower ratio is designed for fuel economy. At highway speeds, the engine turns at lower RPMs, reducing fuel consumption and engine noise. The trade-off is reduced off-the-line acceleration and a lower maximum towing capacity.

Numerically Higher Ratio (e.g., 3.92): Referred to as "shorter" gears, a numerically higher ratio provides more torque multiplication to the wheels. This is exactly what you need to get heavy loads moving from a standstill and to maintain speed up steep grades. Trucks with the 3.92 axle ratio have the highest tow ratings in the Ram 1500 lineup (up to 12,750 lbs when properly equipped). The downside is higher engine RPMs on the highway, leading to lower fuel economy.

Balanced Ratio (3.55): The 3.55 ratio sits in the middle, offering a sweet spot for those who occasionally tow medium-sized trailers or boats but still want decent fuel economy on their daily commute.

Common issues

While the 2022 Ram 1500 driveline is generally robust, components under heavy stress can experience wear over time. Pay attention to these known issues:

• Ring & Pinion Whine: If you hear a high-pitched whining noise from the rear of the truck that changes with vehicle speed, it could indicate wear or improper backlash in the ring and pinion gears. This often requires bearing replacement or a complete differential rebuild.
• Carrier Bearing Wear: On models equipped with a two-piece driveshaft, the center carrier bearing can wear out, causing a noticeable vibration or thumping sound under hard acceleration.
• Limited-Slip Clutch Wear: For trucks equipped with the optional Anti-Spin rear differential, the internal clutch packs can wear down over time, especially if the differential fluid is not serviced at regular intervals or if the friction modifier additive is omitted during a fluid change.

Need help diagnosing a driveline whine, swapping your gears for better towing, or servicing your transmission? Find a driveline shop on Repairius.