2022 Ram 3500 Transmission & Axle Gear Ratios

If you are planning to haul heavy loads, tow a massive fifth-wheel RV, or simply want to know exactly what makes your heavy-duty truck tick, understanding the powertrain specifications is crucial. The 2022 Ram 3500 is a towing behemoth, but its true capability is defined by its transmission and rear axle gear ratios. Matching the right engine to the right transmission and axle gearing determines whether your truck is optimized for fuel economy on the highway or moving a 37,000-pound gooseneck trailer.

Below is a comprehensive guide to the transmission internal gear ratios and available axle ratios for the 2022 Ram 3500, along with tips on identifying your truck's configuration and keeping it properly maintained.

Transmission gear ratios

The 2022 Ram 3500 comes with three different automatic transmission options depending on the engine choice. The 6.4L HEMI V8 pairs with the TorqueFlite 8HP75-LCV 8-speed automatic. The standard 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel utilizes the corporate 68RFE 6-speed automatic, while the 6.7L Cummins High-Output (HO) Turbo Diesel upgrades to the heavy-duty Aisin AS69RC 6-speed automatic.

TorqueFlite 8HP75-LCV 8-Speed Automatic (6.4L HEMI V8)

68RFE 6-Speed Automatic (Standard 6.7L Cummins)

Aisin AS69RC 6-Speed Automatic (High-Output 6.7L Cummins)

Available axle ratios

To maximize either efficiency or pulling power, Ram offers a couple of specific heavy-duty axle ratios for the 3500 series. While 1500 and 2500 models might offer a wider range of highway gears, the 3500 focuses strictly on heavy hauling capability.

Note: Ram 3500 trucks are frequently equipped with the Anti-Spin Differential (Code DSA), which acts as a limited-slip differential for better traction in mud, snow, and gravel.

How to identify your axle ratio

If you are buying a used 2022 Ram 3500 or just want to verify how your current truck was built, you have a few ways to identify the exact rear axle ratio:

1. The Axle Tag: Crawl underneath the rear of the truck and look for a metal tag bolted to the differential cover. It will typically have "3.73" or "4.10" stamped directly onto it.
2. Door-Jamb Sticker / Build Sheet: While Ram does not use traditional RPO codes on the door jamb the way GM does, you can find the vehicle’s build sheet (Equipment Listing) online by plugging your VIN into the official Ram Trucks owner's portal. Look for sales codes like DME (3.73) or DMF (4.10).
3. Window Sticker (Monroney): If you still have the original window sticker, the rear axle ratio will be explicitly listed under the standard or optional equipment columns.

Towing vs MPG impact

Your axle ratio directly impacts how your truck performs and how much fuel it consumes.

• Numerically lower ratio (3.73): This is considered a "taller" gear. It keeps engine RPMs lower at highway speeds, which results in better fuel economy and a quieter cabin. The trade-off is slightly less torque multiplication for getting heavily loaded trailers moving from a dead stop.
• Numerically higher ratio (4.10): This "shorter" gear is a must-have if you are routinely maxing out your truck's Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). It provides massive torque multiplication to get heavy loads moving effortlessly and reduces strain on the transmission. However, your engine will run at higher RPMs on the highway, reducing fuel economy (MPG).

Common issues

The AAM (American Axle & Manufacturing) 11.5-inch and 12-inch rear ends used in the 2022 Ram 3500 are notoriously tough, but heavy abuse can still lead to driveline wear:

• Ring & Pinion Whine: Consistent heavy towing, especially if the differential fluid is not changed at the recommended severe-duty intervals, can cause the gear teeth to wear prematurely, leading to a noticeable whining sound under load or coasting.
• Limited-Slip Clutch Wear: The Anti-Spin differential relies on clutch packs that can wear out over time. If your truck shudders around tight corners or you notice one wheel continuously slipping in the dirt, it may be time for a rebuild.
• Carrier Bearing / U-Joint Failure: Due to the massive torque output of the Cummins engines, carrier bearings on two-piece driveshafts and universal joints can eventually fail, causing driveline vibrations at speed.

Find a driveline shop on Repairius to keep your Ram 3500 pulling strong for years to come. Our directory can help you locate heavy-duty truck experts who specialize in differential servicing, ring and pinion swaps, and transmission maintenance.