Ram should have either swapped gears or offered the affected owners a new truck of similar value. I don't see $750 going very far to install new gears given how much dealership service departments charge for stuff.

On the other hand, how do you drive a truck for 9 months, not being able to tell that it doesn't have the gearing you expected? If you intend to use a truck and get anywhere close to the GVWR (not hard to do on a half ton), it would become abundantly clear what kind of gearing the truck has.

Mopar Dollars? Only good at Ram/Dodge dealers?? Only for a fraction of the repair???

Well that $750 is Seven Hundred and Fifty times more than anything he would have gotten from Ford.

@Randy
anything multiplied by 0 is still 0

I agree with Hemi Monster.

Why did it take this guy so long to realise his diff ratio wasn't what he wanted. He obviously doesn't use his vehicle for towing much.

FCA Ram should maybe find a second hand diff and give it to him.

There's so many things wrong with this story!

1. Why did FCA take so long to inform him?

2. Why didn't they change them altogether, free of charge for messing up in the first place

3. As the others have noted, he should have figured that he had the wrong gears based on how the truck was performing

Changing the diff gears doesn't changing load and tow rating on a dealership or consumer level. FCA owes him a new truck or change the rating of the door jam stickers if it's not rated at 3:55 gears on the door jam sticker. Real doubtful though anyone could tell the difference between 3.55 and 3.21. It equates to a hundred or 2 rpm difference is all. Not noticeable when towing from my experience.

So with no one actually confirming the gear ratio how does Robert know what it is? How does the manufacture know? I think someone needs to pull their head out and confirm the ratio.

@HEMI Monster, BAFO - Unless this owner is real familiar with towing and work performance, 3.55 and 3.21 are just arbitrary numbers. If his last truck was a Tacoma, 3.21s likely did a fine job.

This doesn't mean he's not owed the truck he paid for. 3.55s are mediocre gears for towing anyways. Marginal improvement over 3.21s. and hardly a dramatic difference. FCA still needs to make it right. And give him a choice of any gears they offer with a re-program.

@HEMI V8 - The tag on the diff cover notes the ratio, unless it's wrong too. Or turn the wheels one revolution and how ever many times the driveshaft turned, that's your ratio.

@DenverMike
The average Joe may not know or care about what gearing he has, but that doesn't lessen the importance of being selective about what gearing you choose.

Also, I think there is a big difference between having 3.21 and 3.55 gears, at least I could tell the difference (I have towing in trucks with both). In some of the old Ford tucks, there was a HUGE difference between 3.55 and 4.10 gears performance wise. Anyways, the point is, I have never felt gearing to be insignificant in any truck that I've driven.

What a bunch of crap, you don't even need to change the diff. Rings and pinions are so freaking cheap, they should just replace those and have the dealer do the swap. But Americans are just too sue happy, why settle with common sense when the legal system will reward you with millions?

Once again Pickuptrucks.com proves they are not a legit news site.

The scoop on this truck is the owner was under it and found a tag on the axle that stated the gears in the rear end. If not for that he would not have a clue to this day.

This owner has been on the Ram forum bitching and moaning about it.

While I think FCA should just install a set of 3.55 gears and be done with it there may something to do with how long has gone by before the owner made an issue of it.

Also apparently FCA as other manufactures do the same had sent out corrected window stickers that were to be posted but the dealer for some reason had not posted this one when this guy had bought the truck so it is not like FCA was attempting to be fraudulent, the dealer is the one who made the mistake but it gets a little more interesting in this truck had been transferred between dealers and that it seems may be where the issue with the correct window sticker happened.

So pickuptrucks.com instead jumping in trying to make FCA look bad once all the facts are laid out it is not the sinister plot to defraud that the pickuptrucks.com story line would have you believe.

All manufactures do this by the way, sending out corrected window stickers.

Thinking about this a little it really is not FCA's fault. They sent the corrected sticker but the truck had been through a dealer swap so it would appear to me that if anyone should step up it is the dealer who failed to forward the updated sticker showing the amended equipment.

I don't really see where FCA has done anything wrong and in fact they forwarded the corrected sticker to the original dealer. It is the original dealer who seems to have dropped the ball.

The owner through his own admission on the Ram forums only became aware of the gear issue after he stumbled across the tag on the axle and up till that point had no clue or complaint about the rear end gears in the truck.

What is it with the FCA auto workers?

http://www.autonews.com/article/20150331/OEM01/150339962/nooses-found-at-fca-minivan-plant-subject-of-investigation

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/10/chrysler-workers-drinking_n_2272291.html

And now they're not assembling a product with the ordered parts.

It's not surprising to see their are quality problems with FCA products.

@LJC,

You just won the moron of the decade award. All manufactures send out updated stickers for vehicles that shipped with an incorrect window sticker, this is nothing new.

I know this is your attempt to try and slander FCA because you hate them but even your beloved brand sends out corrected stickers.

I would love to see the members of this forum build a few million different vehicles with different equipment and not make one single mistake on the window sticker. My guess is the first day you clowns would have multiple errors that would need correcting.

I wouldn't be surprised if there were a slew more RAM class action law suits. FCA dropped the quality ball with quality.

Here come the Ram bashers out of the wood work.

I can't believe that someone hasn't started a law suit against FCA for selling 1/2 ton trucks that in some configuration aren't even rated to carry 1/2 a ton.

@Sad Sack: Thanks I appreciate it!
I'm just posting the facts, too bad I have a lot to work with isn't it?

@Alex - It's the install that gets expensive. The gears/bearings/seals not so much. It's not an install for the DIY'er.

@HEMI Monster - It's not for anyone to decide what's an acceptable timeframe. FCA screwed this one up. You'd have to be an expert to instantly know you had 3.21s and not 3.55s, and very familiar with Ram transmission ratios, 4, 6, and 8 speeds. And 0.34 is not a wide ratio split.

@DenverMike

Actually FCA did not screw up they sent the updated/corrected window sticker to the original ordering dealer. That dealer had since made a dealer trade with that truck. The updated/corrected window sticker was never forwarded from the original ordering dealer to the dealer the truck was traded to.

The owner of this truck would have never known if he had not seen the tag on the rear end as up until that point he had no concerns with the rear end in the truck. He has made a huge stink on the Ram Forums over this.

@Tom#3,

Like anyone can't go and cut and paste any number of links about issues with Ford trucks and GM trucks.

This entire site is a joke.

I think this story is BS.
I don't like, RAM, will never buy one, but why is this posted here?
I used to think the people whining about this being a pro-Ford site where full of it, but now I wonder.
I just don't think this story warrants publishing on this website, I think it is in fact a cheap shot.

Ram should fix his gears plus give him money. They screwed up. @Randy, what does Ford have to do with this article?? Will they post this one????

A class action lawsuit prerequisite is there's many more than just one case!

Typical hand me down second rate auto manufacturer. Cerberus, Daimler, now Fiat. Doubt they will find a taker next time, which btw may be sooner than later. My first Dodge was my last, I am thankful it was a pos or I might be one of the many who think they have to defend their purchase.

Manufacturer stuffed up window stikker first, send out new, dealer didn't replase, boat at falt. So fix it op. Doesn't mater when or how he found out. He did not get what he was promised.
Frank.

I think Robert has a case. More people need to stand up when they get the short end. I should have sued Ford when my Mustang burnt to the ground. Finally got my recall months after the car was gone. Was no longer the owner. Make the responsible party pay for their mistakes. Like Fords defective Eco boost lawsuits and defective Diesel engine lawsuits. Like G.M's ignition lawsuits and cover ups. Someone should be in prison over G.Ms lawsuit than look at Toyota same thing someone should have gone to prison. These companies make tons of money we should hold their feet to the fire. Someone should have taken care of this now the court will.

P.S. At least Ram did admit their may have been a problem. Unlike other companies who cover up and lie . Shows integrity. Responsibility. Can't imagine they wouldn't switch it out. We are only getting one side of the story. Glad Ram did admit wrong. That is a good thing in my book.

Another thing about this also is that if it was a 4x4, the front gears need to be changed to match, assuming it had the 3:31 gears to match that original rearend that is.

3:21 gears

The difference in towing is the real issue. The 3.21 has a max towing of less than 4,300 lbs, where the 3.55 has more than 7,200 lbs of towing capacity.
$ 750. is not enough if the guy bought a trailer costing perhaps $ 20,000.00 which he can't legally tow, and insurance won't cover if he has an accident. So I think a lot depends on how important the 3.55 gear ratio is for the use he bought the truck.
For me it's very important as I traded my 2013 Ram Big Horn with the 3.21 gear ratio for the 3.55 gear Ratio. I now have a dead horse added for the switch, so FCA better have the 3.55 in my truck, as $ 750. in MOPAR bucks won't mean a thing
I hope this shows that the guy is not s jerk, but rightfully deserves what he paid for. FCA can change the gears or replace the truck.

DOT should fine FCA for allowing their trucks to be overloaded.

@ Tom

Lets assume the next taker is the Saudi King or one of those oil rich gulf countries.

If they market the RAM + free gas/diesel pass card for the life of the auto vehicle - I will buy - other wise the Fiat & the Vatican have to absorb the loses.

It sounds to me like Ram has done due diligence and done what they could to both advise the owner of the issue and, as has been commented above, offered said owner enough 'credit' to get the rear-end gearing changed to what he'd originally sought in the most economical manner, rather than wasting both time and money by swapping out the entire differential. Were I the owner I wouldn't be suing FCA/RAM, but rather the dealerships which didn't perform due diligence to ensure the paperwork followed the truck through its exchange between dealerships. This could even be narrowed down to the individual who may have simply been too lazy to follow up, saying, "Eh. The truck's gone. No need to pass it on."

I do agree that we Americans have become too litigious. Even my own aunt on my father's side made her living out of what I considered false injury claims and ended up driving one local grocery store out of business. Yes, we may be safer today in many ways because of it, but at the same time, how many of you hate all the nannies we suffer now in our lives? Personally, I despise that type of individual.

I always buy the highest number gears I can get. I found high number gears give the best mileage in town and the same or a hair less on the highway. For those interested, my Ram with 20" wheels and 3.92 gears is turning 1950 rpm at 70 mph. That is if it does have 3.92's . My friend has 3.21's in his Ram and it is always downshifting. It can"t use top gear in town going 35 or 40 mph. A light touch on the gas results in 1 or 2 downshifts. I would like to know the rpm's of the 3.55 and 3.21 however with the 20's. The 20's are 33" tall. Also, top gear on the 6 and 8 speed are the same, around .67 in top gear.

I think they should do an article about the ecodiesel and all the problems owners are reporting even at very low mileage. Edmunds long term test already had the fuel system replaced. Over $11,000 just for the parts at 25,000 miles. Now there are multiple people reporting problems with oil in the coolant.

@RoadWhale - If you think you can have the gears changed for $750, you're way off. Especially at the dealer. FCA needs to fix his truck and all other affected. No one should have to sue anyone. He's suing only because the $750 in Mopar Dollars in a joke.

boo hoo, waaa waaaa, this entire forum is a joke as is Pickuptrucks.com

The ecodiesel with 3.21 axle ratio is a non-compliant and non-certifiable emissions package. FCA should replace it at least with a legal combination (3.55 or 3.92) at their cost.

Only Ford and Chevy are 5 star rated crash test... Just came out the f150 is 5 star rated. Not only the 2015 f150 being safer then a 4 star crash rated Ram, you get a ford you don't have to worry about them screwing you on what you buy and give you the wrong stuff then what is on the window sticker

Ford crash 5 STAR crash rating should maybe even make the rates drop over the previous gen f150 due to being safer and no more costly to repair according to the large insurance companies. Great Job Ford!!!

http://www.edmunds.com/car-news/2015-ford-f-150-supercrew-earns-five-star-safety-rating-from-federal-government.html

Wrong rear end ratio?

If the guy bought the truck with specific towing in mind then Ram needs to give the guy a new truck. A gear change doesn't alter the ratings on the door tag unless Ram is going to recertify the door tags.

I too have the same problem with my 2014 RAM crew Cab with the 3.6 engine. I bought the truck so I could tow 7,200 pound trailer/ But with the 3.21 gear ratio I can only tow 4,200 lbs. FCA has done all they could to lie and buy me off. I am reall so disappointed with FCA and no one cares!

I too have the same problem with my 2014 RAM crew Cab with the 3.6 engine. I bought the truck so I could tow 7,200 pound trailer/ But with the 3.21 gear ratio I can only tow 4,200 lbs. FCA has done all they could to lie and buy me off. I am reall so disappointed with FCA and no one cares!

I too have the same problem with my 2014 RAM crew Cab with the 3.6 engine. I bought the truck so I could tow 7,200 pound trailer/ But with the 3.21 gear ratio I can only tow 4,200 lbs. FCA has done all they could to lie and buy me off. I am reall so disappointed with FCA and no one cares!

I have a 2015 ram AND I TELL YA WHAT I CAN TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 3.21 AND 3.55 IN THE 8 SPEED, ive owned 2 so far and i tell ya my truck with 3.21 and a hemi cant pull the smallest hill without DOWNSHIFT AND THATS CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!- THE 3.55 CORRECTS THIS ISSUE AS ITS JUST ENOUGH OF A DIFFERENCE IN RATIO THAT IT STOPS THE ERRATIC DOWNSHIFT,ITS SAD THAT A 395HP ENGINE WITH 420LB FT OF TORQUE CANT CARRY A 1/2 TON TRUCK WITHOUT DOWNSHIFTING ON THE SLIGHTEST EASIEST HILLS I WOULD TRADE MY 15 FOR A 6 SPEED AUTO ANYDAY IF 8 SPEED HAD 3.21 GEARS 3.55 IS JUST ENOUGH TO STOP THE CONSTANT DOWNSHIFT/DELAYED UPSHIFT ITS HORRIBLE ITS LIKE A 4 BANGER WITH A 6 SPEED VERY SAD FCA SHOULD OF NEVER EVEN THOUGHT OF A 3.21 GEAR WITH 8 SPEED SCREW THE FUEL MILEAGE MY 14 HEMI QUAD CAB 4X4 WITH 6 SPEED GOT 21 ON HIGHWAY WITH 3.92 GEARS CHRYSLER CLAIMS 22MPG OUT OF 8 SPEEDS WITH 3.21 GEAR I CANT BETTER THEN 16.5 HIGHWAY EVERYDAY MY 6 SPEED HEMI WITH 3.92 GOT 17+mpg had a 2007 hemi with 5 speed auto 3.55 gear 4x4 quad cab got 17+ ITS CAUSE THE 8 SPEED WITH 3.21 GEARS MAKES IT CONSTANTLY SHIFT UP/DOWN AND ENGINE WORK HARDER SAD WHEN A V6 TRUCK CAN OUT PULL THE HEMI WITH A 8SPEED WITH 3.21 GEARS ON HIGHWAY COME ON GUYS THOUGHT YOU WAS ALL GEAR HEADS AND KNEW WHAT YOU WAS TALKING ABOUT