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aburger
Dodge Dakota
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10/01/2006
22:11:45

Subject: If larger tires, change diff. gears?
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Hey again, I recently put larger rims and tires on my 2001 single cab Dak. I noticed with the extra weight that acceleration and braking have worsened. I recently had my brakes upgraded, but need to do something about my acceleration and drivability. My dad told me that I need to change out one of the gears in my differential because of the larger diameter of the new wheels. Is this true? Does anyone have any ideas? And if so, roughly how much would it cost?

By the way, the truck is a single cab 2001 Dodge Dakota with a 4-banger and a manual transmission. The original wheels were 15 x 7" with 215/75/15 tires. The new wheels are 18 x 8.5" with 255/55/18 tires. Quite a difference.



Demon
Dodge Dakota
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10/01/2006
22:19:26

RE: If larger tires, change diff. gears?
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I know someone who did the same to his S-10. Had the same problem and tried to correct it with a Supertuner. This did not work and he is now having to change gears.



Kowalski
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10/02/2006
09:16:44

RE: If larger tires, change diff. gears?
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Your dad is giving you sound advice. Its not just the weight difference you are feeling, moving to a taller tire has effectively changed you gear ratio too.

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aburger
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10/03/2006
03:09:41

RE: If larger tires, change diff. gears?
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Where would I find out what gear ratio I currently have, and what to upgrade it to?



Kowalski
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10/03/2006
15:53:06

RE: If larger tires, change diff. gears?
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Might be on a tag in the glove box or a tag on the differential; my '00 has it in a sticker on top of the left axle - or dealer could decode your vin #. Then you'd need to do the math figuring how the change in tire diameters has changed it, and decide if you want to just get back to the original gearing, or go lower.

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trucky
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10/03/2006
15:58:03

RE: If larger tires, change diff. gears?
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dakotas have 4 cylinders? dang



eric
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1/14/2007
22:07:52

RE: If larger tires, change diff. gears?
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i am looking for the same info. any update ???




Kowalski
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1/15/2007
08:37:10

RE: If larger tires, change diff. gears?
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Yes; I've never seen one, but some Dakotas were made with only 4 cylinders. Is that what you wanted the update on ? Other info is still current...

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aburger
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1/15/2007
13:13:52

RE: If larger tires, change diff. gears?
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Wow, I didn't think it was so crazy that a Dakota was made with a little 4-banger. It is the standard cab Sport model. It actually has quite a lot of pep, considering how small the engine is. I really wanted at least a 6 cylinder, but this is what I could afford at the time. It hasn't let me down yet.

As far as the larger wheels go, I decided to sell them. I decided not to deal with swaping the gears, the wheels were just too damn heavy. Besides, I am saving up for a Ram with a Hemi, and the money from the rims will come in handy. Thanks to everyone who gave up the info on this forum.



eric
Dodge Dakota
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1/17/2007
01:43:45

RE: If larger tires, change diff. gears?
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ya thanks. Ive got a jet chip stg2, an airaid cold air and a low temp stat goin in tmrw. hoping that will give it a little more pep. It's a pretty light truck and I've got fiberglass front fenders and dropped a lot of weight in the back from trimming and no bumper.
I decided i was gonna have to live with the 4 banger 4 awhile so im giving it some love. I think I need to go with 4.56's though.Do you have anywhere to recommend to buy dakota gears??Is that something you just get from the dealer?



aburger
Dodge Dakota
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1/17/2007
10:40:14

RE: If larger tires, change diff. gears?
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Check out stylin first. www.sylinconcepts.com. They are not necessarily the cheapest, but they have just about anything your looking for.



N56629
Dodge Dakota
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1/17/2007
13:25:24

RE: If larger tires, change diff. gears?
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aburger, the difference may not be as much as you think. The tire change made your gear ratio change from 3.55 to 3.40. 3.92's would actually put you lower than what you started with. 4.10's would be a very noticable improvement.



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