How do I know what truck axle I have?

How do I know what truck axle I have?

To figure out exactly what axle you have, you can look for the Dana stamped bill of materials number. This stamped number can usually be found on the righthand side or on the longer axletube on the same side of the tube as the differential cover, facing the rear of the truck.

What is 3.55 ratio limited-slip axle?

Basically a limited-slip differential is meant to provide traction to the opposite wheel if the other gets off the road and onto ice or some other slippery surface. With the higher ratio, the drive shaft must turn 3.55 times for one rear-wheel revolution. Obviously, the engine works less to turn the drive shaft less.

Is a 3.31 axle ratio good for towing?

Normally, the 3.31 would get you better gas mileage, on highway. But, with the 3.55 you will get a bit more pulling power so less time at higher RPM to get your trailer moving and when going uphill. If most of your towing is flat highway, the 3.31 should do you fine.

What is the best rear axle ratio for towing?

The most popular rear end ratio in trucks today is the 3:55, which sort of averages towing power and fuel economy. This is a good ratio for the occasional towing or hauling individual. For a person who tows more often, and heavier loads, the 3:73 or 4:10 may be more appropriate.

Is a 3.73 rear end good for towing?

FACT: A 3.73 axle ratio is ideal for towing heavy loads on flat terrain and will produce increased fuel economy during steady-state, long-distance highway driving.

Is a 3.42 rear axle ratio good for towing?

For instance, the 3.42:1 ratio included on many Canyon V-6 and Sierra 1500 models offers a good all-around blend. That said, if you regularly tow heavy trailers or prefer a peppier feel in acceleration, consider a truck equipped with a higher numeric axle ratio.

What is the difference between 3.21 and 3.92 rear axle ratio?

From the speed 48-57 MPH, 3.21 has higher final drive ratio over 3.92 (10.10 vs 8.23) until it has to shift to 3rd gear at 57 MPH. From the speed 58-70 MPH, 3.92 has higher final drive ratio over 3.21 (8.23 vs 6.74) until it has to shift to 4th gear at 70 MPH.

How do I identify my 8.5 gm rear end?

When looking at the housing from the rear, an 8.5 will have two squared off chunks of casting hanging on each side near the bottom of the differential. An 8.2 (shown) will have the same contour as the cover. Most 8.2 factory covers also have the strange protrusion at the top.

Is 3.08 a good gear ratio for towing?

Yes, you are exactly right, towing with a 6 speed with 3.08s is still better than towing with a 4 speed and 3.73s. If its a heavy trailer, you will probably never use 5th and 6th gears, but who cares? crank turns to rotate the rear wheels once that counts.

Is a 3.08 rear axle good for towing?

The rear axle provides torque amplification. Trying to tow with a lot of weight, and a 3.08 axle, will be rough on the axle as well as the transmission. Even with a 6 speed automatic, you will have to be down in the lower gears to pull.

How do you find the gear ratio on a GM rear end?

Count the teeth on the small gear in the forward part of the axle housing, called the pinion gear. Count the number of the teeth in the big ring gear attached to the differential. Divide the number of teeth on the pinion into the number of teeth on the ring gear. This is the gear ratio.

What gear ratio do I have by Vin?

How to Find Out the Gear Ratio With the VIN Number

1. Find the VIN of your vehicle.
2. Identify the VDS section, the fourth through eighth digits of the VIN.
3. Find a guide online, such as Edmunds.com or Decode This, or contact an automobile dealer to help interpret the VDS.