What is rear axle ratio?

What is rear axle ratio?

Understanding Axle Ratios The term refers to the gears in the truck’s differential, which is a mechanical device that links the rear axle to the driveshaft and then the engine. Technically, the number should be expressed as a ratio, such as 3.55:1, meaning the drive shaft turns 3.55 times for each turn of a wheel.

What is the best rear end gear ratio for gas mileage?

For instance, a 3:31 gets better fuel economy than a 3:73. On the other hand, a 3:73 or perhaps a 4:10 will tow much more, while fuel economy greatly drops. The most popular rear end ratio in trucks today is the 3:55, which sort of averages towing power and fuel economy.

Do front and rear gears have to match?

When changing gears in a 4×4 vehicle, it’s very important to remember that you must change the gears in both axles at the same time. If your front axle only has 4.11 gears (37 ring gear teeth and 9 pinion teeth) but your rear axle has 4.09 gears (45 ring gear teeth and 11 pinion teeth) the ratios don’t match exactly.

Can you run two different gear ratios?

Yes you need the same ratio front and rear. If not, while in 4X4 something will break. It can be close though. 3.50 on one end and 3.55 on the other or 4.10 and 4.11 are acceptable.

Are front and rear ring and pinion the same?

These sets are exactly the same. But when the rig is driven forward the pinion is putting pressure on the drive side of the ring gear in the rear and on the coast side of the ring gear in front.

What do the numbers on the end of a pinion gear mean?

Note the etched number on the face of the pinion gear head (–1, –2, 0, +1, +2, etc.). The numbers represent thousands of an inch deviation from the standard. If the number is negative, add that value to the required thickness of the depth shims.

How do you read pinion markings?

Often, a pinion will be marked with a figure that shows, in thousandths of an inch, the difference between the nominal distance and that gear set’s ideal distance.

Which axle design is used for heavy duty vehicles?

Full-floating axles tend to work best for larger vehicles, such as heavy-duty trucks. Some mid-size trucks that have larger towing capacities or those that use four-wheel drive extensively can also benefit from full-floating axles.