Forum Discussion

hemismith's avatar
hemismith
Explorer
May 06, 2016

Rear axle ratios

I've had a hard time finding a truck with everything I want on it, so I'm debating the need for higher rear axle ratios. Here are the net 1st gear ratios for various half-ton trucks:

Make Rear 1st
Toyota 4.30 14.32
Ford 3.31 13.80
Ford 3.55 14.80
Ford 3.73 15.55
Chevy 3.08 12.41
Chevy 3.42 13.78
Ram 3.55 16.73
Ram 3.92 18.48

The Chevy seems like it definitely ought to have the optional gears.

The Ram is for the 8-speed; the 6-speed definitely needs them but it appears the 8-speed compensates sufficiently, especially since the 2nd gear drop is much less than the others.

The Ford 3.5 only comes with 3.31; does the turbo give it enough torque so it doesn't really need the 3.55s?

Thanks.
Tow Vehicles
  • patriotgrunt's avatar
    patriotgrunt
    Explorer
    May 07, 2016
    Ford's 3.5 EB does come with the 3.55 optional rear end. Another key aspect to Ford's rear axle is the ability to electronically lock them. I've used it numerous times and not needed to engage the four wheel drive on soft terrain.
  • Hideout17's avatar
    Hideout17
    Explorer
    May 06, 2016
    Lower rear end gears,higher numerically, will get load moving better and keep it moving at the cost of mpg. Lower gears give you more leverage.

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