Gear Ratios

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by AWaistOfAir, Mar 2, 2012.

  1. AWaistOfAir

    AWaistOfAir Bobtail Member

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    Dec 25, 2011
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    Sorry for asking this basic basic question, but looking at adds for trucks on the web, they all list gear ratio for the trucks. I though the gear ratio was set by which gear you were in.

    -Thanks
     
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  3. Ezrider_48501

    Ezrider_48501 Road Train Member

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    it has to do with your drive axle gears, basically the numerically higher the gear the higher the rpm for each given gear selection. numericly higher gears (lower gear) give you better pulling where higher gears (numerically lower) give you higher speeds and typically better fuel millage. the trick is finding the best gear ratio for your given application.
     
  4. Ezrider_48501

    Ezrider_48501 Road Train Member

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    bismarck, nd
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    ie lower gears (numerically higher) are better for off road/ or lots of mountains where higher gears (numerically lower) are better if your running mostly flatland)
     
  5. Round2

    Round2 Light Load Member

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    You EZRIDER are a gentleman! It would have been so easy to insult that kid like most insecure windbags would have. Thank you! You give me hope for humanity.
     
  6. Lonesome

    Lonesome Mr. Sarcasm

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    If I ever buy another truck, it's going to be 2:93's or similar.
     
  7. Round2

    Round2 Light Load Member

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    I guess the concepts of over and double over will be left for another time.
     
  8. oldmack

    oldmack Light Load Member

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    philadelphia, pa
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    I have pretty good luck with 3:73's. I can pull the hill well enough and do ok on mileage at 65 in the flats with the engine at 1475.
     
  9. dirthaller

    dirthaller Road Train Member

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    If you have an 18 speed and you like 3.70's you can go with 3.25's and run in 17th gear. Same with 3.55 vs 3.08's. Some guys are running 2.79's and running in 16th gear. Depends on what low end "crawl" gears you need.
     
  10. Pedigreed Bulldog

    Pedigreed Bulldog Road Train Member

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    Personally, I like my 4.17's....and if I swapped 'em out for anything, I'd go to either a 4.35 or possibly 4.42 ratio.
     
  11. Round2

    Round2 Light Load Member

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    My old Puppy Dog had 3:70's and a 10sp Direct. I didn't need to light up the highway, just made money.
     
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