Just learning: Gears
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Just learning: Gears
Hey everyone - I just bought my truck and I'm trying to learn as much about it as I can. I've already decided to do the exhaust and chip it. But I don't entirely understand the gear ratio and what it means to me. Especially how it effects my truck. I would really appreciate it if someone could explain it to me. My truck is listed below. Thanks in advance!
2001 Ford Ranger Edge
4x4 4.0L SOHC
5 speed Auto
4.10 ratio limited slip axel
Tires: 265/70R16
2001 Ford Ranger Edge
4x4 4.0L SOHC
5 speed Auto
4.10 ratio limited slip axel
Tires: 265/70R16
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,038
Likes: 3
From: South Kitsap County, WA
To put it simply, for every one turn of your out put from the transmission, your tires turn 4.1 times.
This affects gas mileage and performance. A lower gear ratio (numerically higher) would get poorer gas mileage, but you'd get better acceleration. The opposite is true of a higher ratio (nmerically lower). The size of tires affect this as well. Larger tires mean a larger rolling resistance at start (more gas wasted) and make it a bit more difficult to stop because of a higher moment of inertia.
The limited slip part of your rear axle means you have the capability of increased traction, as both rear wheels are mechanically hooked up to the drive line when going in a straight line. The limited slip allows for one tire to become disengaged (slipping) when turning a corner (outside tire turns faster in a corner) so it doesn't eat your differential up (binding) which it would do if the system was locked together.
The exhaust and chip will move your output power curve to take advantage of "hidden" power, essentially what Ford could have done, but decided for whatever reason to leave it up to the aftermarket.
-Kerry
This affects gas mileage and performance. A lower gear ratio (numerically higher) would get poorer gas mileage, but you'd get better acceleration. The opposite is true of a higher ratio (nmerically lower). The size of tires affect this as well. Larger tires mean a larger rolling resistance at start (more gas wasted) and make it a bit more difficult to stop because of a higher moment of inertia.
The limited slip part of your rear axle means you have the capability of increased traction, as both rear wheels are mechanically hooked up to the drive line when going in a straight line. The limited slip allows for one tire to become disengaged (slipping) when turning a corner (outside tire turns faster in a corner) so it doesn't eat your differential up (binding) which it would do if the system was locked together.
The exhaust and chip will move your output power curve to take advantage of "hidden" power, essentially what Ford could have done, but decided for whatever reason to leave it up to the aftermarket.
-Kerry
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 15
Originally posted by kspilkinton
To put it simply, for every one turn of your out put from the transmission, your tires turn 4.1 times.
To put it simply, for every one turn of your out put from the transmission, your tires turn 4.1 times.
