axle ratio question
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Elder User
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axle ratio question
The simple question is this: when buying a new vehicle, which will have longer transmission life, the one with 3.23 or 3.73 axle ratio. Assume same engine and usage.
I think the numerically higher ratio, 3.73, because the transmission will see lower torque (stress). What do you think?
Ken
I think the numerically higher ratio, 3.73, because the transmission will see lower torque (stress). What do you think?
Ken
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,242
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From: Kiev, Ukraine
It depends on condition of use. For urban areas 3.73 is better, but for Hightways -3.23.... I have 3.45 LSD with manual tranny. I have tranny of Volga, but Tires of volga are bigger and Volga has 3.9 rear diff. So after 1 minute calculetions I swapped my 4.1 diff to 3.45 and now I drive faster. But speedo read incorrectly.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: SoCal
Ken,
My intuition is the less you load the transmission, the longer it should last. So with a lower gear ratio, but keeping the same tire size, you get more torque, and thus less load, on the transmission. This should make life a little easier on the clutches and bands. But the entire assembly will be turning a little faster, so there will be a little bit more wear on the gears and bearing surfaces, but probably not noticeable.
My intuition is the less you load the transmission, the longer it should last. So with a lower gear ratio, but keeping the same tire size, you get more torque, and thus less load, on the transmission. This should make life a little easier on the clutches and bands. But the entire assembly will be turning a little faster, so there will be a little bit more wear on the gears and bearing surfaces, but probably not noticeable.
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