OK, I thought it was a little high geared when I got it. Was going to try to put some bigger wheels on it, but now I'm afraid because any taller tires will make the ratio even worse. 2.43? I was surprised. The code for the differential is 12 which I looked up.

Anybody familiar with this ratio and what do you think...should I get it changed right away. I mean, I'd like first to be lower and fifth I have yet to go fast enough anywhere for it to actual be any use.

Thanks.

 

I would definitely upgrade the gears. Heck, I have 3.08s with the 5 spd and I hardly use 5th as well. I can't imagine what it would be like with 2.43s. I would go to a 3.55 or higher just depends on how big of a tire you want to go too..

 

Holy smokes!! they must have been cleaning out the old parts bins on the assembly line when that truck was built. Yes... definitely get the gearing changed.. even if you don't put bigger tires on it. 3.55 is very common ratio and much better suited to truck duty.

 

Put the 3.08s in. I have them on mine with 31" tires and the 300 loves 'em. I switched from 3.55s and the big six works better with a tall gear. I hit 5th about 45mph on mine.

 

My dad's 92 I6 5 speed has the 2.73 (not 2.43) gear in it too. It was the standard rear gear for I6 2WD 5 speed trucks. It's not so great for quickness, but it sure is good on fuel on the highway. I think he's gotten as high as 22 with strictly highway driving.

 

I have swapped the 3:08 for 3:55 . No MPG diff. Course I never got out of 4th . And with all hills 3rd was the norm. . Have agood one

 

I have 3.55s with the 300 5spd and find it the best combo for suburban and rural roads. If you drive primarily on interstates the 3.08s are good. I get about 17-20 mpg with the 3.55s
regards
rikard

 

Dang it...I meant 2.73! That's right...still seems way tall...jas88: I don't know what trans you got, but mine is in the low rpm range at 55 in fourth...and we don't have super highways around here...I can't see the little six banger hauling me at 80 or so...

sorry, I was still sleepy when I said 2.43...lame. Is there some kind of calculator to figure what the best gears for the rear end would be? Cause 2.73 aint it!

thanks.

 

I have the ZF. I pretty much do not take my 300 over 2K rpm. All it does past that point is make more noise anyway but not any more power.