Torque is the main goal when re-gearing 4WD vehicles. More torque is needed to compensate for those big tires you added. And, more torque will get you up the steep hills.>
The Gear Ratio Calculator below will help you select the best gears for your needs.
If you mainly drive to work and on the highway, you may want lower ratios. This will give you better gas mileage, but not as much torque. Acceleration will be adequate, but won’t roll your eyes back in your head.
If you trailer your 4WD to the trails and are spinning big mud tires in a mud bog, you’ll want higher ratios. This is great, but your top speed will be limited. Think fast and furious.
When in doubt, go one ratio higher. We tend to add weight to our trucks over time…requiring more torque. And, some of us later decide to increase the tire size just one size…
It’s helpful to know what ring and pinion is in your truck now, you may find a tag or some numbers stamped near the differential. Knowing your current ratio will determine whether you need to change the differential carrier to fit the new ring gear or not.
It’s important to know what axles you have under your rig. The factory often sold several different axle choices. For example the ring gear in the Jeep Rubicon Dana 44 axle is thicker than non-Rubicon models.
Knowing what year the axle was built can be helpful. Keep in mind that if you bought your truck used, someone may have changed the axles before you bought it.
One thing to remember is that when you buy your ring and pinion gears, you will also need a master installation kit for each set. The master installation kit includes all the bearings, pinion seals, pinion shims, crush sleeve, pinion nut, ring gear bolts, and marking compound for the install.
Your sales rep will be able to help you find the gear ratios and components you need, but you can also narrow down your choice using the Gear Ratio Calculator.
