So i noticed something today.

[heptofite]

every RBV i've ever owned or driven has had 3.73 gears in it, without fail.

 

[martin]

You're just lucky I guess.

 

[superds]

No kidding, better than having 3.08s in them.

I can't say for certain about all of my RBVs I've had, but my two current ones, and my '97 Ranger I had all had 3.73s also.

 

[gwaii]

when i started out with rbv's,seemed everything had 3.45s,now all i see is 3.73s.

 

[roadranger]

I have 3.45s that I'm getting ready to swap for 3.73s

 

[mywhip]

Whats the difference? I'm a truck newb..

 

[94xlt4.0]

my ranger has an 8.8 with the 3.08s and my b2 has the 7.5 with 3.73s

 

[kerry]

Likely a concession to the fleet gas milage requirements.

 

[adsm08]

Whats the difference? I'm a truck newb..

The different numbers are the ratio, the higher the number (numerically) the lower the ratio, and the easier it is to start off, but then the engine will have to work harder to make and hold higher speeds.

 

[heptofite]

The different numbers are the ratio, the higher the number (numerically) the lower the ratio, and the easier it is to start off, but then the engine will have to work harder to make and hold higher speeds.

i wouldn't say work harder, just spin faster.

 

[adsm08]

i wouldn't say work harder, just spin faster.

Which will increase engine load, which is the whole measure of how hard the engine is working.

 

[heptofite]

Which will increase engine load, which is the whole measure of how hard the engine is working.

I don't think so.


a truck weighs 3k pounds, (for the sake of argument)

it takes x power to move it at y speed.

changing the gear ratio does not make it take any more than x power to move it y speed, the weight is the same, the wind resistance is the same, the only difference is the engine has more mechanical advantage, which really, would mean LESS work, at the expense of less top speed.

 

[adsm08]

I'm not disagreeing with that part. I'm saying that the extra RPM you then need to keep y speed (z+A if you will) is equal to more work needing to be done.

I've already seen the effects of what is essentially the same change from my trans swap. I used to run 3K at 75 in 5th, now with the higher 5th ratio I make 85 at 2750.

 

[97RangerXLT]

think of the gear ratios as this:

it is like using a lever to move a heavy object. a longer lever (higher gear ratio) will make it easier to move.

a shorter lever (lower gear ratio) will be harder to move the same object.

AJ

 

[baddis]

i have had one with 3.08 3 with 3.45 several with 3.73 and one with factory 4.10's