So every time I think I understand gearing in vehicles, I prove myself wrong and read or hear something that just scrambles everything again, I've done work with differentials so I know the basics. There seems to be a lot of terms floating around from higher gear ratios to taller/shorter gears, Somebody told me that say a 3.55:1 ratio is considered higher gears than a 4.10:1 ratio. Is this true?

 

Yes. Numerically lower gearing produces a higher speed on the output. Lower ratio = 'higher' gears, higher ratio = lower gears.

 

So if I were to upgrade from 3:55s to 4:10s I know I'd be putting down more torque. But my engine would be turning at higher rpm for the speed I'm driving.

I understand increased torque for towing/hauling but I'm trying to visualize it on the drag strip. I know you'll get a stronger jump off the line but is the truck faster than before as you keep accelerating?

 

Yes you will get down the track faster, but your top speed will be limmited, especially if your in an automatic with pre set rev limiter.

 

But on these rigs you'll hit the speed limiter before you top out in 4th gear.
Mine limits at 162km/hr.... About 4000 rpm in 3rd I think

 

I'm bout set to buy one of troyer's x3 tuners so speed governor isn't really a problem.
Thank you so much I know im asking to be babied through it. just trying to make sure i got my facts straight.

So more specifically, I'm going to be running 33x12.5 tires, gears, a tuner, and whatever other goodies I get later on when I save up some more cash.

What companies make quality gears, i've heard US gear and Motive are decent. And what ratio do you suggest. I want to get more punch than stock but still be streetable. I have painfully come to terms with the fact that my gas mileage will suffer.

 

i run yukon 456s with 35s. i think all the gear brands out there are pretty good, as long as you follow the break in process.

i wouldnt go more than a 4.10 with 33s. but if your planning on going to a taller tire in the future you need to condsider that as well. dont want to pay double for having gears done!

 

Are u looking for more tow power or are u going to race this truck? I have 3.55 with 33s and its not too bad. If u are set on regearing, if u plan on sticking with the 33s the 4.10s will be good. If u plan on going to 35s, 4.56 would be good. I have towed with my current setup and although it has to work a little harder, it got the job done.

 

I'm in no way looking for a 10 second truck but something fast enough to have fun bracket racing every once and a while, while being primarily a beast of a work truck.

I haul upwards of 1500 lbs in the bed pretty often and tow occasionally.