James Clausen's Blog

Whatever the reasons for changing an axle ratio, it can be quite expensive. You'd have to question the cost vs. the benefit. If you change the ratio to save fuel, you sacrifice power. If you change the ratio for better towing, you sacrifice fuel economy.

In my article on changing rear axle gear ratios, there's some helpful tips that may help you with your quest to change ratios. One reader commented on the fact that the speedometer wouldn't be accurate, thereby giving you false miles per gallon readings. When changing gear ratios the odometer and speedometer would be inaccurate. The speedometer should be re-calibrated to reflect the gear ratio change.

In our shop we've performed some rear axle ratio changes, mostly for better towing performance. Has anyone had success and what was the outcome of changing their axle ratio?