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Help figuring gear ratio

Old Jul 24, 2011 | 03:32 PM
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Default Help figuring gear ratio

Trying to figure out the gear ratio on a replaced rear end. I don't see anything stamped in the bottom of the pumpkin but the drive shaft spins 2 1/2 times for every 1 turn of the tire so what would that mean??
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Old Jul 24, 2011 | 03:36 PM
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Originally Posted by walkingevildead
Trying to figure out the gear ratio on a replaced rear end. I don't see anything stamped in the bottom of the pumpkin but the drive shaft spins 2 1/2 times for every 1 turn of the tire so what would that mean??
That would mean 2.5:1 ratio, trying to remember if there were any factory ratios close to that, like 2.57:1, if so that is what you have.
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Old Jul 24, 2011 | 03:52 PM
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Thank you. I think the rear end is from a 94 let me know if that rings a bell.
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Old Jul 24, 2011 | 03:54 PM
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There was a standard ratio of 2.59:1 for automatics - although I don't recall if it lasted through the entire C4 era or not.

Steven
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Old Jul 24, 2011 | 04:43 PM
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The 2.59 :1 geared Dana 36 Rear diff was optional or standard depending upon years from what I read in the past here on C4 in the archives.

1st was available in 1985.
80 or so were installed in that year.

LT-1 guys hate the 2.59 with Autos.
Engines want to wind out but that gear holds back.

Likely work best in TPI cars.

I am selling 1 of those 2.59 Dana 36's complete from a 1989 Vette.
62,000 original miles on it.
No one wants it of course. LOL
Everyone is drag or roadrace happy once again with slight drop in Gasoline prices.

I bought it for a backup for my 87 Vert in case I ever blew out the stock 2.73 dana 36.
Still has not let go.

Gasoline prices were sky high back in the summer of 2008.
Another reason I picked it up.

BR
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Old Jul 24, 2011 | 04:54 PM
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Sounds like 2.59s are in there.

Whats your transmission and cruise RPM at 70mph?
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Old Jul 24, 2011 | 04:57 PM
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Originally Posted by 87 vette 81 big girl
The 2.59 :1 geared Dana 36 Rear diff was optional or standard depending upon years from what I read in the past here on C4 in the archives.

1st was available in 1985.
80 or so were installed in that year.

LT-1 guys hate the 2.59 with Autos.
Engines want to wind out but that gear holds back.

Likely work best in TPI cars.

I am selling 1 of those 2.59 Dana 36's complete from a 1989 Vette.
62,000 original miles on it.
No one wants it of course. LOL
Everyone is drag or roadrace happy once again with slight drop in Gasoline prices.

I bought it for a backup for my 87 Vert in case I ever blew out the stock 2.73 dana 36.
Still has not let go.

Gasoline prices were sky high back in the summer of 2008.
Another reason I picked it up.

BR
I agree... I replaced my 2.59 gears with 3.54

However, sometimes I wish I could cruise down the highway at 75mph and only see the tachometer at 2500 RPM again. That's why the new Corvettes with a 6speed automatic are pretty sweet.
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Old Jul 24, 2011 | 04:59 PM
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It's on jack stands right now until new speedo gear comes for trans all I can say that it's automatic and about 10 mph off reads 50 and actually going 60
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Old Jul 24, 2011 | 05:08 PM
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Originally Posted by biggrizzly
I agree... I replaced my 2.59 gears with 3.54

However, sometimes I wish I could cruise down the highway at 75mph and only see the tachometer at 2500 RPM again. That's why the new Corvettes with a 6speed automatic are pretty sweet.
Some guys who had automatics that regularly participated in autocrossing and drags switched to the Dana 44 assembly with 3.45 gears that came standard in most of the 6-speed manual cars. Besides the stronger assembly, the gearing was a good compromise for street and performance, especially in the LTX engines. It was a fairly easy conversion.
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Old Jul 24, 2011 | 10:24 PM
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Originally Posted by OldCorvetteFan
There was a standard ratio of 2.59:1 for automatics - although I don't recall if it lasted through the entire C4 era or not.

Steven
Not sure about the entire era but I believe they were the standard gear for the 92-96 auto's.
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