1. What is the Truck Gear Ratio?

The gear ratio is a measurement that compares the rotational speeds of two or more interlocking gears. In trucks, it determines how many revolutions the driveshaft makes for each turn of the wheels, affecting torque and speed.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the gear ratio equation:

Where:

• Tire Diameter — Diameter of the tire in inches
• RPM — Engine revolutions per minute
• MPH — Vehicle speed in miles per hour
• 336 — Constant to convert units

Explanation: The equation calculates how many times the driveshaft rotates for each revolution of the wheels based on tire size, engine speed, and vehicle speed.

3. Importance of Gear Ratio Calculation

Details: Proper gear ratio is crucial for optimizing truck performance, fuel efficiency, and towing capacity. It affects acceleration, top speed, and engine load.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter tire diameter in inches, engine RPM, and current speed in MPH. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good gear ratio for trucks?
A: It depends on usage. Lower ratios (3.08-3.55) are better for highway fuel economy, while higher ratios (3.73-4.10) provide better towing power.

Q2: How does tire size affect gear ratio?
A: Larger tires effectively lower the gear ratio, while smaller tires increase it. This affects speedometer accuracy and engine performance.

Q3: What is the 336 constant in the formula?
A: It's a conversion factor that accounts for unit transformations (inches to miles, minutes to hours) in the calculation.

Q4: Should I change my gear ratio when upgrading tires?
A: Significant tire size changes often require gear ratio adjustments to maintain optimal performance and fuel efficiency.

Q5: How does gear ratio affect fuel economy?
A: Higher ratios keep the engine in higher RPMs at cruising speed, typically reducing fuel economy but improving towing capability.