esox07 said:
I believe it is the number of times the motor makes a revolution compared to one revolution of the axle. So, with 4.10 gears, the motor would make 4.1 revolutions to make your wheels turn one time.
It's how many times the drive axle turns to one wheel hub rotation. 4.10 means, the drive-shaft makes 4 point 10
revolutions to every one wheel revolution. It does effect engine RPMS, but the engine, even at idle, is making way
more than 4.10 RPMs over the drive-shaft.
I went from 2.87 to 3.64 with my Dodge Charger, and I had to get a tuner to put in the new gear
ratio, else the trans goes in limp mode for engine over-speed.
My RPMs at 80MPH used to be 2800, now it's 3000. I still get 25MPG with a tune.
Changing the gears in the rear diff is not easy, it's easier to replace the whole rear
axle that has 4.10s already in it. If you have a 4x4, then you need to do the front
differential too. IT will cost more money doing gear swaps, than axle swaps, because
of the time it takes to remove and install the ring and pinion gear, plus the shimming
and play adjusting.
For the Dodge LX, LC, and LD platforms, the carrier (differential) is an easy swap, but
you won't be as lucky. I have 2 bolts and a damper bolt, lower it , angle to pop the axles
out, and then remove it. Installation is reverse, and takes 2-4 hours depending on
experience.