3.42 vs 3.73 Rear Axle Ratio: What is the big difference?
3.42 vs 3.73 rear axle ratio. Which one is suitable and perfect for using in the vehicles? Well, this can be a doubting issue for vehicle users. Regarding this issue, today’s article will help to find out the proper one between these two. So that, the discussion may appear useful among the people.
What’s the Rear Axle ratio mainly
The rear axle ratio is the measurement or proportion of the gear ratio. It helps to find out the actual acceleration, maximum speed limit, and instant torque of the vehicle.
The entire performance delivery of a vehicle such as a motorcycle or a car principally depends on this gear ratio. The transmission system and the engine are the related elements with the gear ratio.
The rear axle ratio of a vehicle helps to deliver better speed within a minimum gear rate. Whereas, the maximum ratio delivers lower speed.
For that reason, the 3.42 ratio of the rear axle will not produce more speed. But it will help deliver a smooth-riding ability as well as good fuel efficiency.
On the other hand, the 3.73 ratio produces more power and initial acceleration through its lower rotating ability. But the perfect one can’t be revealed with this statement.
And it is now time to know both these axle ratios individually.
Comparison between 3.42 and 3.73 Rear Axle Ratio
A comparison chart given below shows some typical features and specifications between the two ratios.
| 3.42 Rear Axle | 3.73 Rear Axle |
| Delivers sober acceleration | Delivers more acceleration |
| Less torque, high speed | High speed, less torque |
| Slow 0-100 speed pushing ability | Quick 0-100 speed pushing ability |
| Consume more fuel during high speed | Enough fuel-efficient in higher speed |
| Applicable for lap racing or highway runs | Applicable for drag racing or typical cruising |
3.42 Rear Axle Ratio
3.42 rear axle or gear axle means that both the pinion and riding shaft have the rotating ability for 3.42 flows. The axle shafts get moved for once through this operation. The continuous spinning system of the pinion and shaft lets the vehicle move forward.
The 3.42 axle ratio mostly gets used in maximum gear levels. Smooth driving ability with maximum fuel economy is the nature of this axle ratio.
3.73 Rear Axle Ratio
The performing process of the 3.73 rear axles is almost similar to the previous one. But it has a more rotating ability that helps to perform better.
3.73 rear axle helps the shaft and pinion to deliver a rotation speed of 3.73 times. This means it helps to provide more power and torque in the vehicle within a short period.
This 3.73 rear axle gets used for heavyweight carrying or uphill cruising by vehicles.
Measuring the Rear Axle Ratio
It’s not a difficult job to find out the axle ratio. As the pinion remains connected with the axle. It helps to perform the rotating ability into the engine. The total number of teeth into the ring gear area with a total number of teeth in the pinion helps to find out the exact axle ratio.
For each rotation, the ratio in the axle helps the gear transfer the power into the engine. And thus the wheels perform their rotations.
Usually, the high axle ratio level helps to deliver more power and torque to the wheels. For that reason, drag racing cars get seen with a higher axle ratio for their beginning gears.
It helps the vehicle to push insanely faster between 0 to 100. But the higher axle ratio can’t bring out higher potential speed.
In opposite, the lower axle ratio can’t perform an instant torque or acceleration. But they have an ability to perform higher potential speed compared to the previous.
Dissimilarities between 3.42 and 3.73 rear axle ratio
The only difference that can be seen between these two ratios is, they provide different rotation speeds into the gear pinion and the shaft. As a result, the vehicles with both these ratios perform differently.
3.73 rear axle ratio is suitable for quick launching of the vehicle. Besides, it delivers the raw power from the engine into the wheels. That helps the engine to perform heavy-duty activities.
Climbing up the hills, pulling or towing other objects. Performing terrains are some major tasks that it can perform.
On the other hand, the 3.42 rear axle ratio is completely different. It may not have the instant torque response like the other one. But it helps to increase the top-end power of the vehicle. 3.73 axle ratio will not be able to perform the same at the maximum level.
If an example is given for better clarity. There is a race between two vehicles. Racer A is using a 3.42 rear axle ratio in the ride. And Racer B holds a 3.73 ratio for his wheels. At the beginning of the race, Race B will eliminate A with instant torque. It will also reach earlier to a maximum speed comparing Racer A.
At the same time, Racer A might not be able to catch B at the beginning. But the wheels will generate more power after a particular speed. And it will help Racer A to takedown B.
That entire mean is, 3.42 axle is made for providing maximum speed.
3.73 is made for instant power.
Selection of Suitable Axle Ratio
Not everyone has the idea to choose the perfect axle ratio. It also depends on the condition and performance efficiency of the vehicle. There are no such restrictions on using any of these ratios. In fact, both of them can be applied for the rides.
Surprisingly, none of them is the best one to choose from. Both of them have some disadvantages that a rider may not agree to achieve.
In that case, a 3.55 rear axle ratio is best for selecting. And the reason is, it helps to deliver a moderate and similar type of fuel economy as well as power.
Both the acceleration and top-end measurements remain friendly which is perfect enough for the users.
The rest of the selection depends on the drivers and their intentions. 3.73 is the appropriate one. If there is a necessity to pull and perform higher-level tasks. And if speed is the only demand, no matter how it consumes fuel, 3.42 is the only choice.
Why is the 3.55 ratio is best to choose?
There are several reasons to choose 3.55 as the best one. If a mid-level ratio can perform user-friendly fuel economy as well as better speed. This will be a preferable ratio for the users. 3.55 performs the same as it has been said.
Vehicles will have a favorable performance and require low fuel costing. Besides, highway cruising ability will appear enough positive and worthy.
All these reasons make the 3.55 ratio the perfect one to select.
Final verdict
Fortunately, both these axle ratios are best from their level. If anyone gets questioned between 3.42 vs 3.73 rear axle ratio. Which one to choose. It now only depends on the user’s requirement and intention.
Install 3.43 for better speed, or the 3.73 for instant torque. The choice is now yours.