Can someone give me the lowdown on what gear ratios are? Like what do the numbers mean, what's the purpose of changing out gears that sort of stuff. Thanks

 

3.55:1 means that for every 1 rotation of the ring gear the pinio turns 3.55 times.

 

Numerically higher numbers mean a lower ratio.

 

Backwards

 

So what exactly does that do?

 

Holy Crap.....where's my coffee IV!?
Fixered.

 

Figured it was just a brain lapse. Lol

 

Basically changes the mechanical leverage to help turn larger tires with less stress on the motor/tranny

 

You have a bolt that hercules tightened. You need to break it loose. You have in front of you a 6 inch breaker bar and a 6 foot breaker bar. Which do you use?

Obviously the 6 footer (unless you pick things up and put them down daily) because you will have way more leverage. Same concept with gears. Just note the lower (4.56, 4.88 etc etc) you go when you gear, the higher the RPMs will be to get up to speed. (Because the pinion has to spin around more to get the ring gear to turn once.)