Within the differential, also known as the carrier, there is a ring gear that meshes with a smaller pinion gear. The ratio of the number of teeth on the ring gear, versus the pinion gear, equals the rear axle ratio.
A drive axle ratio is basically the relationship between driveshaft rotations (revolutions) driven by the transmission and drive axle revolutions – how many times the rear wheels rotate. The ratio is expressed in numeric values.
For example, if a truck’s rear axle has a ratio of 3.08:1, the driveshaft must turn 3.08 times to turn the rear wheels one full revolution.
Attached to the ring gear is a differential case containing spider gears that allow the left and the right axle shafts to turn independently. This allows the outer wheel to turn faster than the inner wheel when turning.
Your drivers work—and often live—for long periods in the cab. Messes are bound to happen, but routine housekeeping and regular detailing go a long way in maintaining your drivers...
