Ring & Pinions

Ring and Pinions are mating gear sets that multiplies driveshaft torque, reduces driveshaft speed and transfers the rotation of torque 90 degrees to the wheels.

How do ring and pinions work?

The pinion gear is attached to the driveshaft, as the driveshaft rotates, the pinion gear spins. The pinion gear meshes with the ring gear which is attached to the differential carrier that houses the axles. The ring gear transfers the rotation to the differential, which then distributes power to the left and right wheels. With open differentials, this allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds, essential when turning, since the outer wheel needs to rotate faster than the inner wheel to maintain traction.

Gear Ratios Explained

Ring and pinion gear ratio can be found by dividing the teeth on the ring gear by the teeth on the pinion gear. A gear set with 4.88 gear ratio means the pinion gear turns 4.88 times for the ring gear to turn once. Higher (numerical) gear ratios provide better acceleration but lower top speed, while a lower (numerical) ratio offers higher top speed at the expense of acceleration.

Off-roading: A higher gear ratio (e.g., 4.88, 5.13) gives the vehicle more torque at lower speeds, which is ideal for crawling over rocks or climbing steep hills.

Racing: Gear ratio selection should be selected based on desired performance improvement and track layout, acceleration versus top speed.

Towing: Higher gear ratios like 4.10 provides more power at low speeds, helping the vehicle pull heavy loads with less strain versus a 3.73 Ratio.

Tire size, engine power and driving conditions should all be considered when selecting the optimal gear ratio.

Re-gear With Confidence!

Revolution Gear and Axle has been producing gear sets since 1984. Our ring and pinions are made from the highest quality steel and are precision heat treated to OEM specifications, making for the best aftermarket gears available. All Revolution Ring and Pinion sets are backed by an industry leading 2 Year Warranty against defects.