Should I get 3.73 or 4.10 gears?

For many drivers, the choice between 3.73 and 4.10 gear ratios hinges on how you plan to use the vehicle: highway cruising and efficiency versus quick acceleration and towing capability. In short, 3.73 gears tend to favor fuel economy and relaxed highway RPM, while 4.10 gears boost off-the-line response and towing performance at the expense of higher engine speeds on the highway.

What gear ratios do and how they affect your drive

Gear ratios determine how hard the engine must work to turn the wheels at a given speed. A 3.73:1 ratio means the driveshaft turns 3.73 times for every wheel rotation, while 4.10:1 turns more times per wheel rotation. Higher numerical ratios (like 4.10) multiply torque more at the wheels, which helps acceleration and towing but raises engine RPM at a given road speed. Conversely, lower numerical ratios (like 3.73) keep engine RPM down during cruising, improving highway fuel economy and reducing engine noise at speed. Tire size and transmission type can modify these effects, so it’s wise to view gears in the context of your whole drivetrain.

Pros and cons of 3.73 gears

The 3.73 option is commonly chosen for balanced daily driving, better highway efficiency, and comfortable cruise with modest loads. Here are the typical advantages and trade-offs:

• Lower engine RPM at highway speeds, which can improve fuel economy and reduce engine wear during steady cruising.


• Smoother, quieter highway driving and less drag on long trips.


• Sufficient torque for everyday driving and light towing without excessive engine strain.


• Less aggressive acceleration when starting from a stop or climbing hills, especially with heavier loads.


• Better fuel economy for many daily drivers, particularly with taller tires or efficient engines.

Conclusion: If you spend most of your miles on highways or produce moderate towing needs, 3.73 gears tend to feel more practical and economical.

Pros and cons of 4.10 gears

The 4.10 option boosts performance in launch, hill climbs, and towing, but it comes with a highway MPG penalty and more engine speed at cruising. Here are the common trade-offs:

• Sharper acceleration and stronger initial torque, improving feel when pulling trailers or climbing grades.


• Better low-end off-road and towing performance, with quicker power delivery in everyday tasks.


• Higher engine RPM at typical highway speeds, which can reduce fuel efficiency and add more noise and heat during long trips.


• Increased wear on engine and drivetrain components at highway speeds if the engine is not well matched to the gearing.


• More responsive feel when merging or passing, especially with light to moderate loads.

Conclusion: If your priorities include strong acceleration, heavier towing, or frequent off-road work, 4.10 gears are appealing—but be prepared for a noticeable highway MPG hit.

Decision guide: how to choose

Use these steps to decide based on your vehicle, engine, and typical use case. The following ordered list helps structure the decision process.

1. Identify your primary driving purpose: highway cruising with light loads vs. frequent towing/launch-heavy use or off-road driving.


2. Consider tire size and transmission: larger tires effectively raise the overall gearing, which can influence the perceived benefit of 3.73 vs 4.10.


3. Evaluate engine torque and transmission behavior: a strong, torque-rich engine with a smooth shift pattern might tolerate 4.10 better than a low-torque engine with a stiff transmission.


4. Estimate highway RPM at typical speeds: calculate whether you’re comfortable with higher RPM (4.10) or prefer the quieter, lower RPM (3.73) at, say, 60–70 mph.


5. Weigh fuel economy tolerance: if MPG is a priority, lean toward 3.73; if acceleration or towing performance is paramount, consider 4.10.

Conclusion: Align your gear choice with how you drive most—highway efficiency and calm cruising favor 3.73, while frequent towing, heavy payloads, or aggressive launches favor 4.10, with the understanding that highway fuel economy will be reduced with the higher numerical ratio.

Scenarios you might consider

Scenario A: Daily highway commuter with occasional light towing

For a vehicle used primarily on highways with occasional light towing, 3.73 gears usually offer a good balance of economy and sufficient torque for light loads. You’ll likely enjoy lower engine RPM at cruising speeds and better overall fuel efficiency.

Scenario B: Frequent towing or hard acceleration required

If you regularly tow trailers, carry heavy loads, or want quick, confident acceleration from stop, 4.10 gears can provide noticeable improvements in performance. Expect higher engine RPM on the highway and somewhat reduced fuel economy as a trade-off.

Summary

Choosing between 3.73 and 4.10 gears comes down to how you drive most often and what you’re willing to trade off. 3.73 gears favor highway efficiency and comfortable cruising, with adequate capability for light to moderate loads. 4.10 gears deliver stronger initial acceleration and towing performance, at the cost of higher engine speeds and lower highway fuel economy. Consider your tire size, engine torque, transmission, and typical loads to determine which gear ratio aligns with your priorities. If in doubt, you can also test drive or consult your vehicle’s manufacturer recommendations and, if possible, compare a similar build with the two gear options to feel the difference before committing.

What gear ratio is best for acceleration?

The best gear ratio for acceleration is a numerically higher one (e.g., 4.56:1) because it provides more torque to the wheels, resulting in faster acceleration. However, this comes at the cost of lower fuel efficiency and a reduced top speed, as the engine will be at higher RPMs at highway speeds. 
This video explains the relationship between gear ratio and acceleration: 1mTalkingTechTrendsYouTube · Aug 8, 2025
Numerically higher gear ratio (e.g., 4.56:1) 

• Pros:
  • Faster acceleration and quicker 0-60 times. 
  • More torque multiplication at the wheels. 
  • Ideal for drag racing or other situations where rapid acceleration is the priority. 
• Cons:
  • Lower top speed. 
  • Lower fuel efficiency. 
  • Higher engine RPMs, which can lead to more noise on the highway. 

Numerically lower gear ratio (e.g., 3.08:1) 

• Pros:
  • Better fuel economy.
  • Higher top speed.
  • Lower engine RPMs for a quieter, more comfortable highway cruise.
• Cons:
  • Slower acceleration. 

Finding a balance

• For a good compromise between acceleration and daily driving, moderate gear ratio increases like moving from 3.73 to 4.10 are often recommended. This provides a noticeable improvement in acceleration without making the vehicle inefficient or uncomfortable for everyday use.
• The best choice depends on your specific vehicle, including its engine, transmission (especially its overdrive gears), tire size, and your primary use (daily driving vs. track use). 

What gear ratio is best for 37 tires?

The best gear ratio for 37-inch tires is generally 4.88, but 5.13 or 5.38 are better options for off-roading, heavy loads, or mountainous terrain. The ideal ratio depends on your vehicle's original gears and how you use it; a common calculation method is to multiply your stock ratio by the percentage increase in tire size to find a good starting point.
 
This video explains the relationship between tire size and gear ratio: 1mJust DieselsYouTube · Jun 10, 2020
For general use and daily driving:

• 4.88: This is a very popular choice that provides a good balance of performance and highway drivability. It effectively returns your vehicle to a similar "feel" as stock, with a modest improvement in acceleration. 

For off-roading, heavy loads, and mountainous areas:

• 5.13 or 5.38: These lower gear ratios are recommended for applications that require more torque, such as off-roading, towing, or frequent driving in hilly or mountainous regions. These ratios will result in higher engine RPMs at highway speeds, which may reduce fuel economy but provide better pulling power. 

How to calculate your ideal gear ratio

1. Find your original gear ratio (often found on a sticker in the driver's side door jamb, or by searching your vehicle's specific model). 
2. Calculate the percentage increase from your original tire size to 37 inches. For example, if you have 31-inch tires, the calculation is 37÷31≈1.1937 divided by 31 is approximately equal to 1.1937÷31≈1.19, or a 19% increase. 
3. Multiply your original gear ratio by this percentage. For a 31-inch tire and a stock 3.91 ratio, the calculation is 3.91×1.19≈4.653.91 cross 1.19 is approximately equal to 4.653.91×1.19≈4.65. 
4. Round up to the nearest available gear ratio to ensure sufficient performance. In the example above, you would round up to 4.88. 

What is the best gear ratio for burnout?

For burnouts, a higher number rear-end ratio like 3.73 or 4.11 is generally best because it increases torque to the wheels, making them spin faster and easier. A more aggressive ratio such as 4.56 or 4.88 is even better for burnouts and drag racing but can negatively impact highway cruising and fuel economy. For a compromise between daily driving and burnouts, 3.42 or 3.55 are good options. The ideal ratio also depends on your vehicle's engine, transmission, and tire size. 
Best ratios for burnouts
You can watch this video to learn about gear ratios for burnouts: 1mGearFX DrivelineYouTube · Feb 10, 2023

• 3.73: A popular and balanced choice that offers good acceleration for burnouts while still being manageable for daily driving. 
• 4.11: A step up in performance, providing even quicker acceleration and better tire spin for burnouts compared to 3.73s, but with a greater impact on highway RPMs and fuel economy. 
• 4.56 or higher: These are considered aggressive ratios that excel at burnouts and drag racing by providing maximum torque to the wheels. However, they are best suited for vehicles that do not see frequent highway use. 

Compromise ratios for daily driving and burnouts 

• 3.42: A significant upgrade from stock ratios, providing a noticeable improvement in acceleration for burnouts without sacrificing too much highway drivability. 
• 3.55: A good middle-ground ratio that offers better performance than stock but is still comfortable for highway cruising. 

How to choose the right ratio

• Prioritize: Decide whether your main priority is highway cruising or performance/burnouts.
  • If you drive a lot on the highway, a lower number ratio like 3.42 is more suitable. 
  • If your focus is on performance and burnouts, a higher number ratio like 4.11 or 4.56 is better. 
• Consider other components: Your vehicle's engine, transmission, and tire size will affect how a particular gear ratio performs. 
  • A transmission with an overdrive gear can handle lower, more aggressive ratios better for highway use. 
  • Engine specifications, such as camshaft profile, also play a role. 
• Use a calculator: Many online calculators can help you estimate the effect of different gear ratios on your RPMs at various speeds. 

What is a 3.73 axle ratio good for?

3.73 gears are a good compromise for improved off-the-line acceleration and towing while still providing reasonable highway performance and fuel economy compared to numerically higher gears like 4.10s. They are ideal for a daily driver that needs more power, particularly for towing or off-road use, but where maintaining highway fuel efficiency is still important. They are also a popular upgrade to compensate for larger tires and to make a vehicle feel more powerful. 
Key benefits of 3.73 gears

• Improved acceleration and torque: They provide a noticeable boost in off-the-line performance, making the vehicle feel more responsive. 
• Better towing and hauling: A higher gear ratio means more torque is sent to the wheels, making it easier to tow heavy loads. 
• Compensation for larger tires: They can be used to bring a vehicle's gearing back in line after installing larger tires, which would otherwise hurt acceleration and performance. 
• Versatility: They offer a good balance between performance and fuel efficiency, making them suitable for both street and occasional track or off-road use. 

Considerations

• Higher RPMs at highway speeds: Compared to lower gear ratios (like 3.55 or 3.08), a 3.73 gear will result in slightly higher engine RPMs at the same road speed, which can slightly decrease fuel economy on very long highway trips. 
• Trade-offs: Choosing 3.73 gears means a slight trade-off in top-end speed and fuel economy compared to lower gear ratios.