What difference do rear axle gear ratios make in performance?
The lower the ratio, the faster the road speed. You should select your rear axle ratios based on your driving conditions. A higher ratio equals greater startability or acceleration, versus a lower ratio which impacts gradability or hill-climbing ability. If you are an inner-city delivery operation with very few on-highway routes, you may consider a higher ratio for better startability. If you mainly drive between cities on the highway, you may choose a lower ratio for better road speed.