Differentials

[john n]

Does anyone know if the automatic differential gearing is taller than that in the standard?
And if so, are the differentials interchangeable?
Thanks.

[jessef]

The L300's came with four different gear ratio's (front/rear differential)

5.285
4.875
4.625
4.222

The 4.875's are the most common. I have yet to see one that is not 4.875.

The 3rd member's are swappable from one to another.

I'm guessing you are asking about the final drive gear ratio (ie. difference between 4.875 gears on an auto compared to 4.875 gears on a manual ?)

4.875 gears are low ratio so you will get up to high RPM quick on the highway. If you're running a 5spd, adding taller tires will lower RPM at a given speed especially on the hwy.

[john n]

Thanks for the info.
The 5 speeds do want to make a lot of noise for very little speed.
I was hoping that the auto diffs were taller and swappable with a 5 speed, there are lots of them out there.
It's a bit of work to swap them and then try to find a corrected speedo drive, maybe just wishful thinking on my part.
The tire option is always there I guess, but I'd prefer to do it by gearing.
It's also unfortunate that there isn't enough room to add an electric overdrive to the rear driveshaft, which would be the best option.
As much as I like the 5 speed it really is a detriment on the highway.

[jessef]

Yep.

If it's any consolation I had 5.29's in my Pajero. I had to jump from 29" (stock like Delica) to 32.5" tires just to cruise on the hwy 100km/h @ 3,000 rpm

Over in Japan/Norway they use them for glacier offroading with 35" tires.

Tractor gears thems folks call 'em in those parts.

[john n]

More like tree climbing gears.

Did you have any method of adjusting your speedo other than estimating with the larger tires?

[jessef]

GPS figured it out. just above 10%. got used to driving adding it on the speedo.

[john n]

That works.