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Gear ratio to replace CV
Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2025 10:42 am
by Paintjar
Hello out there. I have been trying to figure out this rubbing sound when I turn left. It changes with the steering of the car and brakes. I have been told and looked for signs of the struts. Still a puzzle until recently. While driving at a certain rpm there is a growling like u-joints use to make when going bad. When I give it throttle or let off the throttle it will go away. Mainly accrues with a steady speed. So, I am going to figure it is the cv. Before I take it apart, I would order a new one. I need to find out the gear ratio, there are 2. A 2:84 and a 3:06. The tag on the driver door has overspray from when I had it painted. It is an SE. Would the SSE have a different ratio? What would be standard gears? I suspect I will have to get a number from the one on there. Any help on where to find the info would be appreciated.
White 1995 Bonniville SE
Douglas
Re: Gear ratio to replace CV
Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2025 11:34 am
by harofreak00
The gear ratio can be found on the RPO sticker on the spare tire cover.
3.06 Gear Ratio (FW2)
2.84 Gear Ratio (F17)
Or you can call any GM dealer with your VIN and ask them the gear ratio and they'll be able to look it up.
Or you can post your VIN or license plate here and I can look it up.
Most of the time SE's got the 2.84's and SSE's got the 3.05's...but not always.
Re: Gear ratio to replace CV
Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2025 2:29 pm
by 95naSTA
I might be wrong but since all the differentials were the same size in the 1995 4t60-e and hd, any FDR would work. The 4t65-e vs 4t65-hd is where the axle length comes into play.
Edit, I always thought the 3.06 in the 60 and 3.05 in the 65 was most common and independent of SSE vs SE vs SLE.
Re: Gear ratio to replace CV
Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2025 2:32 pm
by Paintjar
1G2HX52K0S4255998
Thank You so much. I will check the spare tire cover.
I have spoken to you some time ago about your headlights. Not been able to find any BMW headlights anywhere, other than NEW....Too much $
Re: Gear ratio to replace CV
Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2025 2:45 pm
by Paintjar
Got it. FW2 Can get the right parts now. So, I am hoping this will help with the struts making noises.
Re: Gear ratio to replace CV
Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2025 2:50 pm
by 95naSTA
E39 lights are pretty common. Ebay or junk yards would have them. It took months for me to get them to work though.
Unless your front struts are blown, the noise is likely the strut mount bearing. They usually make a pop sound.
Re: Gear ratio to replace CV
Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2025 5:28 pm
by harofreak00
95naSTA wrote:I might be wrong but since all the differentials were the same size in the 1995 4t60-e and hd, any FDR would work. The 4t65-e vs 4t65-hd is where the axle length comes into play.
Edit, I always thought the 3.06 in the 60 and 3.05 in the 65 was most common and independent of SSE vs SE vs SLE.
That's what I thought too, but my parts look up shows different axles for different ratios.
Re: Gear ratio to replace CV
Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2025 9:03 pm
by 95naSTA
I've on the A32/Maxima platform where axles will have different p/ns but have no physical difference.
On my 95, it was originally a supercharged SLE that came with a 2.97 FDR 4t60-hd. 2.97 is achieved through a 3.33 Diff and 33/37 gears. I used the same axles with the 3.43 trans I built that had a 3.06 diff and 37/33 gears. I can't directly speak to the 2.84 diff but know the 3.33 and 3.06 diffs will interchange axles.