Adjusting the gear ratio on a Datsun 280ZX involves changing the differential gear set, which can significantly affect the vehicle’s performance and handling characteristics. click here for more details on the download manual…..
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The gear ratio determines how many times the driveshaft turns in relation to the number of times the wheels turn, affecting acceleration, top speed, and engine RPM at a given speed. Here’s a detailed explanation of the components involved and the steps to adjust the gear ratio.
### Components Involved:
1. **Differential**: The differential is a mechanical device that splits the engine torque two ways, allowing the wheels to turn at different speeds, especially while cornering.
2. **Ring Gear**: This is the large gear mounted on the differential case. It meshes with the pinion gear and is responsible for transferring torque from the driveshaft to the wheels.
3. **Pinion Gear**: This small gear is attached to the driveshaft and meshes with the ring gear. The size of the pinion gear relative to the ring gear determines the gear ratio.
4. **Carrier Assembly**: The carrier houses the differential gears and is mounted to the ring gear. It contains the spider gears that allow for wheel speed differences.
5. **Shims**: Shims are small spacers used to adjust the backlash and preload of the gears.
6. **Bearings**: These support the differential and pinion gears, allowing them to rotate smoothly.
7. **Tools Required**: Basic hand tools (wrenches, sockets), a torque wrench, a dial indicator, gear oil, and potentially a bearing puller.
### Steps to Adjust Gear Ratio:
1. **Preparation**:
– Park the car on a level surface and secure it with wheel chocks.
– Raise the rear of the vehicle using jack stands and remove the rear wheels for easier access.
2. **Remove the Differential Cover**:
– Drain the differential fluid by removing the drain plug or differential cover.
– Once drained, remove the differential cover bolts and carefully pry off the cover to expose the internal components.
3. **Remove the Differential Assembly**:
– Disconnect the driveshaft from the differential by removing the universal joint bolts.
– Remove the bolts securing the differential to the axle housing and carefully extract the differential assembly.
4. **Disassemble the Differential**:
– Remove the pinion gear by unbolting it from the differential housing.
– Remove the ring gear by unbolting it from the carrier assembly.
– Inspect the bearings and shims; note their positions for reassembly.
5. **Install New Gear Set**:
– Install the new ring gear onto the carrier assembly, ensuring it is torqued to specification.
– Install the new pinion gear, using new bearings if necessary. Adjust the shim thickness to achieve the desired pinion depth.
6. **Set Backlash and Preload**:
– Use a dial indicator to measure the backlash between the ring and pinion gears. The recommended backlash for a Datsun 280ZX is usually around 0.006 to 0.010 inches, but consult a service manual for specific details.
– Adjust the shims accordingly to achieve the correct backlash.
– ensure the pinion preload is set correctly by using a torque wrench to measure the resistance when rotating the pinion shaft.
7. **Reassemble the Differential**:
– Carefully slide the differential back into the axle housing.
– Reattach the driveshaft, ensuring all bolts are properly torqued.
– Install the differential cover with a new gasket
and refill with the appropriate gear oil.
8. **Final Checks**:
– Check for leaks and ensure everything is properly secured.
– Lower the vehicle and take it for a test drive to ensure the new gear ratio is functioning correctly.
### Important Notes:
– always consult a service manual for your specific model to ensure you have the correct specifications and torque settings.
– Adjusting gear ratios may require specific tools and experience, especially when dealing with precise measurements and adjustments of backlash and preload.
– Depending on the new gear ratio, you may need to recalibrate the speedometer or adjust other related systems.
By following these steps and understanding each component involved, you can successfully adjust the gear ratio on a Datsun 280ZX to enhance its performance characteristics.
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