diff gearing question & 6sp swap

Phr3d · #1 11-03-2011, 06:30 AM

so I like whats I got, but do wish the gearing were taller, references here to stump-puller 1st are correct in my opinion.

So with our computer-sees-everything darlings, is it possible to simply swap diff gears to raise the final axle ratio like der good ol' days?

If it is possible, any idea what gearing might make 1st gear behave like a typical 5'er I expected from der werken?

OR, would it be possible to swap for a six-speed tran, to at least lower hiway rpm.

mine has the oem towing kit, if that makes a difference. I am apparently google challenged, as I can find little info (excepting here) on gear ratios etc.

"with 4.11 gears you can really get lost" keeps playing thru my head, although I never had a hot-rod lincoln, nor the desire..

thanx.

motordavid · #2 11-03-2011, 06:42 AM

Curios too...though I have become so used to the 1st gear, that most starts are soft 2nds.
What is not my pick is the highway RPMs that our 5th forces, and the majority of recent years' miles is from trips.
Good luck on your hunt, and I will be a curious reader.
Best Regards, mD

Phr3d · #3 11-05-2011, 12:15 AM

Still hunting - not sure if the answer is self-evident, or if no one else has considered it.. time to ask the dealer service manager (CCA member)..

nitrorocket · #4 11-05-2011, 01:22 AM

I would have to say is long is the speed sensor is located at the wheel and not the driveshaft or transmission still be fine with the gear swap.

sedc · #5 11-07-2011, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phr3d

So with our computer-sees-everything darlings, is it possible to simply swap diff gears to raise the final axle ratio like der good ol' days?

Totally possible, it's a simple swap. Our cars should've come with something like 3.64s from the factory. Get them from early E53 4.4i vehicles. You can install limited slip units as well.

ArtMan · #6 11-21-2011, 12:50 PM

Any updates? I have my tranny out of mine for a rebuilt but before i precede I rather entertain this idea.

I have looked on realoem and there are 2 the 5speed and 6speed. the 5 speed can be found for 200 bucks on ebay from E46 cars but the 6sp is about 1500 to 2500 for a used off ebay so far.

either way i know that the gear and ratio would be different in the e46 even tho the same engine but its an IX so how different is it?

sedc · #7 11-21-2011, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArtMan

either way i know that the gear and ratio would be different in the e46 even tho the same engine but its an IX so how different is it?

The E46 uses a different transfer case, the front drive shaft set up is completely different. I haven't had the two next to each other, but I would imagine that a custom shift console and drive shafts would be needed to deal with a difference between where the trans sits relative to the body.

nitrorocket · #8 11-21-2011, 08:39 PM

I have a complete 4.8is engine and 6 speed trans for sale. That would be a nice upgrade.

Lol

bigwave2255 · #9 11-23-2011, 12:40 AM

i think what you really have to do is contact one of the after market gear manufacturers and see what they say, cause all you really need is the ring and pinion set x two
(1 for the front, 1 for the rear)

now for most cars this is easy, however with the BMW who knows

m5james · #10 11-23-2011, 03:08 AM

www.diffsonline.com - sh!t or get off the pot. Andy from www.euromelee helped me w/ the decision on mine in the 7, but you do realize you'll be doing it twice in the X.

I get the strong feeling this thread will die off just like the random 6spd swap threads, but we'll see.