Date:         Wed, 9 Dec 1998 09:55:18 -0700
Reply-To:     Larry Hamm <ldhamm@XMISSION.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Larry Hamm <ldhamm@XMISSION.COM>
Subject:      Re: Diesel Westy Gearing Swaps- reply
Comments: To: Tim Smith <smitht@UNB.CA>
Comments: cc: vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Tim Smith wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> Has anyone taken the ratio of R&Pinion gears for gas vs. diesel trans and
> figured out what size tires would make for the same conversion. Saves re/re
> your own 'known' trans and hoping the $300 junkyard special will last. New
> tires on 15" rims oughta do it.  Nice to get back the desired 'gearing',
> gain some ground clearance, get new tires, keep a good trans, all with
> minimal effort. bye, Tim

Tim,
That's what I did on mine. The approximate figures look like this:
The 235/75-15's are about 29" in diameter, and the stock 14's are
roughly 25.5". So about 12% difference.
The 5.86 diesel gearbox (DZ) is about 20% lower geared than the later
wasser's 4.83. That gives me an overall gear reduction of about 8%% over
a stock Wasser. 8% more power, 8% higher RPM at cruise, 12% speedo
error, 1.75" increase in ground clearance. Works for me.
Larry