Nice info here for gear ratios. Many people are frustrated that you can't get 4.10 gears, etc, etc. Fact is, you really don't need them because of more gears being added to the transmission. This pic is an example from GM between gear ratios of their 4 speed and 6-speed automatics transmissions.
Note a 4 speed transmission with 4.10 gears compared to say a 6 speed with 3.42 gears:
First gear ratio 4-speed: 12.546
First gear ratio 6-speed: 13.7826
4th/final gear ratio 4-speed: 2.8536
6th/final gear ratio 6-speed: 2.2914
Basically better 1st gear power and better 6th gear cruising than the 4 speed. There is more to towing and cruising than just rear end ratio.
Note a 4 speed transmission with 4.10 gears compared to say a 6 speed with 3.42 gears:
First gear ratio 4-speed: 12.546
First gear ratio 6-speed: 13.7826
4th/final gear ratio 4-speed: 2.8536
6th/final gear ratio 6-speed: 2.2914
Basically better 1st gear power and better 6th gear cruising than the 4 speed. There is more to towing and cruising than just rear end ratio.
