[jcardea]

I am an engineer at GKN Automotive, Driveline Division Manufacturing. We produce the front drive units (differential assemblies). From beginning of production year back there are seven gear ratios produced. My curiosity is why some many? Seems that there are four versions that use our axles. 40i, 45e, M50i and M. All of which have the ZF 8 speed I believe. Why are there 7 ratios? Is it because of all wheel and tire combinations for each? Can anyone clarify? Ratios are: 2.81, 3.08, 3.15, 3.38, 3.64, 3.323 and 2.93. 3.38 is our highest runner of these. I am just curious.