Tell me if I have this right.

2003 Chevy Trackers had two axle ratios; 4.62 in the automatic and 4.87 in the manual transmission equipped?

In the next few weeks my new wheels will arrive, and I plan on mounting 31x10.5x15 tires (up from the current 235/75-15's) so I've been expecting a loss in performance. I have been reading this forum extensively about swapping the third member (5.12 gears, front and rear) from a 96-98 Sidekick/Tracker as a direct fit. I understand most of it, except for something about a hybrid front axle (I'll have to read that one again).

I was doing this under the impression that the ratio in the 2003 Tracker was 4.30. To change to 5.12 would be a big difference, but tonight I read some other information about axle ratios, so I'm confused again.

If anyone knows the answer to the above question, please let me know. Can I just call thelocal chevy dealership, with the VIN and ask them to tell me what's the ratio?

Now in reading

http://www.zukiworld.com/section_technical/technical_spec_grandvitara.htm

and

http://www.zukiworld.com/section_technical/technical_spec_vitara.htm

I see that what the specs page refers to as a Vitara (J2) with a four cylinder engine sounds like a Chevy Tracker. It states that ratios are 4.875 manual and 5.125 automatic.

But in the Grand Vitara tech specs (I guess all Grand Vitara's are V6's) it states 4.30 manual and 4.875 automatic.

Not sure if I'm just stupid, confused or tired (its 12 minutes past midnight, and I've been reading this site for hours). For some reason I thought my vehicle had a 4.3 ratio, and that moving up to 5.125 was a must with 31" tires. I wonder if my vehicle does in fact have 4.875 gears, will making the switch to 5.125 be worth the cost/effort?

Afaik this thread is correct:

http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content/topic,18763.0.html

It seems a 2 litre manual has 4.625.

I have a 2000 Tracker made at the CAMI plant with the 2.0 and 5 speed.  Based on the calculations I have conducted with a gear and speed application that I have, I think I have the 4.875 ratio.  100 kmh is just short of 3000 rpm.  If I had the 4.62 ratio I would be going about 107.  Tires are stock 205/75R15 - 27" tall.  Is there a speedo error?  Don't know.  However.

According to the 2000 service manual at page 0-10 there should be a service parts identification label somewhere in the instrument panel compartment that will confirm the various codes.  Axle ratios are HC1=4.62, HC3=5.12 and HC8=4.87.  Trans ratios are MM5, manual - no ratios listed, M41 auto and M59 manual which I think is for the 1.6 given the note of .795 for 5th gear , 2.0 has a .777 5th.

Anyone know exactly where the label is?  Wouldn't mind knowing but I don't what to haul the whole dash apart either.

I have a 2000 Tracker made at the CAMI plant with the 2.0 and 5 speed.  Based on the calculations I have conducted with a gear and speed application that I have, I think I have the 4.875 ratio.  100 kmh is just short of 3000 rpm.  If I had the 4.62 ratio I would be going about 107.  Tires are stock 205/75R15 - 27" tall.  Is there a speedo error?  Don't know.  However.

Most speedos read about 3% high, never low.  However, the tire diameter measurement is approximate.  The only way to be sure is to jack up a rear tire, and have the transmission in neutral.  Then rotate the tire, and count turns of the prop shaft and wheel.  Ten turns of the wheel should give 46.2 turns of the prop shaft.

After cleaning the junk out of the glove box there was the service parts id label with all the build codes right on the bottom of the glove box.  I knew I had seen it before.

My 2000 2.0 5 speed Tracker does indeed have the 4.62 axle with code HC1 and the MM5 trans.

I suspect all the CAMI built vehicles have the label in the same place.

Here is what mine looks like: