1. VIN Number:
* Most Reliable: Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) contains all the essential information about your car.
* How to Use It: You can use online VIN decoders (like [https://www.vindecoderz.com](https://www.vindecoderz.com)) to find out the rear axle ratio.
* Remember: The VIN decoder provides information based on the original build specs, so if the rear end has been swapped, this method might not be accurate.
2. Physical Inspection:
* Look for the Tag: The differential itself usually has a tag attached that identifies the gear ratio.
* Location: The tag is typically on the top or side of the differential housing. It may be hard to read if it's covered in dirt or grime.
* Deciphering the Tag: The tag will typically show a number like "3.23" or "3.42". This represents the gear ratio.
* Consider the Code: You can also try to find the rear axle code on the sticker in your glove box, which will be a combination of letters and numbers. You can use this code to look up the corresponding rear axle ratio in a parts catalog or online resource.
3. Visual Inspection:
* Limited Accuracy: You can try to estimate the gear ratio based on the size of the ring gear.
* How to Do It: Measure the diameter of the ring gear. A larger diameter typically indicates a higher gear ratio.
* Not Ideal: This method is highly unreliable as there are many other factors that can affect the size of the ring gear.
4. Jacking up the Car:
* Rotations: Jack up the car, remove the tires, and rotate the driveshaft by hand.
* Counting Rotations: Count how many times the driveshaft rotates while the rear wheel makes one full revolution.
* Calculating Ratio: The ratio is the number of driveshaft rotations divided by the number of wheel rotations. For example, if the driveshaft rotates 3 times while the wheel rotates once, the ratio is 3.23.
Remember:
* Common Ratios: The 1998 Camaro V6 was typically equipped with 3.23, 3.42, and 3.73 rear axle ratios.
* Modifications: Keep in mind that the rear end might have been swapped or modified since the car was originally built.
If you're unsure about the rear end in your car, consult a mechanic for assistance. They can inspect the differential and provide accurate information about the gear ratio.
