3.23 or 3.42

[AF1Strider]

So I have a A4 with the stock 3.23. I have the chance to get 3.42s. Are 3.42s worth it in the A4 or should i just stick with the 3.23s since im a A4?

[67CamaroRSSS]

3.42's will give just a bit of an advantage and maybe 1 mph and .1 in the quarter. I'd go for 3.73's if you could. Combine that with ~3400 stall and you've got a mid-12 second ride.

[Firebirdjones]

Check out the drag racing section. Rel3rd has been experimenting with his automatic SS and found something I'm not too surprised with.

He normally runs 3.42 gears in the car and switched to a 4.10. He found no change in ET or MPH, car ran the same. I think that has alot to do with the trans already having a 3.06 first gear.

This is only one example,,,but interesting. The 3.42's seem to work well for his combo. Props to rel3rd for posting up great info like this,,and beating the crap out of his car to get it too

[Ed Blown Vert]

Stall before gears.

[2001NBMZ28]

Stall first. If just doing gears 3.73 - not much difference between 3.23 and 3.42 IMO.

[Firebirdjones]

Stall first. If just doing gears 3.73 - not much difference between 3.23 and 3.42 IMO.

About 300 rpms difference at cruising speed to be exact

[AF1Strider]

i was just asking because my rear whines and is leaking from the front pinion seal. and those gears would be in a new rear. and i would get it for a good price, didnt know if it was worth it or not.

[Ed Blown Vert]

i was just asking because my rear whines and is leaking from the front pinion seal. and those gears would be in a new rear. and i would get it for a good price, didnt know if it was worth it or not.

If your gears are going out. Then I guess they are worth it.

[Firebirdjones]

Ya Ed had a point. Sounds like you are going to need some kind of repair or replacement. Which ever option is easiest for you.
Also sounds like you are looking at buying a 6-speed rearend with 3.42's???

[GatorSS]

Since you're going to need gear work and you can get that 3.42 at a 'good price'... it's worth it.

[TransAm11973]

if your changing gears dont bother with the 3.42's its not worth its..go with the 3.73's, if you stall it as well make sure you do your research and find the best one for your set up...a lot of guys on here will tell you to put in some monsterous stall not suited for your set up and you will regret it........

[INMY01TA]

3:73s or nothing.

[dpinson]

3:73s or nothing.

+1
at least 3.73

[02Sweet]

My car came stock with 2.73s and I got a stock 3.42 rear for dirt with low miles. Took me an afternoon to swap it with no lift and some beer. I think it is worth it

[WS6ICK]

3.73 for an a4 and 4.10 for an M6

[RaSScal]

Back to your question; you have rear issues now and the 3.42 rear/gears you are considering is in better shape and a good deal. I would install the 3.42; ensure you replace all seals and at least check the bearings.