Axle Ratio Question/Fuel Additive

[F1rocks]

New to the forum if this is posted in the wrong area please let me know and I'll move it.

I just bought a 2000 E350 Van with the Diesel (looking for 2 years for a Chateau with the diesel for the right price)

Anyway, was wondering can you tell the axle ratio (3.55 vs 4.10) from the VIN number?

Also, I use Stanadyne fuel additive in my VW TDI, do you guys use a Fuel additive? Recommendations on type?

Thanks

[Brian]

Originally Posted by F1rocks

New to the forum if this is posted in the wrong area please let me know and I'll move it.

I just bought a 2000 E350 Van with the Diesel (looking for 2 years for a Chateau with the diesel for the right price)

Anyway, was wondering can you tell the axle ratio (3.55 vs 4.10) from the VIN number?

Also, I use Stanadyne fuel additive in my VW TDI, do you guys use a Fuel additive? Recommendations on type?

Thanks

welcome aboad, some vech. have a tag on the diff. cover with the ratio, not sure about the vin#
as far as the fuel add. most people dont use it. unless you get some bad diesel, its probally a waste of $. i use a cetane boost cleaner once a year, i notice no difference in my mpg. best advice is to buy fuel from stations that sell alot to get fresher fuel. unless you live in a cold area (cetane boost will help alittle then) i would save teh money for fuel costs. most stations switch to #1 diesel or a blend of #1 and #2 to help with the cold weather in the winter.

what kind of mpg do you get with your vw?

[F1rocks]

40 MPG with the VW 750 miles range per tank.

VW actually recommends fuel additive in the owners manual. Apparently they feel the lubrication for the injectors is good. I notice much less smoking on startup but not much else.

[mschn99]

Originally Posted by F1rocks

New to the forum if this is posted in the wrong area please let me know and I'll move it.

I just bought a 2000 E350 Van with the Diesel (looking for 2 years for a Chateau with the diesel for the right price)

Anyway, was wondering can you tell the axle ratio (3.55 vs 4.10) from the VIN number?

Also, I use Stanadyne fuel additive in my VW TDI, do you guys use a Fuel additive? Recommendations on type?

Thanks

no, there is not way to tell what gear ratio your rear end has based on a letter or number in the vin......but if you look at the metal tag that is held on by one or two of the cover bolts....it will say like......3 55 or 3L 55 or something of that nature with different numbers. Most of the vans have 3.55's or 3.73's....but yours may have something different...also....if there is an L after the first number...the rear end is a limited slip......

as far as fuel additives we have seen it help greatly on some 6.0's but i have not seen the 7.3 get the noticable gains......hope this helps.......Marc