Guys, I picked up my V-10 after having my 4.56 <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com</st1:State>Yukon gears installed replacing my stock 3.73, with 285/75/16 tires, at a local shop. I don’t have any pictures of the work being done, however I did snap a few pictures of the parts and the new differential cover after everything was buttoned up, I’ll post tonight. I purchased everything from Randy’s Ring and Pinion…they seemed to be the most knowledgeable and customer oriented. I called a few others parts suppliers but didn’t get a warm fuzzy from any of them. One of the issues that RRP was very helpful on identifying what clutch pack I needed to rebuild my limited slip differential. Once we narrowed it down to two options…they sent one and committed to overnight the other pack if it was incorrect, they/we guess correctly. While it was in the shop I contacted Mike with 5-Star Tuning to get updated tunes to accommodate the new gear ratio. As always, they were quick to respond and provided the new/updated tunes, great service!

I don’t have a lot of feedback to share as I’ve only driven it 3 times for a total of 20 miles. However, the increased torque is very noticeable! I really like the way it holds the RPM after it shifts and immediately starts pulling the next gear. At highway speed my RPM are running 2500 at 70 mph. This is an increase of approximately 500 RPM when compared to the 3.73 gears. I really like the way the truck runs at this RPM, it should allow me to tow in O/D without much trouble. I’m planning to tow on Memorial weekend to T<st1:City w:st="on">aos</st1:City> <st1:State w:st="on">New Mexico...</st1:State>that should be a good test! I’ll get a few pictures up later tonight.

 

What did the gears and install run you?

 

I didn't cut any corners...Master rebuild kit for both front and rear, gears, and clutch pack for the LS, 1,150 bucks. 7 quarts of Mobil 1 oil, 100 bucks, New aluminum diff cover w/bolts 90 bucks, Installation of all the goodies 800 bucks. Total 2,140 dollars.

Some shops say it's okay to reuse the front barrings and shims to reduce costs. I didn't want to take any chances, the previous owner didn't perform much maintenance on anything.

 

It will be interesting to hear how it works out - especially gas mileage.

I've often thought of doing this myself. It would be a FUN upgrade.

Someday... But then, I'm hoping to find a Dana 60 front-end to rebuild completely ...

 

Mr P,
That's awesome!! I've been wanting to do the same for some time now - just not financially ready. I'm very interested to hear feedback as you provide it.

...Oh, and now you get to update your sig!

 

Pricing wasn't too bad. If I'd do it my pricing would be around a grand more, no way the stock diffs are getting put back.

 

And for me, the pricing would be even lower. I reuse bearings after inspecting them. I look at it this way: If they survive what I already put them through, why risk replacing with an unproven bearing? If the unit was good before, they will be good afterwards.

The one thing I would do upfront before even taking them apart is make sure I have replacement small pinion bearings just in case. Every time I've pulled a gear set apart, the small pinion bearing is usually black. That goes for all sorts of different manufacturers, not just Ford. Of course, Ford doesn't actually MAKE the diffs for these things, but it seems that Dana, Ford, whatever, the small pinion bearing never seems to be the same brand as the rest of the unit - which is usually Timken. And that off-brand bearing is usually showing signs of wear, even with less than 50K miles on them.

Anyway, <rant off>

 

If the towing results are a impressive as I fear, please keep it to yourself, K?

I had finally convinced myself that my 4.30's are just fine and I don't "need" 4.88's........

 

Here's some pictures I promised...not much to look at hopefully it will help someone in the future.


Before work began



After everything was completed



Clutch pack for rear limited slip














Master re-build kit

 

Holy rusty undercarrige batman. I take it you bought the truck up north.

Yukon does a fine job packing everything. I'd be interested in hearing if those Yukon gears (for the 10.5") are noisier than the OE Ford gears.(Once they are broken in of course) I've heard the Ford gears are quieter.

 

It's been in Texas it's entire life...however the first 9 years it was in Beaumont, very humid. The picture makes it look worse then it is! The center piece is an add-on gooseneck hitch. I'll make sure I include a noise update following my trip to Taos NM.

 

That truck saw some beach/salt water without getting washed good afterward sometime in it's life. I work in Beaumont everyday, and live 40 miles north of Beaumont, and none of our vehicles look anything like that.
I thought the same thing as dkf did when I saw the pics.

JL

 

It's very possible...I'm not sure if you remember what the inside of the engine looked like, maybe never had an oil change since new. It looks ugly but it's only surface rust the frame and everything is solid. If your north of Beaumont you might have seen this truck. It was registered/sold in Lumberton since new. Heck it could have seen high water during the storms that hit that area several time over the years?

 

I drive through Lumberton every day on the way home. It's miserable driving through that little 2 lane bottleneck.
The high water would be no different than the rainfall we see every year and driving in the rain. That's gotta be prolonged exposure to water or salt water from the beach.
JL

 

I'm sure you know this but I didn't notice it mentioned so I thought I'd throw my 2 pennies in as gears are a big investment....Make sure you let your new gear set break in before towing. I have an F-150 that I put 4.56's in and also a good friend of mine with a V-10 Superduty that put 4.56's in his...we both ran them at least 500 miles as recomended not only by the gear manufacturer but the mechanics who did our gear swaps. I believe even RR & pinnion recommends short trips for the first 500 to let gears heat and cool to properly set. You will love how it tows, believe me! Enjoy!