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So my '03 V10 4x4 has180k all stock on new 285 75 16 highway tires with 3.73.. I'm curious which I should do, regear to 4.30 or new ATS springs for 2-3" lift. It's used as my daily/kid hauler/family trip transport so I wouldn't need the 4.56 & up gears..
I think i know the adult answer but wonder you alls opinion?
I dont have a quote for the gears but ATS quoted ~$1,500 shipped for a 2-3" lift plus these would be new replacing the 20yr leafs.
Pretty sure gearing would be a bit more as I dont know how to do that & would have a shop do it. The springs I can do with a friend.
Prob leaning that way, as much as I'd like to regear. Both will eventually be done just dont know how long until the 2nd one would get accomplished.
Personally, I would re-gear first, especially since your looking at lifting it, once lifted you will want bigger tires, and then you'll be hating it with the 3.73's...
I have a 2000 Ex/2wd/5.4 the PO had I believe a 4" lift, when I bought it, he had taken off the 35's and put the stock 265 tires/rims on it, looked like a scared cat... I knew I was going to go back to 35's, and I had already found new, unused rims for $300, so I drove it home and around for about a week with the scared cat look and it did ok, got the 35's installed and the lil ol 5.4 was working to get big Dory moving, ended up going with 5.13's and a Tru-trac and it really woke her up, she will chirp the tires taking off, it's still a 5.4, but the 5.13's/35's completely changed the driving experience.
If you are happy with the performance of the 285 / 3.73 combo for the current use then no regear is needed.
Originally Posted by NCShooter00
...... these would be new replacing the 20yr leafs.
........ Pretty sure gearing would be a bit more as I dont know how to do that & would have a shop do it.
The springs I can do with a friend.........
Since we're just giving opinions:
I agree with We3zs.
If it's your DD and you aren't working the truck everyday hauling large loads, suspension/springs will make your daily drive life so much better.
Suspension/springs and run 33's.
Re-gear after if you still think you need it. It's more expensive for sure. Depending on what you go with, lockers, gears, etc you could creep into the 5k mark on expense. For very little everyday gain. Plus you will loose some fuel economy.
And let's face it, you're not really installing a "lift kit." You're updating to suspension the truck should have had the whole time.
I've been running V/B code springs with high end aftermarket shocks (singles). I've run 33' and 35's with 3.73's with zero issues on my stock (270k miles) 4r100 trans.
I'd also recommend updating/refreshing your entire front end. Ball joints, links, track bar, stabilizer, steering, etc.
If you re-gear and your suspension is crap you will still have a crappy riding truck.
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