I just checked and the carrier break for a Dana 44 is 3.92 you have to change the carrier with anything higher (numerically) than a 3.92 if your moving up from a gear below that (which you most likely are with stock gearing). Yes, 5.13:1 gears will break easier that a 4.56:1 if the ring and pinion gear are the same size. The ring and pinion gear are what make the "gear set" inside the pumpkin. Here is a link to a quick article on gears that is pretty informative (worht checking out if ur gonna spend the money): http://4wheeloffroad.com/techarticles/74059/ Here's a quote from the article: (keep in mind that a Dana 44 ring gear diamter is around 8.8 inches)

"Here is where the larger ring gear diameter benefits you. Both of these ring-and-pinion sets are 5.13:1 ratio gears. The 8 1/2-inch ring gear on the left uses 8 teeth on the pinion and 41 teeth on the ring gear. The 10 1/2-inch ring gear on the right also has 8 teeth on the pinion and 41 teeth on the ring gear. But because it uses a larger gearset, the 10 1/2-inch gear will have a larger tooth contact and will be stronger, run cooler, and last longer than the same ratio in a smaller ring gear size."

I agree with u that a 5:13 gear is definitely the way to go (instead of a 4.56) given your tire size, they do make 5.13:1 gears for your front and rear end but its a trade off. About just doing the rear end to save money, not a bad idea, just dont use fourwheel drive! You WILL break something (like u-joints or ur transfer case for example) if you do. If it was my Bronco, I'd wait and do a straight axle conversion with a Dana 60 up front with 5.29 gears. But since money is an issue that's probably not realistic, I would go 4.88s out back until I could do the straight axle swap (check out this website: http://broncograveyard.com/products/cat/20/175/33905 for a kit, but it is easy to do the swap on your own with a little time and research. Alex

 

WEll, I am only in highschool and dont see myself coming into that kind of money for a good 5 to 7 years... So would it even be worth putting my money in 5.13 gears reguardless that it is weaker? Also, any chance I could sell my current stock parts as a partial payment for new dana 60 etc?


Kyle

 

http://www.drivetrainsuperstores.com...e2.asp?axle=32

Hey, I found a dana 60 solid fornt axle with 5.13 gears.... bUt, it must not be what I think it is b/c the price is so cheap. Can someone look over this stie and lsit the pages of stuff that I need? Thanks!!
Kyle

 

The price they list is for JUST the gear set. That is what is needed to change the gear ratios, does not include the axle itself. They have really good used parts and a really good forum for lift/off road questions at www.pirate4x4.com, one of the best sites around and the guys know their stuff! Alex

 

Bigbody. listen very closly now. this is your best bet. drop down to a 36 or 37" tire and run a set of 4.88 gears front and rear. then down the road when your out of school start doing research on an SAS which means (solid Axle Swap).

because your bronco has the TTB front end you really shouldnt be running anything larger then a 36" tire if you Wheel at all. anything bigger and your not only going to wipe out the gears but probably do alot more damage to your entire front axle that really begins to add up in cost. those 39's you have are just way way to big for what you got currently. im being honest , this would be the better way to go.

good luck
late

 

I couldnt agree more with what Kem said.

 

Ok, that makes sense. I'll run 4.88's front and rear and I just need a new carrier for the front. Then once I get some serious money I can look into the SAS. I will still prolly run the 39.5's just b/c I cant afford new tires and they still have really good tread. The previous owner told me the 3.55 was fairly new, do you think I could get any money out of the stock gears? If so, where do I sell them? WQill my performance still be a lot better with 4.88's? LMK. Thanks.

Kyle

 

yes there will be an improvment over how your running now. but it wont be alot. if the gears are in decent shape Ebay would be your best chance. as for the tires you could probably sell them local and have enough cash for brand new 35's,36's or 37's ya know. good luck

 

You need to swap carrier for BOTH axles, not just the front. Its possible that you could sell the ring and pinion. You can either place an ad in the classifieds here, or maybe your local want ads, or even ebay. Yes, your performance will definately improve with the new gears. Can I ask what LMK means??


Rich

 

if he is running the 8.8 rear he will not need a new carrier to run the larger gears

 

Is this improvement worth the money? I cant picture my truck with small 36's... It would really kill the look with 11 inches of lift. I'd like to only do gears for now. How much money could I get out of my dana 44 and 8.8? Enough to replace them with good stuff? Thansk for your help guys... i really appreciate it.


Kyle

 

I thought the 8.8 needs a new carrier after 4.56?

 

how do you get 11"s of lift. highest kit avail is an 8" unless you got a body lift to.

 

oh, well maybe after 4.56 you could be right. i wasnt thinking about that.

 

Yeah, I have 8 inch suspension and 3 inch body. Skyjacker