changing the gears.
changing the gears.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
If you have never done it before, have someone with the knowledge do it. Let them show you how if they will. Its best because you can taken $200 worth of gearing and turn it into $20 scrap iron in about ten miles. Definitely change BOTH axles at the same time. You will NOT be able to use your 4WD otherwise.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 177
Likes: 20
From: Belpre, OH
Also, keep in mind the fact that in order to change the front gears to 4.11, you will need a new carrier (anything higher than 3.92 numerically)--the new carrier moves the ring gear closer to the pinion centerline by almost 3/8"
Just got done changing my front gears last week, after driving around in 2WD mode for a few months--did the rears when the trans went out, finally found the time to get it done.
But definitely heed greystreak's advice--if you've never done it before, GET HELP! The difference of a few thousandths of an inch can make or break your new gears
Just got done changing my front gears last week, after driving around in 2WD mode for a few months--did the rears when the trans went out, finally found the time to get it done.
But definitely heed greystreak's advice--if you've never done it before, GET HELP! The difference of a few thousandths of an inch can make or break your new gears
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Austin
I took my gears and locker to a local gear shop and they charged me 250 an axle to install them. That is about the going rate for an install for the labor part give or take 50 bucks. So if you know someone that knows how to install them I would get them to do it and watch and learn. Even if I could of paid someone to watch I would of done it to learn something new.
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New User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6
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changing the gears
Thanks for the advice. one more ? Since I have 3.55s now do I need to go to 4.11s or could I stay in the 3s and still get good performance. Such as for some towing about 5000 lbs and/or 32 or 33 on the tires.Thanks again for any and all advice.
Joe
Joe
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,000
Likes: 39
From: North Dakota
I got 4:10 gears in my rig not too long ago. I took it to the shop and they put new axles, rearend, gear swap in front and back, and they put the new carrier up front for about $1200. It made a huge difference in towing and climbing. I currently am running 31 inch tires. With an Overdrive my truck is screaming at about 90mph.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 443
Likes: 1
From: Central Va.
Why do you have to change front carrier? Have done plenty of 8.8 rears- did quite a few 78-79s in years past, but haven't done any 80-96 reverse 44s.
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 208
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From: Burlington, NC
The Dana 44s have a carrier split at 3.92. There is one carrier for < 3.92 gears and another for >3.92. In an 8.8 the 4.10 ring is much thicker then say a 3.00 ring, The 44s just move the ring closer to the pinion.
Last edited by f1001978; Jan 31, 2005 at 10:44 PM.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
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From: Bend,OR
Originally Posted by guitpkr
Thanks for the advice. one more ? Since I have 3.55s now do I need to go to 4.11s or could I stay in the 3s and still get good performance. Such as for some towing about 5000 lbs and/or 32 or 33 on the tires.Thanks again for any and all advice.
Joe
Joe
later
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,000
Likes: 39
From: North Dakota
Originally Posted by Kemicalburns
4.11 would be minimum in my book if you plan to tow with it. are you running 33's right now? what are your future plans because if you think you may run a larger tire down the road then just go to a 4.56 running 33's for now. it will tow awesome and wheel real good. and if you have an od tranny it wouldnt be to bad . reason i say this is its expensive to keep going in there to work so if you can plan ahead it will save you some serious coin.
later
later
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New User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6
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changing the gears
410s it is. Thanks guys, 33s will be the largest tire for me, with a 3" or 4" lift. Right now I have the stock 31s.I have to do some saving or extra overtime, but I know what I want or I think I do. Hey on another note I read where one of the guys did the cheep intake system by using the intake tube from a 460. Well I did it yesterday and it's not bad.Just got to get that exaust changed. Any thoughts. Thanks.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,000
Likes: 39
From: North Dakota
I recently got a 3 inch single exhaust setup. The shop gutted out the first cat so I could still pass emissions and after that they put on a high flow cat and finished it off with a flowmaster. It all cost about $350. It really brought my truck to life!
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 443
Likes: 1
From: Central Va.
F1001978 when you say carrier split, do you mean part wise there is one listed for < than 3.92 and another one for above 3.92? Can't the carrier be chucked in a lathe and machine off what is needed?Did this on a brand new 78 F150 in 78.Nine in. -used to have to grind case on 4.11>installs.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
From: Burlington, NC
Trublufords,
Yes, there are two different carriers; the major difference is the placement of the ring mounting surface. I think you would need to add metal not grind it off. They make spacers for some of the GM diffs. that have carrier splits. I guess it's possible to make a <3.92 carrier work, but why, open carriers are cheap.
Yes, there are two different carriers; the major difference is the placement of the ring mounting surface. I think you would need to add metal not grind it off. They make spacers for some of the GM diffs. that have carrier splits. I guess it's possible to make a <3.92 carrier work, but why, open carriers are cheap.