Weak Gears
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Cool Arizona
Weak Gears
I'm looking into regearing for 37's.Talked to a guy about 456 gears and he said that they would be aftermarket because Ford makes 430 max.If I do any towing then the aftermarket 456 gears are to weak and may break.Is this true? Thanks for your time. Jim
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Joined: May 2004
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The lower the gears the less teeth there are on the pinion, so it is a bit weaker. Are the 4.56's made in a 10.5" ring or will they just use the 10.25"? The floppy 37" tires will limit your towing more than the gears, unless you are using a conversion to commercial "semi-truck" rims and tires to get to 37".
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Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Lincoln, NE
Without being a gear expert, my gut here says there's plenty of folks out there who make gears. Most of them offer pretty good warrantees. If you read the sites of say, Yukon, you're going to get their pitch as to why they're better than the next guy, but their interest isnt necessarily in making something they'll have to warranty down the road.
When I bought my gears, I was told that they were significantly stronger than the stock. Do I believe it? I have no basis to prove or disprove it. But I got them. And they arent even in yet, but my gosh they're dang heavy.
My two cents, I don't know that I'd sweat it much over 4.56's.
I'll throw a nod to Randys ring & pinion. Customer service was good, the guy who helped me I didnt feel like he was just a sales pitcher, seemed to know what he was talking about. And price was definately very competitive.
But I'm subscribing. Forums are a good place to find out if you're wrong.
When I bought my gears, I was told that they were significantly stronger than the stock. Do I believe it? I have no basis to prove or disprove it. But I got them. And they arent even in yet, but my gosh they're dang heavy.
My two cents, I don't know that I'd sweat it much over 4.56's.
I'll throw a nod to Randys ring & pinion. Customer service was good, the guy who helped me I didnt feel like he was just a sales pitcher, seemed to know what he was talking about. And price was definately very competitive.
But I'm subscribing. Forums are a good place to find out if you're wrong.
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Joined: Jul 2006
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From: New York
Can't give you a definitive answer about the 37 inch tires with the gearing, but I swapped mine out to 4.30's from 3.73's. I run stock size tires and am very happy with the increase in torque and low end power pick-up.
I also bought mine from Randy's Ring and Pinion. They gave me a good price and shipped it in two days. I got the Yukons too, and as twelvealpha said, they ARE heavy gears! When I got the delivery, it was all in one box (two gearsets and two master overhaul kits) and that box was about 80-90 pounds.
I also bought mine from Randy's Ring and Pinion. They gave me a good price and shipped it in two days. I got the Yukons too, and as twelvealpha said, they ARE heavy gears! When I got the delivery, it was all in one box (two gearsets and two master overhaul kits) and that box was about 80-90 pounds.
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Joined: Oct 2006
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Can't give you a definitive answer about the 37 inch tires with the gearing, but I swapped mine out to 4.30's from 3.73's. I run stock size tires and am very happy with the increase in torque and low end power pick-up.
I also bought mine from Randy's Ring and Pinion. They gave me a good price and shipped it in two days. I got the Yukons too, and as twelvealpha said, they ARE heavy gears! When I got the delivery, it was all in one box (two gearsets and two master overhaul kits) and that box was about 80-90 pounds.
Also, Randys says that I don't need to change the carrier bearings, and everyone I've talked to about doing this change for me says that the bearings will be compromized during the install, so they should be replaced.
Seems like the local 4wheelparts store is the most knowledgeable about the change, but damn, they're high priced.
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Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Lincoln, NE
For a competent mechanic this isnt rocket science. For a carpenter, (that would be me, sigh, if only trucks were made of wood) - man you gotta be able to find someone whos willing to turn a wrench. I've had a dealership install aftermarket stuff for cryin out . . . anyway. You just need to ask around more.
I'm not discounting or downplaying what you're saying. I understand. But somewhere theres a guy who knows what he's doing, his shop is new enough that he isn't flooded with clientele yet, and just staying occupied now means more to him than markup.
As to the bearings, get the overhaul kit. If you're swapping gears, good policy to make everything in there tip top while you've got it tore up. I suspect most mechanics would say if it was their rig, thats what they'd do.
I'm not discounting or downplaying what you're saying. I understand. But somewhere theres a guy who knows what he's doing, his shop is new enough that he isn't flooded with clientele yet, and just staying occupied now means more to him than markup.
As to the bearings, get the overhaul kit. If you're swapping gears, good policy to make everything in there tip top while you've got it tore up. I suspect most mechanics would say if it was their rig, thats what they'd do.
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Joined: Jul 2006
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From: New York
Originally Posted by h20boy
I'm thinking about doing the same thing, talked to Randys, and was also impressed with their demeanor. My problem is, I can't find anyone who will install Randy's parts. Everyone wants to sell me parts at a mark-up, or they won't do it at all.
Also, Randys says that I don't need to change the carrier bearings, and everyone I've talked to about doing this change for me says that the bearings will be compromized during the install, so they should be replaced.
Seems like the local 4wheelparts store is the most knowledgeable about the change, but damn, they're high priced.
So, before ordering, it might be wise to see how much someone will charge to do the whole job including providing you with the gears of your choice. The guy I used specializes in differentials and has a complete stock of gears and associated parts and was able to do the job even though some seals that were shipped with the Yukon sets were more universal and he had the specific seals on hand.
What state are you in?