Axles, differentials
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Blackwater, VA
Axles, differentials
So I think most of you are UTD on my recent run of bad luck as it relates to my truck (blown diff, no start 400 miles from home, fuel leak...)
anyways, I think the fuel leak is solved as soon as I can get to Napa (thanks Joe
) ...although suggestions for how and what to use to get the valley clean would be appreciated. diesel smells great and all, but it's a lil overpowering at the moment!
but the actual point here- at the very least I have to replace the entire front differential, which I can do $150 (for the entire axle from local salvage place) with some help...but now someone's got me started thinking about converting to 4.10s
given my current set-up and what I'm plotting, what would be advantages/disadvantages to doing that? her official purpose in life is supposed to be towing my horse trailer (around 7500 lbs fully loaded) but I love taking her down to the obx to play around in 4wd
anyways, I think the fuel leak is solved as soon as I can get to Napa (thanks Joe
) ...although suggestions for how and what to use to get the valley clean would be appreciated. diesel smells great and all, but it's a lil overpowering at the moment!but the actual point here- at the very least I have to replace the entire front differential, which I can do $150 (for the entire axle from local salvage place) with some help...but now someone's got me started thinking about converting to 4.10s
given my current set-up and what I'm plotting, what would be advantages/disadvantages to doing that? her official purpose in life is supposed to be towing my horse trailer (around 7500 lbs fully loaded) but I love taking her down to the obx to play around in 4wd
Playing in the Dirt
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,302
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From: Southwest Georgia
To clean the valley I use long (16") forceps, paper towels and brake cleaner. The forceps lock closed and hold the paper towels to allow for better scrubbing, but long needle nose pliers or a long screw driver will also work. I dry up as much of the fuel as possible and then spray the valley down with the brake cleaner and wipe up the rest until it's dry. I put and old saddle pad over the radiator to lay on while doing this, saves alot of sore ribs.
I have 4.10's and love them for towing, but it does hurt the fuel mileage alittle during normal driving, but I would not run anything else, just my opinion. If the cost was not to high I would do the swap to 4.10's.
I have 4.10's and love them for towing, but it does hurt the fuel mileage alittle during normal driving, but I would not run anything else, just my opinion. If the cost was not to high I would do the swap to 4.10's.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,137
Likes: 41
From: Marble Falls, Texas
When I'm working on something that makes a mess i the valley, I just break out the shop vac and the maker size extensions. Just vac it out of there. It's not like gas where you would have a fire hazard with the vac motor. It will ignite, but not in the shop vac.
As far as gears, 4.10's would be good. You suffer a little top end, but for pulling, you can't beat it. And if you are gonna swap the whole axle, why not.
As far as gears, 4.10's would be good. You suffer a little top end, but for pulling, you can't beat it. And if you are gonna swap the whole axle, why not.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 892
Likes: 3
From: Quinton NJ
sorry for my ignorance miss, but your truck is a 250 right? if it is, see if they have a matching rear.. im in the same boat =looking for a d60 and my green truck is 3.55. id like to keep the highway gears but if the opportunity comes with a matching set ill grab the 4.10's. but anyway, 4.10's would be right up your alley IMHO
im with duck, shop vac with the turkey baster attatchment works for me.
im with duck, shop vac with the turkey baster attatchment works for me.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,669
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From: Billerica, MA
I've never driven an OBS with anythign other than 4.10's so i can give you a comparison but i can tell you that from the mpg #'s that i hear from people with them i'm only behind about 2 mpg tops. And again with no comparison but the 4.10's tow great.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Cato Arkansas
i had 4.10's in my truck when i bought it and it used a lot more diesel i think i got like 4 mpg more with the 3.55's
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 782
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From: Olympia, WA
My favorite tool for cleaning up the valley is one of those cheap parts retriever/grabber things you find in the bargain bin at the hardware store. It's about 18" long with with a thumb button that extends 4 little hooked fingers at the other end. I grab a 4" or so square cut from an old kitchen towel or sock and then poke/twist/swab around to wipe it up. The length and flexiblity lets you clean up under the HPOP, fuel canister, fuel pump, etc. without taking anything apart.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Brandon, MB
I'm with Arkredneck on this one. I'd have to have a LOT more than my camper trailer and 23 boat (together) to pull before I'd even think of going back to 4.10's. I swapped to 3.55 within 6 months of getting my truck. If I was hauling in the mountains, that would be different too. Mind you, I've pulled the camper to both east and west cost without even so much as a thought to going back to the shorter gears.
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
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My favorite tool for cleaning up the valley is one of those cheap parts retriever/grabber things you find in the bargain bin at the hardware store. It's about 18" long with with a thumb button that extends 4 little hooked fingers at the other end. I grab a 4" or so square cut from an old kitchen towel or sock and then poke/twist/swab around to wipe it up. The length and flexiblity lets you clean up under the HPOP, fuel canister, fuel pump, etc. without taking anything apart.
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,151
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From: Blackwater, VA
When I'm working on something that makes a mess i the valley, I just break out the shop vac and the maker size extensions. Just vac it out of there. It's not like gas where you would have a fire hazard with the vac motor. It will ignite, but not in the shop vac.
As far as gears, 4.10's would be good. You suffer a little top end, but for pulling, you can't beat it. And if you are gonna swap the whole axle, why not.
As far as gears, 4.10's would be good. You suffer a little top end, but for pulling, you can't beat it. And if you are gonna swap the whole axle, why not.
and I gotta admit...I've never messed with axles before, so this project could be interesting. I'll be enlisting local help, cause I honestly don't really know where to start
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,606
Likes: 13
From: Belair md
dont forget she is turning 35 inch tires, go with the 4.10's.
as for the valley, get a can or 2 of engine degreaser and go to town in the valley spraying everything, then just stick the garden hose in there and it will all run out the drain in the back of the motor
as for the valley, get a can or 2 of engine degreaser and go to town in the valley spraying everything, then just stick the garden hose in there and it will all run out the drain in the back of the motor