Rear end gears
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Elder User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 523
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From: NY (not the city!!)
Rear end gears
I have heard many, many people complain about the 3.55 gears in trucks with the 4.9 and 5.0. What is involved with switching them and what should I switch them with 3.73s? Is this a costly project? I did a search and didnt seem to find much. Hope this question doesnt sound dumb. I dont know things like this but am trying to learn.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
3.55 gears are fine in a 4.9 or 5.8 truck with tires up to about 30", and it's also a good overall ratio for the 460 trucks as long as it has overdrive. The 5.0 is the weakest motor in the stable in terms of TQ so it needs more gear, these trucks should have come from the factory with at least 3.73's IMO. If you have plans for bigger tires and have an OD tranny then jump right to 4.10. It's not cheap to have a shop change gears, I have seen quotes as high at $1500 for a 4x4. The parts themselves cost about $250 per axle and it is possible to do with basic hand tools if you're mechanically inclined, most places that sell gears will also sell a video of the install procedure.
Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 58
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I have 3.55 gears on my '89 302 / M5R2 and I am running 31's on 15" rims. I don't do much hauling, racing or other stress things with my truck and they are doing fine. If you decide to go above 31's, like mentioned earlier you will need to change out the gears, yo might as well go straight to the top with 4.10s.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
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35 bfg mudd terrains, 355 gears 302. And shes quite a turd! But i dont wheel her or go racing at this point and i def wont go wheeling until i upgrade! i can get into 5th gear on the highway but i am riding at 1500 to 2000 rpms. And the 302 just doesnt get into her power band so going up hills is a drop to 3rd gear!
What are the front gears i need for my TTB front end? Arent they special for the houseing?
What are the front gears i need for my TTB front end? Arent they special for the houseing?
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Elder User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 523
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From: NY (not the city!!)
Right now I have 31s and the truck is good enough for me. Eventually I will get another vehicle so I dont have drive my truck everyday. At this point I will go through the truck the way it should be done. Its very hard to do that with a daily driver. I plan on eventually having 33s. At that point in time, a gear swap will done. But this is in the future and keeping the truck going and not looking completely like crap is my main priority. Thanks everyone, I love this site so much. Why did 3.55s come with 5.0s in the first place? For gas mileage?
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Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
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Mine came with 308s but it is 2wd....If you go to 33s 410 would be good you could even go 456 if you want.. Lew
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Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 523
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From: NY (not the city!!)
Tbird: as much as i would like to I do not have the extra money right now. I always get excited thinking about what my truck could be with just a little extra cash. Right now I will just concentrate keeping the truck reliable. Thanks for the offer.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 467
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From: Manton,MI
Depending on what carrier you have you can go as low as 5.13. I cant remember off hand where the carrier break is on a 44, but I had to change carriers when I went from 3.55 to 4.56. RB
