Gear install
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 333
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From: Roseburg, Or
Gear install
Ok im going to be running 37's with an 8" lift on my 2006 f350. Going with either 430 or 456 gears havent decided. Anyway, when i purchase the gears do i need to buy the master rebuild kit plus the gears or can old parts be used and just replace the gears themselves?
Thanks, DB
Thanks, DB
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 45
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From: DFW area
would suggest the kit. also if you've never done it yourself I recommend you have a shop do it. gotta get the settings just right or you can blow both front and rear together. not saying it can't be done at home with someone who has done it and has the tools but just a recommendation. good luck.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,398
Likes: 317
From: Whittier, CA
Yeah, if you gotta ask about the kit, you probably don't want to try the install yourself.
I would find the shop I trust first and get a quote including them providing the gearsets. You might be surprised just how little extra it will cost to just let them do it all, and you can avoid any finger pointing if a warranty issue comes up.
I would find the shop I trust first and get a quote including them providing the gearsets. You might be surprised just how little extra it will cost to just let them do it all, and you can avoid any finger pointing if a warranty issue comes up.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 107
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I have 40" tires and put 456 gears with a diesel. A little high for my truck but still plenty of power. If I did it over probly would go little lower. And like they said you need the kit. Shims wont work back in the back. My front didn't even have shims?? Not used to that! I changed mine by myself, second set i'd done and harder that a Jeep. And the toughest crush sleeve I've ever compressed.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,881
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From: Wake Forest, NC
All newer differentials (that use shims, not adjusters) use machined shims, you won't find shim packs.
As far as the kit, it's a good idea to change out bearings and such, and often you have to press the bearings on an off the pinion a couple of times to get it right, so it's convenient to make a setup bearing out of the old bearing. As long as everything is good tho, and the miles are reasonable you can just change the gears but you will need a new crush sleeve, pinion nut and shim packs to set everything. In the end, it's the installers recommendation/decision.
And like said above, if you have to ask, you should probably have someone else do it or really understand how it works if you try it yourself. Getting it wrong can be devastating.
As far as the kit, it's a good idea to change out bearings and such, and often you have to press the bearings on an off the pinion a couple of times to get it right, so it's convenient to make a setup bearing out of the old bearing. As long as everything is good tho, and the miles are reasonable you can just change the gears but you will need a new crush sleeve, pinion nut and shim packs to set everything. In the end, it's the installers recommendation/decision.
And like said above, if you have to ask, you should probably have someone else do it or really understand how it works if you try it yourself. Getting it wrong can be devastating.
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 69
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Make life simple get the kit, bearings, shims, you're running new gears run new bearings too. Careful with the crush sleeve I pulled the threads on a pinion trying to crush the new sleeve.
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2009
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I felt like i was. Had a breaker bar with a six foot tube sticking out from under my truck to get it to start crushing. Is there a better or preferred method for this.
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 333
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From: Roseburg, Or
I wont be installing them myself. I was contemplating buying everything and having it installed. But it may be cheaper to just have the shop provide and do everything, just wanted to get any idea of what i need.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 772
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From: wi
i running 5.38 in my v 10 w/ toyos and tghought theyd be a little steep . But aftedr running them have founfd that i love them . i wanted to run 5.13 but my dana 80 only excepted factory gear sets , thus my choices were 4.30s stock 4.88 and 5.38s the new gears really like larger loads and feel like i have a verry strong power range . but needed to change to larger capacity cover for better coolings .
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,757
Likes: 5
From: Corvallis, OR
If you have a 6.0L, go with 4.30s and with 37s you'll be at the same overall ratio as stock tires and 3.73s. This will yield the best overall drivability, highway and town. I have 4.30s with 35s and on the highway the RPMs are a little higher than I'd like, so 37s are in my future 
If you have a gasser, go 4.56 minimum and I'd recommend 4.88s.
If you have a gasser, go 4.56 minimum and I'd recommend 4.88s.
You Keep What You Kill
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,902
Likes: 2
From: Huntersville, NC
i running 5.38 in my v 10 w/ toyos and tghought theyd be a little steep . But aftedr running them have founfd that i love them . i wanted to run 5.13 but my dana 80 only excepted factory gear sets , thus my choices were 4.30s stock 4.88 and 5.38s the new gears really like larger loads and feel like i have a verry strong power range . but needed to change to larger capacity cover for better coolings .
You Keep What You Kill
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,902
Likes: 2
From: Huntersville, NC
I have 4.10 gears with 33" tires on my 2005 F350. At 70 MPH, I'm turning 2,100 RPM's. What RPM's are you turning at 70 MPH? The reason that I ask is because I have purchased 40" MT's for my future lift and had planned on using 5.38 gears. With the lift and 40" tires installed, I want to be turning 2,400-2,500 RPM's at 70 MPH. My 5.4L engine needs all the help it can get! 
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,757
Likes: 5
From: Corvallis, OR
I have 4.10 gears with 33" tires on my 2005 F350. At 70 MPH, I'm turning 2,100 RPM's. What RPM's are you turning at 70 MPH? The reason that I ask is because I have purchased 40" MT's for my future lift and had planned on using 5.38 gears. With the lift and 40" tires installed, I want to be turning 2,400-2,500 RPM's at 70 MPH. My 5.4L engine needs all the help it can get!