With some professional help, I am re-gearing my 04 F350 from 3.73 to 4.30 gears.
I am pretty confident in my mech-a-nicking abilities, but the set up on gears is spooking me. That is where my "real" mechanic buddy comes into play. He has done a lot of re-gearing and he says we will be good.

Mine and his only concern is getting the front axle shafts out. Is there any tricks to getting them out without destroying the seals?

I started the tear down tonight all went well. But I have a question, why the hell would they put ONE allen head bolt on the front diff cover? Is it just to **** people off?

If anyone has any tips I will always take them.

Thanks
Tim

 

I just removed both axle shafts tonight on my 04 with a Dana 60 front. I'd get a large pry bar and try to pry against the axle housing and knuckle. I did that on one side and didn't have to pry against the actual seal.

That said, it's advisable to replace the seal.

 

I'm on the fence. I really want to do this change as well, but I'm curious as to how much difference it will make. Please keep us updated!

 

subscribing
This was in plans as well , but in the springtime. Keep updates coming

 

Sorry wrong thread

 

I regeared my 2008 F450, I made a puller to remove axels.

 

Going to 4.30's makes a very noticeable improvement in acceleration from a stop and makes it alot easier on the truck for towing heavy loads!

If you do very little towing then the cost probably isn't worth it but it does help to put less stress on your drivetrain.

 

Ok, day one in complete, but I have two issues.

First, the front axle master kit did not have a crush sleeve in it. Does anyone know of a part number for the crush sleeve for the front axles that I can cross reference and or find?

Second. We are setting the backlash on the rear axle and the smallest shim thickness i have is .005". When we make the adjustment, the backlash goes out of range one way or another. Add it, too little backlash, take it out, it is too much backlash. Any thoughts? I tow alot so I am tending to make it loose rather than tight.

I really need a part number for the crush sleeve!! Help!!

 

I believe that a "crush sleeve" and a "thrust washer" are the same. If so, then the part you need from Dana Spicer can be found in the link below.

Part# 11744TW - $1.00

Dana 60 Pinion Gear Thrust Washer

 

I did the 4.30 swap from 3.73. I noticed very little difference towing or take off power. The only difference I really noticed was about 2mpg less.