[joe]

I have pretty much resolved myself to the fact that unless i want to have to rebuild my tranny regularly i'll have to swap my stock 3.55's for somethin lower. My truck is used for some off-roading but is also my daily driver. What ratio would be best for this type of driving? What all does swapping gears involve? How much will i expect to spend on a set of front and rear ring and pinions (probably 4.10's or 4.56's) plus installation?

 

[Bill_L]

Joe,

what size tires do you have? 33s 4.10s would be good. 35s or larger I would get 4.56s

I havent prices out gears for my truck yet since I have factory 4.10s but I know that on my mustang it was like $350 for a gear swap which included the gears. So if the same pricing holds for a truck which I am sure it doesnt you would be looking at about $700 for front and rear but that is just a guess.

 

[JasonB]

4.56's installed front and rear, new seals, bearings, fluid, etc $1000

 

[Outlaw Ram]

I priced 4.10's for my half ton and it came out to $750 without instilation. The gears are usually around $200 a piece, its just that when swapping gears in a Dana 44 the carrier also needs to be changed which is another expense. But you can use the factory carrier in the Chrysler 9.25 rearend.

 

[JasonB]

A new carrier for the D44 is only $75 or so. Also, if you get the Dana gear set for the front end, it should include side and spider gears so don't let the shop charge you for those.

 

[Outlaw Ram]

$75 Jason? the carrier I got priced was more than that. Where did you find that price? I like to save some money on the gears.

 

[JasonB]

That's what the shop that did the install charged me. Also West Coast Differential quoted $65 or so when I called about having them do the install (didn't have them do it because they wanted too much in other parts and labor, another shop down the street did it for me).

 

[NickBronco]

Anyone ever had any experience with a "Lockright" before? The adds say that they can be installed by the average four wheeler and with basic handtools. I may try one in my Bronco with an 8.8 rear end, but I want something that is going to be sturdy, and still drive HALFWAY decent on the roads. That, and they are half the price of a Detroit.

 

[JasonB]

According to the PowerTrax website, the install sounds pretty straight forward. Going to do it yourself? I may be able to help if I am free the weekend you do it. We can also take some pics and do an article for the site. Does not sound very difficult, but you can email/call PowerTrax and request a set of instructions you can review first.

As far as strength goes, I think the lock-right is one of the most popular "lunchbox" lockers on the market so it can't be too bad.

 

[TUNIS]

Any suggestions on a shop where I can get a gear-swap done (parts & installation) here in the bay area???

 

[JasonB]

Rearend Specialists (or somethign to that fact) in Santa Clara did 3 Rams that I know. Don't know of anywhere else though.

 

[TUNIS]

Jason,

Thanks! I'll give em a call...

 

[NickBronco]

Yeah, i will probably install the "Lockright" myself if I do decide to get one. I do know that I want to upgrade my gears, really really soon though. The 3.55 gears are ok, once you get the truck up to 55 MPH. Off the line my Bronco drives like my father's Toyota FourRunner. I just can't handle it. I am going to get 4.10 gears, but I think I will have to wait till I get my Christmas bonus. That will cover the gears. Then I could buy my locker a month or so later, and if I could install it myself, then I would be "big pimpin" as the younger kids say. Anyhow, my ProComp 35s kick ass, I love em, now I am just waitin for a little rain so I can see how they do in the mud. Sounds like it's just about time for a trip out to Prairy City Jason.