3.54 to 4.10 rearend swap??

[johnwen1]

Has anyone been there, done this? Other than changing the ring and pinion, what's all involved. I've talked to the dealer and he went on about changing the transmission, changing this and that, and throw in about 1900. 00 dollars and that's it!! I pull a 35 ft 5th wheel that weighs close to 13,000 when road ready and the 99 QC 3500 is slightly overloaded with the 3. 54 gears! My tow rating will jump to 12,500 with the 4. 10. Lend me your experience. Thanks.

Wendell

 

[Neal Cassady]

Someone help me out if I am wrong, to change from 3. 54 to 4. 10 you need to swap carriers. I don't think it is as simple as adding a new ring gear and pinion. I believe the setup that comes with the 3. 54 will only allow you to go up to 3. 9 something. Should cost around $1000 to swap front and rear. You may want to consider looking at underdrive units.

Dave D

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2001. 5 QC, LB, 4x4, Auto, 3. 54, Everything but Leather, Bright Silver Metallic, ARE K Series, Diprocal EGT, Boost and transmission Temp in an Autometer Dash Pod, Westin CPS Platinum Step Bars - Black on Stainless

 

[johnwen1]

Dave,

Thanks for the input. What exactly does an underdrive unit do and does it mount directly to the transmission or does it mount in-line with the drivetrain? Sorry to be so ignorant about this, but I'm going to some research and get up to speed. Thanks.

Wendell

 

[Neal Cassady]

Wendell,

I am not real familiar with the underdrive/overdrive units, I'm sure someone will respond that knows lots about them. An underdrive unit, when engaged, will raise your RPM's at a given road speed. It will allow to run the low RPM's of the 3. 54 gear set when unloaded or towing on the flats.

The two companies most folks deal with are:
http://www.gearvendors.com

and
http://www.usgear.com

Do a search, there are lots of opinions on these companies and products.

Dave D

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2001. 5 QC, LB, 4x4, Auto, 3. 54, Everything but Leather, Bright Silver Metallic, ARE K Series, Diprocal EGT, Boost and transmission Temp in an Autometer Dash Pod, Westin CPS Platinum Step Bars - Black on Stainless

 

[Cooker]

Dave D is right on with the swap and carriers.

I don't know if you are looking at the increasing the tow rating from a legal standpoint, or if you just want your truck to run a higher RPM (more power).

The easiest and least expensive way to run a higher RPM is to put on a smaller tire. If you are running 285's maybe switch to 265's or for a noticable difference go to 245's. If you are already running 245's, this idea won't help you.

IMO our trucks are a bit under-rated when it comes to towing capacity. If you are pulling a 5er with good trailer brakes I don't think you are out of the "unofficial" towing capacity of the truck, especially if you are not running a larger tire.

Also, if you look in your manual, the V10 in an identical truck, is rated to more than the Cummins. We all know this is a joke. (Sorry, at least in the 96 owners guide the V10 is rated to tow more. I sometimes forget where I'm posting. )

JMHO Ryan

 

[johnwen1]

Cooker,
The tires on my duallie are the standard 285s, but I may try the 265s next set. My 5th Wh is brand new, just traded this month, and I've only pulled it once. It weighs a little over 2000 lbs more than my old one. I guess I'm a little paranoid and afraid that I don't have enough truck. I think I'll order myself a PE EZ and roll on with what I got. Checked the website for the underdrives and they are way too expensive (3,000. 00 installed).

jnutter
Sorry about not posting my signature. I'm fairly new and still learning. I'll try to figure out how to post one and keep on my posts from now on. Thanks.

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Wendell

 

[Cooker]

I think if you turn up the power with an EZ or similar product and make sure your transmission is up to the task, if it's and auto, you should be just fine.

Not enough truck? No need to worry. Like I said before the V10 in a like truck is rated by DC to tow more. HA. Just keep on rolling.

Ryan

 

[Guest00]

Johnwen1, Please post you signature at least once in a thread so we all know what you are talking about, ie: year, auto or 5 spd, 6 spd and so on.
Auto - overdrive
stick - underdrive or overdrive

Thank you

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2K, 2500, Quad, SB, 4x4, 3:54LSD, A/T, reese 15k 5th slider, EASLEY BULL BAR, WESTIN NERFS, TA's, 9000's, stealth DD2's, DD Boost & elbow, ISSPRO pyro & boost, Turbo Lifesaver, JARDINE 4", DTT VB,TC,TC SAVER and AUX COOLER, PAC BRAKE, MAG HYTECH TP& DC, AFE filter onboard. Taylor Wing and Gear Vendors on order
pullee #1 26' Arctic Fox 5th
#2 22' car hauler w/ 76 Pinto 392cid or 68 Cyclone GT Cobra Jet FB
NRA-LIFE, VFW-LIFE, SoCSA-LIFE, SASS



[This message has been edited by JNutter (edited 02-27-2001). ]