Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 3.54 to 4.10 with a 80 LSD???

[C Schomer]

I may be trading up to a much heavier 5er next spring. Can this gear switch be done on the 3. 54 carrier? Also, my 97 is only rated 12,500 towing cap. even with a 4. 10. Anybody see a big problem with pulling about a 13,500 (gross) 5er? I already have airbags and the hitch weight would be fine but what about braking? Maybe it will be time for a 1T but I really don't want to part with my 97 with only 61k miles. TIA! Craig

 

[drrhoades]

You will need to change the entire diff to go up to a 4. 10.

 

[C Schomer]

Thank you! Do you know if the axle housing is the same? Craig

 

[drrhoades]

Yes the axle housing is the same you will only need to change the diff housing and the ring and pinion and bearings.

 

[Extreme1]

You need to change the carrier assembly to run the 4. 10. Sometimes in the classifieds you can find people willing to swap 3. 54 for 4. 10 carriers.



The actual swap isn't difficult but you do need to follow specific instructions and a few special tools so it might be best left to a shop.



An alternative might be 3. 70 gears but I'm not sure which carrier they need.



As for weight, you will probably be OK, there are others towing much heavier with no problems. You should upgrade the rear wheel cylinders to the 1 ton cylinders.

 

[drrhoades]

I believe the carrier that you have is good for 3. 73 and down the other carrier is good for 4. 10 and up.

 

[C Schomer]

I'll try to do a carrier or axle swap with somebody when I get ready. I did the 1T cylinders long ago - they're great! Thanks everybody! Craig

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Why not keep the gears and downshift if you really have to?



OR (my favorite solution... . ) modify it to put out more power to the ground.



I imagine anything in the area of 350-400hp at the wheels will tow 13. 5k lbs with ease. At that HP level - you're still very streetable.



What are you doing to the clutch in front of the NV-4500?



Matt

 

[C Schomer]

I'm moving to Phoenix next month. It's flat as Kansas in that valley but I haven't been in the mountains yet. I doubt if they're like Colo. mtns. It won't be long and I'll find out. The Mrs. has been working there for a month now and she's planning our "winter" camping already, for when I get there with the RV. I went past the clutch limit long ago and had to turn it down a little. I've moved some big 5ers for friends and power on the road is fine but the soft dirt in the storage yards was more abuse than I care for. I don't have 4WD and low range. I may put off the big 5er til I'm more ready to trade trucks. Craig