4.10 -> 3.73 swap reco's

[marksp]

I ordered my 2003 2500 SO 4X4 auto with the 4. 10 LSD. I now realize that I don't actually tow as much as I planned and the combined weight of my enclosed car hauler plus car and supplies (~8500 lbs. ) is well within the capacity of the mighty Ram. I'm considering swapping gear ratios to the much more efficient 3. 73's.



Questions:



1. are the parts required itemized somewhere on this forum or does anyone have that specific data?

2. are there any discount sources for web or mail ordering of these parts?

3. will changing expose me to warranty concerns?

4. any other considerations?



Thanks in advance!

 

[VStahl]

see if you can find someone with 3. 73 that would swap complete axles with you. bolt off and bolt on and not worry about pulling gears and would probably be alot more cost efficient considering you have the more expensive axle in the swap.

 

[Bertram65]

What will you gain by going to the 3. 73? I would think you could have warrantee issues if you had any problem down the road axle related.

 

[marksp]

the back of the envelope math suggests ~ 10% gain in fuel efficiency and the similar reduction in driveline wear.

 

[klenger]

I don't believe that the milage improvement is 1 of 1 with a gear change, even at highway speeds. Check the number of hours you have on your truck using the odometer, and then calculate your average speed over the life of the vehicle so far. If you drive like most people, you will find that your average speed is 40 MPH or less. 4. 10's don't really hurt at speeds below 50 MPH because they allow you to get into a higher gear earlier. Bottom line here is that the gear swap may be more trouble and expense than it's worth in fuel savings.

 

[BigDaddyMC]

I would be interested in swapping for your 4:10's I'm pretty sure we will have the same set up, although now that I say that, I hope you don't have a Dually... .



I have the 3:73's and have been thinking about going to 4:10's. I live in Las Vegas and am thinking that if your are anywhere close, we can do it pretty quickly. I can do the work in probably about 3 hours or so. Let me know what you think... .



email me at

-- email address removed --

 

[ceastmen]

Make sure you swap both front and rear axles! Otherwise using 4wd will make a whole lot of metal shavings!



Good luck!

 

[BigDaddyMC]

That's what I was hoping for, but I have no idea what truck he has. I hope he is checking on his post.....

 

[Rocket]

How about getting larger tires? I have the 4. 10s but I know eventually I'm at least getting 35" tires.



Check out the chart below.



http://www.4x4connection.com/gearchart.htm

 

[SHooker]

Exactly right, Rocket5. Marksp, simply put a set of the much-lauded 315/17's onto your stock rims (no lift or mods ness. ) and presto! Instantly reduced (numerically) gear ratio. On Rocket5's chart, your stock tires are 32" and the 315's are 34" with the weight of your truck on them. I ordered my truck with the 4. 10's for this very reason.

-Scott-

 

[BigDaddyMC]

Now see... you guys are messing up my action



That's exactly what I need the 4:10's for. I want to get some of the BFG's but I don't want a 3:42 towing 10K.

 

[silver03]

my 4. 10's all all yours if you want to swap. i'll even pay for shipping. 6600 miles on them.

 

[JMcDowell]

marksp

check your email!!

 

[Rockcrawler]

I did the swap in my driveway with a buddy, (2axles each, 8hrs)we both run 315's. I never tow more than about 10k. we're both happy. I spend a lot of time at upper highway speeds. 250 rpm difference.

 

[Fred Swanson]

Guys, based on his post, and his profile, he has an SO 2500 automatic. This will be the smaller 10. 5 rearend. FYI