Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) anyone ever swap 4:10 gear

[P-38]

Looking for some advice on switching my 3500 4:10 gear to a taller gear like the gear that is in the 2500, lower cruising RPM would be better for me on the highway pulling a light load.



Any advice?



Anyone have a 2500 in the Tampa Area that wants to trade??



Is it as simple as switching the gear or do I have to do a major rebuild?



Thanks



John

 

[Bigramguy]

You won't have to do a complete rebuild,but it wouldn't hurt to go over everything while you are in there. You can get a gear installation kit which will include all the neccesary parts and usually comes with new pinion and diff bearings as well. The 3. 55 was also available in the 3500,as the 4,10 was in the 2500. If you do switch,you will need someone who has the same rear,either a 2500 manual trans,or 3500. Another option is to just switch the entire rear axle. Don't have to mess with the gears at all.

 

[BWilson]

What is involved in rebuilding the entire diff. ? The shop by me wants $750 an axle to open them up and re-adjust everything. It doesn't seem that hard but I am still pretty cautious.

 

[Bigramguy]

$750. 00 a diff is pretty pricey,depends on what all they are doing.



If your just doing bearings,the install kit includes them all,as well as seals and neccesary stuff. They run $150 or so.



Spider gears,case,limited slip parts would all be extra,but a lot of it can be reused if it is ok.



It does take some special tools and expertise to set up a rearend,but any good shop should be able to do it for a couple hundred.



A gearset will add roughly $300 or so to the figure.

 

[BWilson]

Any idea how much (and what) the "special" tools cost? I really want to learn how to do these, and I don't mind buying the tools as long as they aren't excessive. I mean, I have dial indicators and magnetic bases, and I can usually get the diff in and out without the spreader (not sure if this is ok or not though) I just don't want to get half way into the job and find out that I need a $1000 tool for something.

 

[Bigramguy]

Well,to do it right,you'll need...



A case spreader - $150-200. 00 or make one,it is needed to get the diff preload right



Pinion depth tool - $100. 00-300. 00 depending on type and quality



Good torque wrenches,dial indicator and base,and a gear\bearing puller set to get the bearings off,gear marking compound. Pinion nut sockets,yoke holding tool,etc. Also a good air supply an impact gun help lots.



Here is a good install link



http://www.ring-pinion.com/yukon-instructions.pdf

 

[Snow man]

P38,you have the Dana 80,you cannot swap gears without changing carriers,you need the 3 series carrier if you swap,you now have the 4 series. Unless you can find someone to swap with ,even. Id keep what you have,you'll never recoup the $$ spent in fuel savings,the truck will lose its spunky feel,and the auto pulls much better with 4. 10's. If your just looking for a little more top end,try upograding to the Piers 4K governor spring kit,it will give you a few more mph on top end,and pull harder near redline too. good luck.

 

[P-38]

4k springs?,,,, HM MM that sounds like a little more fun.



They talked me outta the 4k when I just ordered my 3k springs, said I would only need them if I were racing or something. And my 160 pump wouldn't be able to supply the pressure at those rpms anyway.



I wonder if I could get some kind of trade in for my 3k springs.



Thanks...





BTW I just about gave my friend whiplash today crossing traffic... . This Ole truck rocks!!!Oo.