2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission changing Rear end gear

[mikejkd]

Im doing a leaf spring conversion on my 97 and want to know if I can use the same rear case to go to 4. 10 from 3. 55's. Some sites are saying its a different case and some are not.

The reason for this is I can get a ford front axle with 4. 10 for a real good price and may go with a bigger tire.

 

[Flying_gage]

Looked at this also. I was told/read information that stated you did need a new carrier bearing. Finally contacted a a supplier of the parts out of the northeast who said no, the carrier bearings are the same...



I am 99% certain of this, but this was a couple years back. Call a reputable parts supplier and they will clear it up.

 

[Road Dog]

With a Dana 70 (I assume that's what you have) I'm not sure what the the carrier split is. Some say at 4. 10 and some say at 4. 56. In either case you should be able to go from 3. 55 to 4. 10. The case remains the same.

A carrier can only handle a certain range of ratios so a given axle will have two or more carriers for all the different ratios. Sometimes you can get a thick ring gear so you can put 4. 10 on a 3. 55 carrier (for example).

 

[HHhuntitall]

Dana 80 splits at 3:73/4:10. Dana 70U splits at 4:10/4:56, which means if you have the 80, you will have to get another CARRIER CASE to go to 4:10, but not if you have the 70U. As far as the AXLE CASE, or axle housing, yes, it's the same for either carrier in either axle, you just have to set up new bearings and shims if you get a new carrier for whatever axle you have... ...

 

[JMcCoy]

Dana 80 splits at 3:73/4:10. Dana 70U splits at 4:10/4:56, which means if you have the 80, you will have to get another CARRIER CASE to go to 4:10, but not if you have the 70U. As far as the AXLE CASE, or axle housing, yes, it's the same for either carrier in either axle, you just have to set up new bearings and shims if you get a new carrier for whatever axle you have... ...

This information is correct. If your purchasing used 4. 10 gears, be carefull not to accidentally buy reverse cut gears for your rear.



I am just curious. Why are you changing your front end to leaf spring? I could see putting in a Ford high pinion Dana 60 up front for the added strength and less pinion angle, but why the leaf springs? Good luck and please keep us posted on your progress.