2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Gear ratio change in 4wd truck, dana 80/60

[VolsFan]

Got a guy that will do the swap if I bring parts to him. Where's a good place to get the parts I need to go to a higher ratio? Not sure if 3.73 is an option for Dana's, need to get something higher than 4.10 badly

 

[JMcCoy]

3.73 is an option, and would probably be the perfect gear for most of us. I will only buy Spicer or Yukon gears for the Danas. I would not try the Spicer SVLs (Spicer Value Line). Randy's Ring and Pinion is popular, or you may find used on Ebay. New gears for a Dana 80 was somewhere around $800. I would look for someone, close to you, who wants 4.10's and swap axles. Just curious, what are you trying to gain? A bump in your timing and RPM governor, if you haven't done so, should make a big difference.

 

[VolsFan]

I'm trying to gain better mpg. At 65 I'm running 2100 rpm and goes up quick from there. Would love to get a used set of 3.55 gears but none in my area. Taller tires not an option to reduce rpm as truck would not fit in garage. I did see 3.55 axles but they were the old style like on my 99 and definitely not going back to that. I did see a cheaper version gear set on Randy's ring and pinion for something like $250 around there. My mechanic buddy is keeping an eye out, gear ratios and such is Greek to me, all I know is I don't need the engine screaming down the road all the time when could be ran more efficiently.

 

[KBurgoyne]

The dana 80 carriers are set up for 3.73 and up or 3.54 and down. If you switch to lower than the 3.73 you will need new carriers. Open carriers are about 250, limited slip about 500. The 3.73 gears will drop rpm at 65 by 150-200 rpm. I switched to the 3.31. Yes it is much nicer on the highway. I get 70 mph right at 2000 with the 5 speed, you would do a little better with the 6 speed, but going to a 3.54 or 3.31 ratio will cost an extra 500-1000 bucks depending on the carriers you would have to get.

 

[mfurrh55]

my 01 was running 2050 rpm at 70 mph with 3.55 gears, 5 speed stick,Monte

 

[VolsFan]

If I could get 3.73 I'd be a happy camper especially since a new carrier is not required, thanks for information! My pops 03 4wd 6 spd has 3.73 and gets 20 mpg avg. runs 1800 at 65. Granted two different engines. Want to make this cost effective as possible so new carriers are out of the question. I'm going to keep this truck for a long time to come (probably my last one) and want to make this thing right

 

[JMcCoy]

Larger tires may lower RPM, but you will not likely see increased fuel mileage from it. The increased tire weight and loss of aerodynamics would offset any mileage you would have gained from the lower RPMs. An overdrive unit would be pretty sweet, but pricey.