2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission High Ratio Rear End

[The Adjuster]

Has anyone have, or know of a source that I can get a higher ratio (Lower Numeric Number) anti spin rear end to fit in our Dana 80's.

I am out of the towing game and I think 1st gear is getting lonely due to it never getting used now ... would like to be able to use the 5 speed as a 5 speed not a 4 speed.

Should get some better MPG at interstate speeds as well ... might have to live with the speedo being off a bit but that is okay.

I currently have the 3. 54 and remember surfing the net one night many moons ago and stubbling across a Dana 80 with a 3. 27 (not sure of the exact ratio now) ratio that was a LSD.

Cant find it now though.

I am currently getting 24MPG @ 55MPH, 20 @ 65MPH and 17 @ 75MPH and was thinking if I could get a taller ratio I may be able to get my 20MPG at 75



Kevin

 

[LaserBob]

Gear vendors overdrive!

 

[The Adjuster]

Ya that would be nice, looked into that a few months ago ... but at a tad over $3000 installed it is way ... waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay out of my price range.



The wifey would file divorce on me if I spent that ... and then probably take the truck in the settlement :{



Kevin

 

[pwerwagn]

I dont believe it is very common to find a higher geared 80 than 3. 55. There are a few guys I've talked to who are considering using the 8-lug 9. 25 chrysler to use the 2. 76 ratio available. I believe you could also use a Dana 61 and use a higher ratio also (same basically as a 60, but used for higher ratios in vans and such). However, with both of these routes you will loose strength. Possible try a tall skinny tire to get essentially get a taller gear.

 

[robertyoke]

unless you block the wind, the slight drop in rpm from the gear change will not benefit enough to offset the cost.

 

[JWaters]

gear

when I ordered mine I had a chioce of a 3. 08, 3. 54, 4. 10... I chosed the 3. 54... I dont see why you dont use first gear now, Even with normal driving I do because it siad so in the owners manual... . does anyone read it?

 

[The Adjuster]

Hmmm ... maybe I am just different to ya'll . . the only time I ever use first was when towing, rest of the time I start in second. Never killed it off the line yet.



Is the 'Owners Manual' that booklet in the glove compartment that tells you in 10 pages of detail how to fasten your safety belt?? ... I fell asleep after I got to section 1. 5 ...



Kevin

 

[JWaters]

manual

Hmmm ... maybe I am just different to ya'll . . the only time I ever use first was when towing, rest of the time I start in second. Never killed it off the line yet.



Is the 'Owners Manual' that booklet in the glove compartment that tells you in 10 pages of detail how to fasten your safety belt?? ... I fell asleep after I got to section 1. 5 ...



Kevin

LMAO!!!!! :-laf :-laf :-laf :-laf :-laf Oo. Oo. Oo.

 

[pwerwagn]

I dont use first when empty either.

I aint even got an owners manual!

 

[Horsepuller]

I had a 5 speed in my '93 and now a six speed. The only time I use(d) first is towing or empty at a start going up hill. I just listen to the engine and gear box, if it don't sound good, I down shift. 1st is just a creeper gear to get a load moving. But I have my ears (eyes) on if anyone wants to argue contrary.

 

[Loren]

Kevin,



How much would different ratios for a Dana 80 cost? I had thought that the cost would be in the range of what an overdrive would run. Yes, the overdrive is expensive, but you will get much more than you would with the change in rear end ratios.



You won't pay for either modification with fuel mileage savings. If you are getting 17 mpg at 75 mph now, you will get about 17. 3 or so after the switch. Most of the fuel is being used to push the truck against the wind, not in overcoming driveline friction.



I'm happy with the US Gear overdrive in my 2000 truck, but it's not paying for itself in fuel savings.



Loren

 

[pwerwagn]

If you are just doing the rear (i. e. 2wheel drive), the gears ina dana 80 can be done for about 600$.

 

[SmokinJoe]

I am out of the towing game and I think 1st gear is getting lonely due to it never getting used now ... would like to be able to use the 5 speed as a 5 speed not a 4 speed.

The 5 speed is really a 4 speed with a granny gear. The most cost effective way to get taller gears is to get taller tires. 3. 54 is what I have and I am getting the mileage you have observed as well. Synthetic oils should help you and if you do not have an electric fan or electric fan clutch I would highly reccommend that.