2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Swap 4.10 Gears For 3.54s? 98 4X4-Dually.

[RHestand]

I'm looking for some feed back on this.

We seldom tow our 31ft Airstream trailer any long distances anymore, and I would like to talk about better gear ratios for my current situation, which is 98% empty, and 300-400 miles/week, + a 3000 mi. (ea. way, 6000 mi. total) trip, back and fourth, cross country, towing my wifes car on an open car trailer, each year.

I'm thinking if I had 3. 54 gears, if or when I'm towing cross country, if need be, I could just lock it out of O. D.

Is anyone out there looking to swap their 3. 54 gears and housings for my 4. 10s, limited slip? My truck has just under 100K miles on it, and has no drive train problems at all.

Any ideas or suggestions on this would be appreciated.

TIA, Ray

 

[BLNRAY]

i have an 03 with 410's and a 6spd,thinkin of regearing to 3. 42,for towing , if my math is right 5th gear with the 342 gear will be about the same rpm as 6th with 410

 

[RHestand]

I'm not that familiar with your trans. gear ratios, so I can't help with any opinions on that. But what you say about 5th & 6th gear sounds about right.

Ideally what I would like, is to be able to cruise at freeway speeds (65-70mph) at around 17-1800RPM.

I just sold an 06, 2500, with 3. 73 gears, G-56, and 33" tires. If my memory serves me, I think it was turning around 2000RPMs at a little over 70MPH,which was OK for the 24V engine. But for my current 12V, I'd like even a little taller gear than that.

Unfortunately for me, the 4 series carrier now in my Dana 80, will not accept 3. 54 gears, and would require me to buy a new carrier, new gears, installation, etc. This is more money than I want to spend right now.

I think if I was going to spend that kind of money, I'd be better off going with a Gear Vendors 20% OD unit.

For now I'll just be keeping an eye out for either a swap, or a totaled 1 ton truck that I can pull the parts I need from.

If any of you guys have any info. about parts, etc. for what I'm trying to do, let me know. I'm ready to go with this, weather and shop permitting.

Ray

 

[HCannon]

If you are going to swap out the rearend, they changed the speedometer from the trans to the rear end in 98. I had a 97 and the speedometer connected to the trans. and the 98 I have now connects to the rearend. It may not make any difference but it needs to be checked into. I drive in brushey country and managed to drag the wires from both of them. That is the reason I know.