Tech help needed: Does my rear's carrier need to be changed to change ratio?

[thepipe1]

Hi All:



HELP!! As was discussed here a few days ago, I'm ready to change my 2500's rears from 4. 10 to 3. 54. I'm getting mixed opinions about whether the carrier needs to be switched also. It's $550 so obviously I don't want to fuss with it if I don't have to.



Anyone done this before and know for sure ? Big White Beast, you've done a few of these. Do you remember? I think I have the hybrid 80 axle but don't know as the previous owner didn't replace the ID tag after fixing a leak.



I drove my '95 again yesterday (3. 54's) and am convinced this change is needed. TIA







2001 2500 4X4 QC ETH/DEE, bone stock (for now )

 

[Big White Beast]

Nope....

Just the ring & pinion and some various aother little parts, pinion nut & seal. Roughly $40. No speedo adjust either, it's run from the rear end.



They charged me $350 for the gear set. I have the 3:54's for $100 plus shipping if you want em. Dana 80 rear end.



I highly recommend the 3:73's if your buying new. Of course I'm carrying a lot of weight. If your empty all the time the 3:54's should do you fine.



Garrett

 

[thepipe1]

Thanks, Garrett. You have a 3500 v. my 2500. Are they the same rear? Does it matter that it's a limited-slip?



PS: I do run empty 99% of the time.

 

[Berserker]

4X4

Do you plan on doing front & back? I have a 4x4 as well and I actually need to go to 4. 10's because I run 35" tires & a 14cm wastegated housing. It's pretty slow off of the line right now. Sure I have great top speed but I don't think that's best on my 35" MT's.



Unfortunately I have a dana 70 rear end.

 

[Diesel Dan]

thepipe1



I am sure that you know that you must change both diffs. otherwise you cant run in 4x4.

I changed from 3. 54 to 4. 10 and it cost me $1250. this was money well spent as i was running 35 inch tires.



You can save yourself a lot of expense and work by just going to 295/75R/16's. for a while i had 295's on with 4. 10's and that equated to 2125 rpm @ 70 mph almost perfect

Here are some additional the benifits



1. cost apx $600 or less. cost me only $300 as my tire guy gave me $75 each for the factory michelins

2. Better ground clearance for 4 wheeling

3. tires fill up the large wheelwells better and it looks much better than with the rollerskate wheels that come stock

BFG at ko's are the perfect tire(exelent street traction and great allaround offroad bite)

4. with the money save you can get a van aken and add 60 hp and 160 ft lbs of trq





you can call me if you have any questions or concerns

Diesel Dan

949-454-9144

 

[pwr2tow]

I'am confused, I was told you can install 3:73 and 3:90 in a 3:54 carrier but not 4:10. What am I missing, I was told the carriers are different in the 4:10 and 3:54 which means the two ratios are not interchangable without changing carriers. Is DC trying to pull another fast one on me to make more money ($2,600. 00 to do front and rear) or is there something I am not aware of.



Ron

 

[Diesel Dan]

ronsram,

when i changed to 4. 10 i didnot have to change carriers. i was considering going to 4. 56 but this would involve changing carriers. and much more expense. keep in mind that i have dana 60,70's and i think you have a dana 80. do a internet search for gear mfg co and call a offroad shop to get some info on drivetrain experts and by all means dont trust the dealer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Good luck

DD

 

[pwr2tow]

I now see where the confusion is. thepipe1 has a hybrid 80, didn't know they existed. I have a dana 80 so I guess DC was right, but it never hurts to check things out.



Thanks,

Ron

 

[thepipe1]

295/75 tires

I may have to consider this because of $$$. Diesel Dan, will your 315/75's fit my factory 16X8 rims and not rub? If not, is 295/75 the largest tire that will fit? TIA



'01 2500 QC 4X4 bone stock (for now! )

 

[Diesel Dan]

315's will fit but rub

on the trailing arms(so i have been told) with my 3 in lift no problem. 295's are the way to go if stock. My truck didn't make it home with the stock tires on them. I went to 295's and they worked perfect prior to the lift plans.



Take care

DD

 

[Big White Beast]

I talked to the guy's at Pro Gear

Here's the scenario on carrier. Yes you have to change it when you go from 3 series to 4 or vice versa. He said the 4 will also work on a 5 series gear, Can't imagine what that's like.



The first change I did was from 4:10 to 3:54 and it was a swap with someone. I didn't realize that they changed the carrier too. On my last gear change to a 3:73 the carrier was fine coming from a 3 series gear ratio already.



Sorry for any confusion,



Garrett

 

[klenger]

I don't know squat about this, but Dave Fritz does. According to his web site, the carrier parts change at 3. 73.



http://dodgeram.org/tech/specs/axle/286RBI_specs.html



This is for the hybred Dana 80. It appears to be the same for the standard Dana 80.



Ken Lenger

 

[thepipe1]

Carrier swap ($550 part) confirmed as needed. Now what?

Thanks to both Ken and Garrett for their research and information. Unfortunately, my plans to change ratios proved too expensive. I see my choices now as:



1) Wait until 2003 and trade for the new motor and body style, or

2) Sell it now (taking a bath, I'm sure) and keep driving the '95, or

3) Change tires to 295/75 for $750 or so including my Michelins on trade, or

4) Live with it as it is, or

5) Find someone who wants to swap gears. That's where y'all come in. Please keep me in mind if you become aware of someone who wants to swap their 3. 54's for 4. 10's. Thanks again, all. dp