What's involved in swapping 3.54 for 4.10?

[GWS]

My 98. 5 auto 4x4 with 3. 54 axle and 255/85 tires cruises in OD at 1700rpm/65mph. With 275's, VA and PE I'm not using much throttle, so my transmission line pressure may not be very high, even with my DTT TC/VB setup. Acceleration and climbing (heck, acceleration while climbing) is almost scary, but I can't ignore the fact I'm probably lugging the drivetrain. This is why I'm considering switching to a higher ratio. Is the procedure simple or compicated? Inexpensive or costly? Also, does anyone produce a ratio in the middle of the range, like a 3. 73 for instance?

 

[BV]

I had the 92's 4. 10's swapped out to 3. 54's back in 95-96 and it cost my $1042 for the front and rear. You decide if it's expensive.
If it was me, I would consider BOMBing the transmission before swapping gears.

BTW - If you can still accelerate then your lugging the engine.

 

[Scooby]

BV,

It looks like GWS bombed his transmission to the extreme already - (see reference to the DTT VB/TC above).

GWS,
Earthroamer swapped 3. 54's to 3. 73's and will go to (or already has gone to) 4. 10's... you may want to email him with questions... . but take his $ info with a grain of salt - he is into building his rig for durability with budget ranking low on the priority list - a position we're all striving for #ad
!!

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'01 2500 SLT+, QC, LWB, 4X4, 3. 54s, AT, SPA guages, Alpha Liner,DTT VB, SnugTop XV shell with BedRug, Grovers, Roadmasters... every option but running lights!

'98 DUCATI ST2 "Bombed" 944CC with Ducati Performance Carbon Fiber Exhaust, F. I. M. Chip, K&N and "modified" air box.

 

[Mopar-muscle]

GWS , what size tire are you running ? did you call bill with your concerns ? i would do that first ...

 

[GWS]

Mopar, I talk to Bill quite regularly. As a matter of fact, if I don't call him, he calls me. I've got a bit of a TC shudder problem and he's doing his best to remedy it.
I adjusted my throttle lever cable, then bought a hydrolic pressure gauge and tested my line pressure: 78lbs in Drive at idle. Bill says it should be around 90, so I will drop the pan and make the adjustment, while swithching from Dexron to ATF+4. He thinks most of the shudder is due to the Dexron. My rubber is Dunlop Radial Rovers 255/85 approx 33" diameter.

 

[LSMITH]

GWS, my gearing is the same as yours and I don't think I am lugging at all. What makes you think you are lugging the engine? Are you slipping the TC clutch?


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99 2500 QC 4X4 AUTO SB 24V LARAMIE SLT 3. 5 LSD 285-75-16'S Everything but leather NRA Member

 

[GWS]

Scooby, thanks for your info. Maybe EarthRomer has the 3. 73's for sale. BTW I noticed your sig includes a duck with F. I. M.
chip. I would be interested in the chip manufacturer, as I am looking for one for my
BMW R1100GS. I know VanAaaken makes one, but there appears to be no North American distributor. I would have emailed you but don't see your address listed.

 

[CCahill]

GWS... . I recall seeing a post awhile back with a very similar shuddering problem... . As I recall he also had a VA, ... he unplugged the VA and the problem went away... Bad VA ? don't remember any other particulars... .

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2001 Quad,4x4,LB,Loaded,no leather... . 65 Chevelle sedan, Hella nice driver, 53 Nash Rambler Convt,1 of 653 built,[not a Metro], GM drivtrain

 

[GWS]

LSMITH, I'n not slipping the converter clutch, but I have read elsewhere that clutch lock-up at this low rpm applies excessive torque to the converter and for this reason, TC lock-up below 1700 rpm is best avoided.

 

[Ranger Dick]

The swap from 3. 53 to 4. 10 involves swapping out the stock carrier, which is good to 3. 92 with the Low gear carrier, plus new ring and pinion and installation.

 

[RamminRick]

I have a 3. 73 final drive ratio by swapping the the stock 245 tires for 285's with 4. 10 gears.

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99 2500HD Dodge Ram SLT Quad-Cab, 8'Bed, 4x4 Cummins 24V, 5 speed, Anti-Spin 410's, 4-wheel antilock, BLACK, all other options except leather and cab lights. 285 75R D Mud tires. Better Built diamond-plate toolbox, K&N RE-0880 Cone Air Filter w/pre-filter, Turbo Silencer removed, Cobra 70-LDT Remote CB, RickBuilt (removable) hitch mounted trailering flaps.

Purchased 1/18/99
16,500 miles 1/14/00
29,750 miles 1/09/01

 

[Ron Duncan]

GWS,
You don't want to try this yourself unless you have lots of time and patience and a HUGE Torque wrench or excellent breaker bar. Also good #ad
tech material.
I just did gears and Detroit lockers in my Jeep and it was a real challenge #ad
!
I'm retired with professional friends that have the tools.
Very satisfying to do it but then my Jeep is a hobby, my truck isn't! #ad

Happy Trails
Ron

 

[Scooby]

GWS,

I sent you an email with the information for the chip you were asking about... hope you got it!