PDA

View Full Version : Rear gear change. Is it worth it?



coxbros
02-09-2003, 03:02 PM
I have a 98' Chevy C3500 2WD extended cab witha 6.5 turbo diesel. It has a 4L80 automatic with 4.10 gears. I like the engine just fine (I know everyone hates them) except for the fuel economy both pulling and unloaded (it gets about 9mpg pulling and 14mpg unloaded) I think the truck would pull just as good with a taller gear and get much better fuel economy. A 3.08 - 3.55 would be nice. Anyone know whats involved in changing the rear axle ratio and about how much it would cost? Any info on this subject would be interesting. Thanks, David

Techno
02-09-2003, 09:50 PM
What are you pulling? If it's some 5th wheel monster deal then...

Barefoot Bob
02-09-2003, 10:07 PM
you just have to change the ring and pinion. If it was a 4X4 it would be a big hasle. But for a 2WD its really not that big of a deal. I would guess under $400.00 with brand new gears

Casey
02-09-2003, 10:38 PM
but if you are running the stock size tires (245/75/16) then maybe 3.55's. going from 4.10's to 3.73's with all things being equel you should loose around 300 rpm's at 70mph. $400 would be a fair price to pay for a gear change.

coxbros
02-10-2003, 07:55 AM
I'm pulling a 23 eliminator daytona on weekends. During the week I pull about 7500 pounds for my mowing business. Its all in town towing thru the week. Thanks for the info.

Travis Fulton
02-22-2003, 08:55 PM
more than likely it has a dana 60, so there is no crush sleeve involved! not a real complicated change! but not for the do-it-yourselfer! but with my opinion for what it is worth i would prob go w/ something like low 3's--- 308 or 355 at the lowest as the 6.5 makes tons of torque and that will overcome any loss of gear ratio, if you can get the gears and em changed for 400 bucks or so thats a good deal! :D