D44 gear change

[Cowboy]

I am running 35/12.5 R 15 tires on my 79 chief 360 T-18a. 3.54 is the current ratio. I think i have decided on 4.27 gearing. I am going this on a budget, just like everyone else. My question is when i am changing gears what else should i change (what installation kit)? What brand of gears and from who do you suggest i get them? Will i need to change my carrier also?

thanks
darrin

[Gambler68]

gotta switch to a different carrier, for starts.

I have the same gears as you, and want to do the same thing (4.11's though to run 33-35's).

[4x4fEvEr]

u will need either master or mini install kits as well. if this is a rig that sees alot of street i would go with the master install which has all new bearings. i believe it runs around 120 bucks and the mini runs at about 40

[Gambler68]

u will need either master or mini install kits as well. if this is a rig that sees alot of street i would go with the master install which has all new bearings. i believe it runs around 120 bucks and the mini runs at about 40

do you have links to those kits?

[Creech]

http://www.ring-pinion.com/default.asp?pid=2&pageid=76

I have always had good success with Yukon gears from Randy's. If I order through my local 4x shop, I usually get anything from Randy's by the next day if it's in stock.

[FSJ Super Swamper]

Call 4 Wheel Parts and use there tech line 1-800-284-9426

I run 35's too, and I just ordered 4.56 grs. Listen to the menu options and you can't go wrong.

[Stuka]

I buy my kits from Krage at jeepdoc.com

Great service, good people, etc.

Have you ever installed gears before? Its not quite as simple as just bolting them in.

[Cowboy]

I have never installed gears before. I plan on doing it myself because that is who i am and that is how i learn. Plus i love working on my jeeps. Are there any tips you guys would suggest that are not mention in install manual?

[Boghog1]

http://www.ring-pinion.com/content/technicalhelp/default.asp?pid=43, install manuals are also available there

It is not just a bolt in job and if you know someone that has done it before then it is good to have help the first time through. It is not as difficult as some installers would like you to believe though.

[Blake]

http://www.ring-pinion.com/content/technicalhelp/default.asp?pid=43, install manuals are also available there

It is not just a bolt in job and if you know someone that has done it before then it is good to have help the first time through. It is not as difficult as some installers would like you to believe though.

This is perhaps one of the most accurrate posts I've ever seen online.

Gear installations are NOT hard and CAN BE DONE BY THE AVERAGE HOME MECHANIC. There is a ton of info online about this subject. Do your research and IGNORE all the "web wheelers" (who just repeat other things they hear online). You'll be fine. :thumbsup:

[J10Mike]

This is perhaps one of the most accurrate posts I've ever seen online.

Gear installations are NOT hard and CAN BE DONE BY THE AVERAGE HOME MECHANIC. There is a ton of info online about this subject. Do your research and IGNORE all the "web wheelers" (who just repeat other things they hear online). You'll be fine. :thumbsup:
Right...I agree. "Gear installations are NOT hard and CAN BE DONE BY THE AVERAGE HOME MECHANIC".
Having done it myself without prior gear changing experience, it can be done...IF, you have the right tools and a lot of patience. If you run out of patience, STOP. Take a break or the rest of the day off and try it again later. Do your research as stated above and accumulate the necessary specialty tools that will be required to do the job.

[bchesley]

I would do 4.56 over the 4.27. I know you have probably thought it out already but I have some road time on 35's with 4.10's and hated it. It was one of those situations that I was scared of the RPM and made the wrong decision. The difference between the 4.10 and 4.27 is minor and I really needed more gear. I will be installing 4.56s in the next few months. This is something that you only want to do once.......it can get expensive...

Brad

[jsinajeep]

You can get the thick 4.27 that will fit your carrier, but what you need to think about ARE you going to put in Locker. Do the job once, unless you want to make a hobby of it.

[Arborigine]

You can get the thick 4.27 that will fit your carrier, but what you need to think about ARE you going to put in Locker. Do the job once, unless you want to make a hobby of it.

You can go as high as 4.88 using thick sets without getting larger carriers.