Axle Ratio Change

[JJK4666]

I have been researching this topic for a while and I have never seen it spelled out. To change my ratio do I just need a ring and pinion set and an installation kit? (And the ability to install it all of course) Everyone says that it is very expensive but that looks like Kit- $105.95 and Ring and Pinion- $179.95 at Summit (times 2). That does not seem so bad so I feel I must be missing something.

[River Beast]

It depends on the ratio you have now.... as to how much more or less you will have to spend...

Dana 44 example:

3.73 gears and numerically lower have one carrier size

3.92 gears and numerically higher have another size carrier

saying that.... if you have a 3.54 gear right now and decide to go to 4.11's, you would have to purchase a new carrier (the differential to which the ring gear is mounted) in order to make the gear change.

Just another example....

I went from open 3.54 diffs in my 44's to Detroit lockers and 4.89's

Since I had to change the carriers, they were $480 each (x 2)... the 2 sets for ring a pinions were in a package setup with master overhaul kits for $430... but I still needed rear axle shaft bearings at $30 a peice.

So just in parts, you can see it can get a bit on the pricey side.

You can get used open diffs for around $25-$30 from some specialty stores.... ir you wanted, but if you have to change the carriers..... why not do it right the first time.

Also... the setup of new R&P's can be tedious.... it is very important to set them up flawlessly or you just waist your money.

I paid to have mine done with all the $$$ I spent.

[Crazy_Jeepman]

To have a shop set them up is where the $$$$ come in. I have heard $300.00 to 500.00 to have them done. I do them myself, and can't justify that kind of $$$$ to have it done. It is not rocket science!!

[joe]

Yup, it's the labor that gets ya. To roll-in, roll-out of a shop figure $1200+ in parts/labor not counting any lockers you may want added.

[Sundowner]

JJK4666,

I set gears in North NJ for $150/axle on bare housings brought to me.

and pay the money for Spicer gears, don't buy the off-brand crap.

[JJK4666]

Sundowner,
How much are the spicer gears? I always have trouble paying someone to do what I can do myself until I see a price like that. You are talking axles out of the truck with the guts out? I want to go from 3.31's to 3.73's ( now that RB has educated me on the carrier differences- Thanks). My rig is my daily driver with some towing of my boat. Street performance is my main concern. I don't get on the beach as often as I'd like. Where in N. NJ are you? I am waiting on the rest of my lift parts to come from Rusty so if I have the axles off already that would be the time.

[Sundowner]

spicer gears usually run between $150-$170, less for used ones from ebay. it solds like a lot, but $50 extra is CHEAP insurance to get you home. afaik, there is no trail repair for a stripped pinion. smile.gif

you would have to strip the front axle of the knuckles out, but leave the ring. pinion, yoke, and bearing caps alone. same goes for the rear.

[Iron Horse]

Originally posted by Crazy_Jeepman:
To have a shop set them up is where the $$$$ come in. I have heard $300.00 to 500.00 to have them done. I do them myself, and can't justify that kind of $$$$ to have it done. It is not rocket science!!Hey Pete......How's a bout I make a trip up to da U.P. this spring for some hands on training for ring & pinion R&R? I'll bring the beer and jerky. :D :D

[olin18]

Man, I wish I could find a shop here that would set up a R&P for $150. I am planning on paying a lot more than that. I think my plan is to bring my rear D44 that is getting the ARB to a shop, and ask the guy if I can watch/help him set it up. (he is a nice guy and that is kind of how he works anyway) then when I do my front 44 (going to keep it open) I will make a go at it myself. But If I could find someone to do the front and rear for $300 total, I would be all over that.

[joe]

Olin, ask around. If you carry the axles in, you shouldn't have any trouble finding someone to do the swap for $150/labor an axle, possibly even less.

[Sundowner]

$150 is pretty mcuh std on the west coast, that's where I get my prices from.

the prob around here is finding someone who knows what they're doing. OK4WD is really ggod, but they charge an arm and a leg. No Excuses is good, too, but they charge per hour, not per axle. so you don't know what you're paying till it's all done, and it's usually more. I've talked toa few machanics that felt front axle "didn't have to be that close" which just scared the hell out of me. you pay for it, you want it done right, you want the specs shown to you on the dials and the torque wrenches BEFORE you pay up, and you want to see the wear pattern. I've had a few mechs say "wear pattern?" and I ran screaming smile.gif

[Heimeken]

Consider "upgrading" your axles. If you look around you can find a complete axle with the gearing u need for the same price (or cheaper) than having it done at a shop. I did the gear change on my m20 and swaping the complete axle is lots easier.