I tried to search for this but didn't find anything... useful.

I have a 2001 Dodge Durango 4.7L with default gears in the back (whatever default is)

I would like to upgrade the gears to possibly get a better response/gas milage out of the truck. I have never went off road with it mainly its a interstate driver. So my 1st question is.. should I even mess with gears? I don't know a whole lot about cars, but I'm pretty good with tools and can follow instructions.. for the most part

How much am I looking at money wise.. Would I be better off or get better results with someone else at the same cost or less?

Are there any walk thru's that explain the process?

Also if I replace my TCM in the near future with one from a Jeep (to gain 5th gear) would this cause any problems?

 

3.55:1 maybe? (Check your glovebox for the sticker.)

You can't have both. You either get more response (lower gears) or better mileage (higher gears)

(And lower gears is actually shown with higher number. Example - 3.55:1 is a higher gear than 4.56:1)

Lowering your gears (the only real reason to change them) will get you LESS mileage on the highway. Mine dropped from 17 to 15 when I switched from 3.55:1 to 4.56:1.

Not a DIY thing for someone that doesn't know alot about cars.

About $750 per axle. You have to do both axles if you are 4x4.

Like I said, probably best left to a professional.

Won't matter. The gears are separate from the transmission.


I switched from 3.55:1 to 4.56:1 because I was using my Durango to tow about 7,000 lbs daily and needed the extra grunt. I now use a Ford Excursion with a V10 that blows the Durango out of the water in the towing department.

I still enjoy the gear swap as it makes it a beast to drive.

Check out this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPt7PQU_XwQ

 

I have 4.10 gears and they are something that is definately not a unbolt, rebolt, lol. If you can't find your gear info you can request a build sheet from Chrysler at this email

customerassistre [customerassistre@chrysler.com]

 

Not to mention the size of the axel housing.

 

Huh???

 

durango's have either an 8.25 diff or a 9.25 diff.. you have to know which you have when you change gears.

me. i have the stock 3.92 gears. i love them. got low end grunt and get about 18-20 on interstate depending on how hard my foot is planted.

 

Considering the price I think im gonna skip the gears for now and go with a Superchips tuner.