I have stock 3.55's with 265/75/R16's.
As a truck, for general driving it's just fine.
Acceleration is improving as I do engine mods to improve air flow.
Top end cuts out at ~98mph by the speedo, but it did this with the smaller factory treads also (now likely 103mph corrected speed due to tyre size)... this limit I think is more due to governing than axle ratio.
As a 4x4 truck, that's plenty fast enough, and I haven't had any issues towing, so I think I'm good with 3.55's.
Future engine mods will just make it more fun to drive.

 

I am running 3.55 on 285r7516 and have no low end. thinkin 4:10 and i will never tow but may do some 4wd since i go it. anyone know if have to do front and rear gears as long as i don't do 4wd? money is tight. if i can get a way with it i will till i can save up and get the font done after i do he rear for everyday drivin.

 

You can do just the rear but DON'T engage 4wd until you get the front the same ratio.

 

Yep what stewie said.. I pulled my front shaft just in case I forgot or someone else used the truck they wouldnt engage 4x4

 

4.56!

 

Mine are stock 4:10s. Takes off is plent strong, but 1st is almost too low. (NV3500-for now) I hardly ever use it. I think some bigger tires will make 1st more usable. Top end isnt an issue. Never needed to bury the needle in a 35 year old one ton, though Im certain it is capable.

 

4:10's....

 

what is the general consensus on gear changing? easier to get different axles or buy just he gears?

 

Depends on what gears ya want, and what axles ya already got. Factory gears were generally 3.55's, with 3.92, and 4.10 being options. The lower gears being rather rare. 4.10s cam stock in Off-Road edition trucks in 2000, and 01. Finding them is..... difficult, at best.

Question becomes, what gears are you considering, and what tires do ya wanna run?

 

96 4x4, 5.2, single cab, swb, Chrysler 9.25 rear end, dana 44 front. 355 gears with 35's. Not my set up, I just got this truck. I want to go down to 33" tires and 4.10 gears. very little if any towing, so how would this set up work out?