I have a 97 2500 4x4 with 4.10 gears, I switched to 265 85/16 and I would like to change my speedo gear. A new one is around 100 bucks and there is none used locally. I have 36 teeth now, I found a 34 tooth but it is of the long shaft style (the plastic gear is of the same dimension). Has anybody tried to remove the plastic gear from the metal shaft with any success or is this just a futile effort?

 

Just a bump

 

A $100? Where are you looking? Mine wasn't even close to that.

You're talking about removing the plastic gear inside the t-case? Not just the one you swap out normally? I've never tried to do that.

 

Yes the one you "just swap out". It is so simple it is frustrating, not to mention just a 50 cent part. The dealer wants $120, PATC wants $89 but will be just over $100 by the time I ship it (they may have a used one but do not list it). I can find plenty of the long shaft but the 33 tooth short is just rediculously elusive. On my truck I am out 5 mph according to a calibration. I know I can leave it (and for $120 I will) that is why I asked if anybody tried to separate the metal shaft from the two cent plastic gear.