So I took the diff covers off now that I finally got my truck in a nice warm shop. It's a 97' 2500 by the way. So I was lied to...the guy who sold it to me said it had 4.56's installed, but instead it has 3.54 gears with the rear having trashed spider and side gears. So!...where should I go? The truck is a 5 speed, so I'm thinking that putting in 4.56's may be a little overkill. The truck already has 33's on it, and I was happy with the power it has with the 3.54's. Since I plan on running 35"+ tires on it sometimes, should I repair the 3.54's for maybe put in a set of 4.10's? I think I can get away with just replacing the spiders and side gears, which will save me a lot of money (I think), compared to swapping out everything. Just looking for some opinions...the truck will be used mainly on road but will spend it's fair share of time at the sand dunes. Also, since I have the axles out and already replaced the ball joints, how the heck do I replace the axle seal on the CAD side? I heard something about threaded rod, washers, and sockets...but I'm not understanding. Does anyone have a picture of this home made tool? Thanks guys.

 

can't help ya with the gears but if it has the stock LSD in there I'd replace that while your at it. Will cost more now but may save you later.

 

i have 4.10's and they are great, but im running 265/75/16 tires, and make sure you do the front diff as well when doing the rear, it will pay off.


but 4.10's can go up to a 35 without being boggy i believe. anything bigger that that id go with 4.56's, and yes get a new LSD, the stock ones have a problem of "exploding" (thats why i have 4.10's now...)

 

snopro859,I hope you know that if you change gear ratio you have to do both front and back.3.55 open gear is pretty much stock.

 

Is your 2500 a 360 V8, the V10, or a Cummins?

If it's the V8 and you want to run 35's, I would highly recommend you go with 4.56, it is absolutly not overkill. I ran 35's with 4.10's first, and I couldn't beleive how much better it was when I went up to 4.56. In fact, I often which I had gone 4.88 instead.
You will be hating life if you go with 3.55 gears and 35" tires. 4.10's are better, buit still won't even put you back to stock. Do a search, you'll see that 4.56 is the recommended gear for 35's.

 

Only if it is a 4x4.

 

That's what he implied but, who knows, he has no sig or info.

 

Sorry guys, I'm new to this site still and haven't really gone through an put all my info in. It's a 97 Ram 2500, 360 v8, 5 speed nv4500, and it has open rear end, no lsd. The only reason I'm thinking about sticking with the 3.5 gears is because of the amount of highway driving this truck will see. I'm afraid that puting in 4.56 gears will really hinder my ability to go long distance with this truck. But, lets say I do put in 4.56 or even 4.10's, what would be a good lsd to put in there, because I'd definately like to do that. Oh, and by the way halfamil, I have both diff covers off, and will be doing both front and rear assemblies. The gears in the rear are chipped up and in very poor condition, the front set just look worn out.

 

Its nicer to have 2 wheels turning than just one. 4x2 or 4x4? Since you said the truck will see high way you might get away with 4.10's. BUT if you want to tow a camper so something you better get 4.10s.

 

i do alot of highway travel to my parents house (284 miles one way) and the 4.10's hold up great.

Auburn LSD is the way to go i believe