I just got back from a 850 mile round trip towing around 6000lbs. Drove through Ohio, Kentucky and into Tennesse. It made one thing clear to me. I hate 3.55 gears. I set my cruise on 65mph things were ok in ohio once i got up to speed. Kentucky and Tennesse was a different story. I was running 3200-3800 rpms in 2nd gear all the way just to keep speed. I averaged 8 gallons per mile in fuel. The sad thing is I followed a guy with just as much weight driving a 08 chevy 1500. He got 12 miles per gallon and left me in the dust. Needless to say I caught alot of flack this weekend about my truck. So, I broke the news to my wife that I am getting new gears installed (4.11's). I am hoping to see a big improvement. Going to Michigan in June hope to have it done by then.

 

all that sucks...
have you fixed your plenum yet ?
how much is your gear swap going to cost ?

 

I called today 925.00 for parts and around 900.00 labor for gear exchange. I looked into intake about a month ago to check plenum. I seen no oil but from what I read it is bad. I guess that will be added to upgrades also.

 

Damn that is a nice looking truck!

 

Thanks...I love the truck just need to get it set up for what I bought it for.

 

That is way to much money for a ring and pinion swap - even on a 4x4

try this - http://www.ringpinion.com/Calc_RPM.aspx

 

8 gallons per mile!! that's pretty bad, musta cost u thousands for the trip lol


j/k I know what ya mean

 

Randy's is where I got the parts quote. That is for both front and back ring and pinions with install kits. can I get away with just buying ring and pinion without the whole kit? That would only be around 400 or so in parts. The mechanic told me to get the whole kit??

 

They make a shim/seal kit and a shim/bearing kit - the proper kit depends on the mileage, wear and tear on the axle..

At min - I would get the $30 shim and seal kit installation kit

And depending on your load you may want a little higher gearing - like 4.56
They also seem to be the gear ratio of preferred choice

You need to take into factor your towing RPM and Engine Torque / Horsepower ratings..

Here is results of a possible gear change on my truck.. And personally, I am comfortable driving my truck at 2600-3200 rpm at 70 mph

Small Block V8 recommended towing rpm = 1800 - 2800

5.2L engine specs = 230 HP @ 4,400 rpm - 300 ft lb @ 3,200 rpm

3.55 ratio - 32.8 tire height - speed 70 mph = OD 1782 rpm

3.90 ratio - 32.8 tire height - speed 70 mph = OD 1958 rpm

4.11 ratio - 32.8 tire height - speed 70 mph = OD 2063 rpm

4.56 ratio - 32.8 tire height - speed 70 mph = OD 2289 rpm

4.88 ratio - 32.8 tire height - speed 70 mph = OD 2450 rpm

 

i had recipts for 4.10s being installed in the front and rear in my truck when i bought it, and it was $1500 and change with parts and labor...so thats not TOO bad i guess...could probably get it done cheaper.