What is better in terms of, cost, ease of install, or just overall for changing my 97 1500 2wds gear ratio? People tell me that it isnt too difficult to find the correct model complete axles at junk car lots for relatively cheap. But is it easier to install that rather than swapping out the gears themselves and keeping the original axle? I have a quote for $687 to change my gears to 4.10 in my truck. Anyone have some advice on which it the better route to take?

 

Finding an axle with the correct gears in it, that will just bolt right in can be an exercise.... If your 687 includes parts, that's actually fairly cheap..... and will in all likelihood end up being cheaper than buying the whole axle.

 

Finding a 9 1/4 in a JY (or for sale at all) will be difficult, howevever the swap would be easy. So if you get lucky and come across one for less $$$, make the call. But $687 (if that includes parts) ain't too bad. I would probably go that route if I were you. Then you know it's brand new and professionally done.


EDIT: I knew that was gonna happen HeyYou...

 

Just my 2 cents... I was in a junk yard last weekend looking for Toyota parts and had to look and see if there would be anything for our trucks. In the whole entire JY, there were 2 second gens! The one that had an axle had 3.55:1 and the money you have to spend in seals, brake parts, bearings and the new ring and pinion, you might as well save the time searching for the right axle to come along and just rebuild your existing.

 

Alright I was kinda sceptical about actually being able to find the exact axle I needed, but from what I heard If I did find it it could be as low as about maybe 100-200 right? depending on the person selling it. But yes the 687 is for parts and labor and the guy that quoted me installed my lift kit for a really good price too, so I know I could count on him to do a good job. But for the axle swap it would just be a bolt on installation right? something that can be done by yourself over the weekend with mostly basic tools?

 

The axle is actually pretty easy to find, but the cost is not gonna be worth it. If you can get it done(professionally) for under $700 I'd go for it.
(Found 26 (w/3.90) with a price range of $300 up to $900 with just one search.)



On second glance, that combo in a stock axle will be almost impossible to find as the '97 1500 4x2 only came with a 3.21, 3.55 or 3.90 options...

 

Oh thats right I forgot to clarify that, If I did get an axle from another ram it would be from a 3/4 ton hopefully with a 4.10. Ive been told that If it was from the right model then it should fit my 1500 all the same. Id think it should fit the same right?

 

If you are planning on finding one from a 2500 you will also need TWO 8 lug wheels

 

3/4 ton axles will run even more $$. And yes, you will need 8-lug wheels to go with it.

 

Just have it done for $687. That's your best option for what you want.